I'm trying desperately to keep abreast of what's happening down South
since the hurricane ripped to shreds one of the coolest places on the
planet. I'm shocked not only that the devestation was so massive, but
also that the aid to the area is so slow and unorganized. Even many
members of the media down there covering the news seem to be
outwardly upset about the way people are being treated.

However, I was more drawn to a Livejournal blog by a hurricane survivor
deep in the thick of things, who has been blogging comments from both
survivors and the police about the situation. And it's completely horrifying.

Reports of the National Guard literally dropping supplies off a bridge
to the stranded masses -- sometimes destroying the supplies themselves
in the process out of fear of what the mob will do if they get too close.
Not to mention snipers shooting at helicopters and the hospitals
using them to evacuate. It's like some bizarre real-life zombie
film except they're all alive and pissed off about the lack of
supplies and information.

Here's a passionate plea straight from the
NOLA survivors blog by interdictor:

In case anyone in national security is reading this,
get the word to President Bush that we need the
military in here NOW. The Active Duty Armed Forces. Mr. President,
we are losing this city. I don't care what you're hearing on the news.
The city is being lost. It is the law of the jungle down here.
The command and control structure here is barely functioning.
I'm not sure it's anyone's fault -- I'm not sure it could be any other
way at this point. We need the kind of logistical support and
infrastructure only the Active Duty military can provide.
The hospitals are in dire straights. The police barely have any
capabilities at this point. The National Guard is doing their best,
but the situation is not being contained. I'm here to help in anyway I can,
but my capabilities are limited and dropping. Please get the military
here to maintain order before this city is lost.