Wired posted a link to Michael Barnett’s LiveJournal.
Barnett stayed behind in New Orleans to keep the lights on at a local server hosting
company, and he’s been keeping a very frequently updated blog of what’s
going on at street level in downtown New Orleans. Scary, scary stuff.
Probably the most terrifying quote:
“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.”
The good news: Barnett reports that active-duty military is now on
the scene, so maybe somebody is up there is listening. I encourage
everyone to visit the Red Cross Web site to learn how you can offer aid and relief. Even the best of men can only hold the line so long. It’s time we had their backs.