FEMA and the Galveston West End Cover up

Bolivar Peninsula:

"The whole island is under water," Travis said of Bolivar peninsula where Crystal Beach is located. "It's total destruction. Everything that was on the ground is washed away."

"When the storm surge came in, it started taking out the front row of houses, and it was like a domino effect."

Shortly after midnight, he said, a huge wave slammed another house into his. The floor buckled, the door busted in "and I couldn't get out of there fast enough." Moore said.

source

[edit on 14-9-2008 by violet]

Looks like the plan is working. Force the press to honor the whims and ways of the government. People will see what the government wants.

Gov Perry had that smirk while passing the buck about the lack of access. Basically "It's not me stopping you". Except that Mr. Dulcefino pointed out that if the governor wanted the news to have access then they would.

Now FEMA and the Texas government are passing the job of distributing the supplies back and forth. It appears neither wants to be the one responsible for a possible poor execution.

Yesterday Houston and Texas officials state that they will grade FEMA on the supply effort after it's done, today FEMA states texas was to distribute to the public but now has been told by the state and locals that they (FEMA) need to handle the point of distribution.

Always line up the scapegoats early.

Edit:syntax

[edit on 9/14/2008 by roadgravel]

[edit on 9/14/2008 by roadgravel]

reply to post by Pilot



"Why postpone the Inevitable?"


-Because when last I checked CNN, the dabacle over the immenent demise of Lehman Brothers had not been "safely" resolved as of yet.


-Because there are reports from the area that a number of fuel pipelines have been damaged or destroyed; throwing into uncertainty a good portion of the nation's gasoline supply. Or so goes the fear.


-Because images of vast devastation splayed across the nation's TV screens will do little to bouy the nation's current economic malaise, and may drag down the rest of the world's economy with it.


The Asian markets should be opening soon, if they are not already open. How are they doing?



You can bet that our "leaders" are, at least, as concerned about what effect news of Galveston will on the Market on Monday, as they are about the suffering of the people of Gaveston, today.

[edit on 14-9-2008 by Bhadhidar]

Originally posted by Valhall
(snip-rhw)
Just for the record...as I challenged him when he first came on this thread with an attitude - I've not mentioned anything of a conspiracy. Cover-up is not conspiracy. Cover-up means they want to handle the situation outside the public's ability to assess decisions and actions. Conspiracy implies some kind of plan toward an end.

I don't think there is some nefarious plan at play here - I think we have government agencies and public LE trying to not be reviewed by the people who pay them.

Perry's statements during the press conference were enough to make my stomach upset. While anyone with half a brain would agree that if you ignore evacuation orders and stay in the path of a hurricane you get whatever is dealt you and cause problems and risks to others who will have to attempt to save you - right this minute when government agencies are not being forthcoming as to the situation in areas like the west end and Bolivar - specific locations asked about - is NOT the appropriate time for Perry to be acting like "they got what they deserved".

Admonition can come later - hell, I think idiots ought to have to pay the full bill on their rescues - but now is not the time. Now is the time to answer questions, release footage, and explain your "triage" plan.

[edit on 9-14-2008 by Valhall]

Your last statement and others made in your post belies...imho...your previous statment that "Cover-up is not conspiracy."

I believe it is because it is as you say people PAID by the taxpayers NOT wanting their actions t be scrutinized by open and PUBLIC recordig of their ACTIONS. This requires more than ONE person...hence it IS a "Conspiracy" to keep the conduct of the taxpayed FEMA, USDAG, USCG or other agencies from being recorded and observed.

Maybe it is a "Katrina-like" disaster in certain sectors, along with a "Freemason Biological Lab Building" that is likely sitting with 7-10 feet of water around it, and that TPTB do NOT want that information let out to the public...either NOW or at some later date.

Did we EVER hear brutal truths from THIS Adminstration about ANYTHING going wrong about anything? Even the President hmmmd and aahhhd saying he likely made mistakes but couldn't think of any..."Heck of Job Browny"

btw..to the MODS I think this IS part of the thread AND on TOPIC since many are wondering WHY there is still NO news photage of the West end and IKE is about to head over me here in upstate New York.

You saying that ALL those alphabet soup agencies and taxpaid workers do NOT want their activities aired to those same taxpayers?

THAT...imho...is by definition...a "Conspiracy" for whatever reasons it is what it is.

Bob...
www.commonsensecentral.net...
www.mycommonsensepolitics.com...

reply to post by Valhall


This post is on the right track. There is definitely a coverup. The question is why.

