New Orleans police watched from a distance. "We're trying to do as best we can with everything we have," said one officer who wouldn't give his name. His men clearly outnumbered. His force clearly unprepared.
This city so famous for its Mardi Gras was suddenly a carnival of lawlessness.
As the floodwaters rose, poor families waded through the water heading for the safety of the Superdome, which sits high above sea level. Suddenly, the 10,000 people inside swelled to 20,000. There was no food, no water. Sanchez and her sister must have been exhausted and frightened. High water made it impossible for us to get near the Superdome.
By Wednesday, it was clear that the help was not on the way. The legendary quick response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency simply wasn't materializing. Elderly people were starting to die in the stifling heat. The Superdome itself was becoming rancid and violent. Plans to evacuate the people inside were moving at a snail's pace.
Finally, on Thursday, the buses began to roll. Thousands of weary people began the journey to Texas and other neighboring streets. But thousands more are still waiting. Where are Sanchez and Bass? I hope they're somewhere in that sea of weary faces and someone is looking out for them.
