Editorial:

Preparing for the worst

General has a message for Americans: Get ready for the next disaster before it happens

Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Lt. Gen. Russel Honore led the Army into New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and became a larger-than-life figure, barking orders and chomping on an ever-present cigar.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin called Honore a “John Wayne dude,” but what made Honore memorable wasn’t the swagger, it was that he got things done. He spurred what had been a dismal federal response to the disaster.

Honore is retiring Friday, and he wants America to apply the lessons he learned from the hurricane. Honore wants to create a national “culture of preparedness.”

“There’s an attitude everywhere else that people are smarter than they are in New Orleans and in Mississippi,” the Louisiana native said. “They’re not.”

Honore has begun discussing his ideas with government and civic leaders and is figuring out how to get his message across. It is, on the surface, fairly simple advice. He suggests that local governments stockpile food and water so officials can start helping people immediately, instead of waiting for the federal government. He encourages drugstores and other businesses to invest in generators so they have electricity in case of a prolonged power outage.

He envisions classes to teach young people first aid and basic survival skills and wants families to have emergency plans and to make preparations, including filling backpacks with supplies.

“In this new normal, with the possibility of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and industrial accidents, we need this culture of preparedness,” Honore said. “A vast part of America still thinks, ‘That couldn’t happen where I live.’ And they are dead damn wrong.”

That may sound alarmist to some, but who would have thought that Fernley would flood, as it did Saturday after a levee break?

Honore’s effort is noble and we hope people listen to his message. A little preparation now can pay off big in a disaster.

Discussion: 6 comments so far…

By greid

1/11/08 at 6:10 a.m.

Suggest removal

Honore showed why the military is the greatest organization this country has, despite the lack of respect (lip service aside). One question I have is why the constant referral to the Federal government's poor response to the hurricane when it is the local and state governments that are primarily responsible. As a former resident of New Orleans, I can say that there is no question that that is where the real incompetence and failures rest. But then again, it's become a national sport to beat up on the Bush Administration for anything and everything.
By lvdream

1/11/08 at 1:54 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By mschaffer

1/11/08 at 5:03 p.m.

Suggest removal

greid,

The military is a human organization filled with all the same foibles as any other organization. It is obtuse to place an organization dedicated to the mass slaughter of humans on a pedestal. While the general may have a good plan it is only a first step.
By 19726g

1/11/08 at 6:47 p.m.

Suggest removal

m schaffer, The United States Military is not "an organization dedicated to the mass slaughter of humans". I'ts history proves it exists simply to protect the citizens of our great country. Let's face it, they have defended,
and are continuing to defend your right to speak out and let everyone know you are stupid.
By mschaffer

1/12/08 at 12:05 a.m.

Suggest removal

Oh bravo 19726g, whoever you are! So all those wars and weapons of mass destruction are simply disguised peace flowers? Having been in the Air Force, I can attest that mass slaughter is the threat and reality of the military and that you defend such horror says everything about your values.
By tedmc

1/13/08 at 10:32 a.m.

Suggest removal

If you're not prepared, it's OK. You can go to one of these camps and be taken care of, I'm sure.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?c...

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