RUMOR CONTROL:
It's been less than 2 years since a Katrina, yet our memories of what really happened there have given way to misconceptions put forth by very respected people who simply were not there and did not have any kind of clue as to what happened.
RUMOR #!: Nobody new about the people at Superdome until Wednesday or Thursday.
Reality: Virtually every news story on the radio from Monday EvenIng through the evacuation addressed the people at the Dome and the fact that they were being held there against their will by Police and National Guard. We were able to walk to the Dome on Monday Afternoon (Zero flooding) and again on Thursday (minimal flooding).
RUMOR # 2: There was no sign of active military in New Orleans, only National Guard.
Reality: Fully armed Soldiers including Army Airborne Rangers were all over the place. Period.
RUMOR #3: There were no armed gangs in New Orleans in the Aftermath of Katrina.
Reality: I've got plenty of photos and HD video of these gangs. I personally helped carry a man to the Convention Center who had been robbed and beaten by a gang of men who took his shoes, shirt wallet and watch. You have simply been lied to by News organizations you've trusted. And for the record, anyone who claims no murders took place in New Orleans in the aftermath is a liar.
RUMOR #4: Prisoners at Orleans Parish Prison were safely evacuated before Katrina Struck.
Reality: Look HERE for the truth on that one.
MORE RUMOR CONTROL COMING
Helen Hill, 1970 - 2007
Appeals court says FEMA can shut down Katrina housing program
A federal appeals court told the Bush administration Friday that it does not need to immediately restart a housing program for thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims. - Click HERE for the full Story
Yes, they shot dogs in New Orleans
Here are some of the news videos which should never be forgotten.
When Gabriel and I went to the Walmart on Tchopotoulis on Tuesday morning after the storm - praying it would be opened even for limited business, we saw dozens of NOPD Police cars mixed in with some NOFD vehicles. The store was not open, but they had managed to pry open the shopping cart entrance so that they could get supplies they desperately needed. Now realize that by this time, we had been told New Orleans was going to be without power for at least a month and citizens still in the city might be stranded for weeks - we had 3 days worth of food with 4 children and 5 adults between us who had to survive. I approached one of the officers and told him of our situation and within minutes a tall NOPD police officer came out and told us he was in charge, "Get food and supplies for your families, but nooooo jewelry!" Those officers saved us from having to wait for the FEMA relief - relief that NEVER came. Here is that story the way the news saw it: PDF LINK
"Refuge of Last Resort" director James L. Bills invited to Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke" premiere in New Orleans.
Al Gomez and I are very proud to have been a part of Spike Lee's HBO Documentary "When the Levees Broke". We were able to contribute some HI Def footage for many of the segments seen in his masterpiece film. This is truly an amazing and epic documentary and I strongly urge you to take the time with your family to watch all four hours this August 29th on HBO.
KATRINA NEWS
IMPORTANT STORIES WE MUST NOT FORGET
Homeland Security won't let Red Cross deliver food
U.S. Censoring Katrina Coverage
MISSING PERSONS
Our friends Tony and Erin Parker have been located, thank everyone for the help. Tony and Erin are 2 of the best people you could ever hope to meet, thanks for not giving up on them.
My friend Daryll Clark is also missing, I don't have a photo of him, but if you know him, you'll know him by the name "Top" because everything he did, he made sure to do in the best possible way.
There are still nearly 2,000 persons missing and more than 1,300 confirmed dead in the New Orleans area.
If you want to post any missing person data or photo, please email me and we will post your information here.
SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE KATRINA
Forget what you heard on the news, the sexual assaults in New Orleans were real. Please don't forget the victims of sexual assault in New Orleans. To find out more or to find how you can help please visit the LOUISIANA FOUNDATION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT website by clicking the above banner, you may also call them at: 985-345-5995
HURRICANE SURVIVAL
by James L. Bills
Here's my input as to what you should add to your Hurricane kit. First, start with the essentials as laid out by the American Red Cross.
Now that you have your kit started, add the following:
FLASHLIGHT
Get a DORCY Metal Gear, period.
Gabriel and I both had them during Katrina and we still carry them. Mine even survived a 20 foot drop onto the pavement. We got ours at Wal-Mart, but I'm sure you can pick one up most anywhere - and the batteries come with it.
SOUP
Canned meat is nice, but the flavor gets old after a few days. Campbells chunky soup will fill you up and it has dozens of diffenrent flavors. Pop the top (no can opener needed) and eat it cold.
WAKLIE TALKIES
Katrina killed the power and after a day all cell phones failed. We communicated over our walkies contantly. Go to any hardware store and grab a set of rechargeable COBRA walkie talkies. Best Buy, Wal-Mart - most stores have them and they even include the weather radio channels.
GLOW STICKS, CANDELS, LIGHTERS, ZIP-LOCK BAGS, BABY WIPES
2 words: Dollar Store.
Again, refer to the Red Cross's list as to what the total contents of your hurricane kit should be, and Always keep plenty of bottled water and a full tank of gas during hurricane season.
None of these products have in any way paid to be mentioned here.
SUPPORT THE LA-SPCA
LA-SPCA Executive Director Laura Maloney on Hurricane Katrina, "The first day we entered the city, on September 2nd, military and police forced us to pull out after only a couple of hours. The reports of shooting and other rampant crimes had turned New Orleans into a virtual war zone..." to read more, visit the LA-SPCA website by clicking the above logo.
KATRINA SURVIVORS IN THE COASTAL BEND
If you need assistance and are not already aware of the resources the state of Texas has to offer, contact "WORKSOURCE" at: 361-889-5300
All images and content are ©2006 James L. Bills and Al Gomez Productions
Distributed by Anthem Pictures
Images and content may be used by News Media and Weblogs without special permission