There is definitely massive destruction on the West End. However, why would this be covered up, especially given the obvious destruction elsewhere? Many officials are alluding to deaths, but a few deaths would also not be covered up. Massive deaths might be, especially since Galveston is the site of the worst natural disaster in US history (6K deaths). A comparable number at this late date would suggest that officials have not heeded the clear warnings of Katrina and that their apparently well organized response to this crisis was still insufficient, and this in an election season. Body recoverery would lead to leaks from civilians involved, hence the cell phone control. A virus quaranteen is not credible. If almost a thousand rescues have been made, then many people stayed behind... amazingly. If 20K stayed, only 30% mortality would make this "The Greatest Natural Disaster in US History."

Except, according to Channel 13, the restrictions were unprecedented. They also are having trouble getting a justification for the restrictions.

Don't you think it odd that none of the reasons you provided were offered by the officials when asked about the need for the restrictions?

I agree that the government’s crackdown upon the press may have gone too far. The government will gladly allow imbedded reporters during the invasion of Iraq to show blood and gore, but in matters at home things become more secretive and constricted.

However, the government does have a job to do in protecting the American people’s privacy. We are not talking about a war zone in another country where the people involved are soldiers or enemy combatants. We are talking about American civilians being devastated by natural forces. Discretion, prudence, and respect to those whoe are affected are very real and overriding concerns.

What I would ask the news media and my fellow posters here to cover during this rescue phase of the disaster is not the devastated homes of private citizens. Instead, it is other commercial concerns that I think should be addressed.

What chemical plants have been affected and are the people and rescuers protected?
Are rescue efforts being conducted quickly and respectfully?
Are the people’s rights to keep and bear arms being taken away by authorities?
Is there a threat of chemical contamination from refineries or other manufacturing sites?
Is crime being controlled, or is it being allowed to go unchecked?

These, and other concerns, are what I would like the news media to focus on. So far, it seems that the news media is only complaining that they haven’t been given the right or access to cover the devastation of people’s private residences.

What did the news media cover during hurricane Katrina? Did they cover important and relevant safety concerns? Or did they simply broadcast dead bodies floating in the flood waters? The news media largely overlooked, or chose to ignore, the confiscation of people’s guns during hurricaine Katrina. The news media chose not to cover the fact that over 300 police officers walked off their jobs. The news media largely failed the public during hurricane Katrina. They did this even though virtually no restrictions were placed upon their coverage.

The news media’s main focus in covering disasters has always been the loss of life and the sensationalism of tragic events. It bothers me more that the news media is complaining more about not being allowed to show people’s homes destroyed over choosing instead to address other more important concerns, such as the medical lab, chemical plants, or nuclear plants that were all ready discussed.

I would like other forum members and the news media to address real saftey and public concerns over the desire to sensationalize personal tragedy.

[edit on 14-9-2008 by Hot_Wings]

reply to post by Anonymous ATS


What happened there to cause 6000 deaths before? Sorry for the denseness, international audience enquiry......

Originally posted by KTK
reply to post by Anonymous ATS

 

What happened there to cause 6000 deaths before? Sorry for the denseness, international audience enquiry......

1900 Galveston Hurricane

Originally posted by KTK
reply to post by Anonymous ATS

 

What happened there to cause 6000 deaths before? Sorry for the denseness, international audience enquiry......

The Galveston Hurricane of 1900.
Here is the wiki article friend: LINK

*edit* You're a fast one elf. It's been 100+ years so you didn't really 'miss' it.





[edit on 14-9-2008 by beaverg]

Originally posted by Hot_Wings

What I would ask the news media and my fellow posters here to cover during this rescue phase of the disaster is not the devastated homes of private citizens. Instead, it is other commercial concerns that I think should be addressed.

What chemical plants have been affected and are the people and rescuers protected?
Are rescue efforts being conducted quickly and respectfully?
Are the people’s rights to keep and bear arms being taken away by authorities?
Is there a threat of chemical contamination from refineries or other manufacturing sites?
Is crime being controlled, or is it being allowed to go unchecked?

These, and other concerns, are what I would like the news media to focus on. So far, it seems that the news media is only complaining that they haven’t been given the right or access to cover the devastation of people’s private residences.

Good list of items to be reported on. But I have to ask, you do realize you aren't the only citizen in the U.S. and that there are probably other citizens with a more immediate vested interest that would have a different list (by priority at least)...right?

Folks, I just heard from a friend who is a doctor at UTMB. (evacuated to Katy) He reports that the military has "taken control of the facility". This is starting to creep me out and p**s me off...

Thanks for the heads up.

WOW...........

It seemed big enough to be ingrained in the national psyche,even to this day.



Im trying to get my head round why people stayed and why your gov thought it was a good idea to put such a sensitive facility in an area with such a precedent.


Can I assume that most Americans know of the 1900s hurricane?

Originally posted by Anonymous ATS
Folks, I just heard from a friend who is a doctor at UTMB. (evacuated to Katy) He reports that the military has "taken control of the facility". This is starting to creep me out and p**s me off...

