Anarchy vs. Rumors

Lots of information today. I can not emphasize enough that sorting out the rumors from reality is becoming tough. I'm going to do the best at confirming everything before posting but I have found that even officials do not have the correct information.

Some facts - Baton Rouge has a tremendous amount of people and the city is not designed to handle it. There have been some problems with people being approached for money and car jacked.

Rumors that Baton Rouge was locked down were initially not true. Later in the day they did clear out all of the state workers from downtown. Some businesses chose to leave, some did not. There have been several business looted or held up but it is not widespread anarchy.

Gas is still running $2.50 at many places but I did find a $2.99 at a Racetrack. Maybe signs to come.

Rumor that the Tanger Outlet Mall is being looted by the people staying at the Lamar Dixon shelter in Ascension Parish is false.

Rumor that a person was car jacked in front the the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office is true. I realize the Mayor of BR denied this but I have sources that have confirmed this.

Earlier I reported the Venice and Fouchon were under water. This was confirmed by someone who flew over them. I spoke with someone who flew over Venice on Wed and the tops of the condos are now showing. Many of these are 30'-50' tall. This means 2 things - 1st the water is receding. 2nd - the buildings are still there. I also have a first hand account that Fouchon is still there as well.

Rumor that Grand Isle (now the 1st real barrier Island) is gone or is flattened is false. Grand Isle suprisingly looks fine.

There are still businesses that are only taking local checks or cash in Baton Rouge. Hibernia customers can not access their accounts online but the phone or ATMs appear to work fine. Would someone please explain how a bank can be down for 4 days? My house has better redundancy and data recovery.

New Orleans is under Marshal Law. While this has been stated on TV where is the military? The National Guard raced in on Sunday with supplies to beat the hurricane. They have been there for the duration. Supposadely they were rescuing people but the only photos and videos show Coast Guard helicopters. Yesterday there were finally some military helicopters beginning to rescue people. Then I hear they are working on the levee which they were. Now that the craziness if finally getting press (note the craziness started long before the media picked it up) they are to keep the peace. Well? Where is the peace keeping? I don't see much. In fact, I don't see them in many of the shots.

It is clear to me that the leaders have no plan. They keep mentioning a plan but they aren't executing it. The good people of Jefferson Parish are running their own show and doing a fine job of it. The state and feds seem to be no where.

More later tonight.