Temperatures Rising

You've probably heard this, but things are getting ugly--the Superdome evacuation has been cancelled until order is restored in the area. WWL's reporter said one person likened the chaos around the Dome to Saigon in 1975.

The lastest video I've seen shows some areas where water's receded--in this case, around Jefferson Hwy--but large parts of the city are still inundated. Recent video also shows heavy damage both from the storm itself and subsequent looting.

As to the latter: you've seen my posts below. People have to eat--and, especially drink (water, that is). I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be in the city WITHOUT a/c OR a fan in the kind of stifling heat common to summertime here. However, the opportunistic looting of shops--in one case, even a St. Vinnie's--isn't exactly a good omen.

You know, if the National Guard wasn't, um, busy ELSEWHERE, some of that could've been avoided.

I took a quick look at Kathryn Cramer's site this morning, and found this:

George W. Bush gave one of the worst speeches of his life yesterday, especially given the level of national distress and the need for words of consolation and wisdom. In what seems to be a ritual in this administration, the president appeared a day later than he was needed. He then read an address of a quality more appropriate for an Arbor Day celebration...

And remember, he continued to loll up until the last moment--actually longer.

Finally, New Orleans Metroblogs has a couple of new updates--the museum is ok, as is a good bit of Uptown (apparently around Tulane/Loyola), and the Quarter. Audobon Zoo is ok.

Oh, before I forget: Billmon has a good list of organizations that will accept donations on behalf of those affected. If you can, please consider a contribution.