Without a cited source it's only a rumor. Can you provide something to back this up pease?

Originally posted by KTK

Can I assume that most Americans know of the 1900s hurricane?

I believe most of the coastal residents of Texas are aware of it. Not too sure about the rest of the country. It is, after all, a large country with many local histories.

On Channel 13, from Val's multi-channel link...

All of the footage we have seen from Bolivar is just one mile of it at the very tip. In other words, much more of the island is being kept from media view.

Channel 13 is expressly saying they believe the government is excluding media access to specifically avoid scrutiny of the government response.

That's pretty direct.

[edit on 14-9-2008 by loam]

OK here is my light. MY aunt lives in the La Porte area and she is not allowed to return yet. Her house is flooded. She lost her stuff.

My sister in the HFD had to stay behind to coordinate the rescue and evacuation of those who would not or could not leave. She lives in the north side in the friendswood area. She had a wet weather creek in her back yard. Water came up to her door step, her septic over flowed, with no power and no water her family is in central texas now. My aunt is with her daughter still in the friendswood area. No power no water but she called and said shes fine.

The media is not allowed in the worst areas. Its not like katrina where neighboring cities held stopped people on the bridges with shot guns. But things are bad. I still want to know what happened to the prisoners the Galveston sheriffs office refused to evacuate....

I just watched the Governor's response to the media restrictions. He essentially said it was the Feds call!

Now, why would *THEY* do that?

EDIT:

The reporter is stating that he has covered dozens of hurricanes and NEVER has he experienced a government blackout the day after. He is saying in his experience this is unprecedented.


[edit on 14-9-2008 by loam]

Concerning biohazards at UTMB

SPECIAL BULLETIN: Galveston National Lab, Keiller Building, & Shope Lab

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Galveston National Lab (GNL) has suffered no damage as far as we can see. The building was at the end phase of construction. There was no research taking place and no one is occupying the building.

The Keiller Building did experience some flooding in the basement but the rest of the facility is fine. There has been no loss of biocontainment or biosecurity. All labs were decontaminated and secured prior to the arrival of the storm. All agents have been stored in proper containers. The Shope Lab within the Keiller Building also remains secure.

UTMB Emergency Operations Center Leadership

Link to UTMB

Could the military reference refer to the Texas national guard. They are tasked to help in disasters.

Official orders for all survivors/residents to evacuate Bolivar Peninsula:

ORDER TO VACATE BOLIVAR PENINSULA, GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

Whereas, Hurricane Ike struck Galveston County, Texas on September 12, 2008 and on September 13, 2008 with catastrophic winds and storm surge, inflicting widespread and severe damage, injury, loss of life and property;

Whereas, Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas, has suffered extreme and extensive damage from Hurricane Ike and is estimated to be 90% destroyed;

Whereas, the storm surge on Bolivar Peninsula has led to extreme and massive damage;

Whereas, on this day, BolivarPeninsula remains under water, impassable, inaccessible, and isolated;

Whereas, there is no water, power, or other utility services on BolivarPeninsula;

Whereas, there are no open stores, other amenities, or means of communication functioning on BolivarPeninsula;

Whereas, there is no usable infrastructure on BolivarPeninsula;

Whereas, Galveston County recognizes its obligation under law to preserve and protect public health, safety, and welfare;

Whereas, the County Judge of Galveston County, Texas, has declared a local state of disaster for Galveston County, Texas;

Whereas, the Governor of the State of Texas has proclaimed a state of disaster for Galveston County, Texas;

Whereas, the President of the United States of America has declared a state of disaster covering Galveston County, Texas;

Whereas, on September 11, 2008, the Health and Human Services Secretary of the United States of America, Mike Leavitt, declared a public health emergency in the State of Texas due to Hurricane Ike;

Whereas, rescue efforts are underway on BolivarPeninsula to continue to locate and rescue survivors;

Whereas, the continuing presence of survivors located on BolivarPeninsula will hamper and impede ongoing rescue efforts;

Whereas, the continuing presence of survivors located on Bolivar Peninsula will contribute to or exacerbate a public health emergency on Bolivar Peninsula; and

Whereas, Galveston County is facing extraordinary circumstances in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Now Therefore, it is hereby ORDERED by the CountyJudge of Galveston County, Texas, that:

all survivors located on BolivarPeninsula shall be and are hereby ORDERED to vacate BolivarPeninsula; and

this Order shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, on this, the 14th day of September, 2008.

Signed
James D. Yarbrough,
County Judge of
Galveston County, Texas

[edit on 9-14-2008 by Valhall]

90% destroyed

I'm curious why the order? What does that really accomplish? Are the survivors supposed to know about the order?

[edit on 14-9-2008 by loam]