INTERESTING NEWS FROM THE RED CROSS:

Hurricane Katrina: Why is the Red Cross not in New Orleans?

Acess to New Orleans is controlled by the National Guard and local authorities and while we are in constant contact with them, we simply cannot enter New Orleans against their orders.

The state Homeland Security Department had requested–and continues to request–that the American Red Cross not come back into New Orleans following the hurricane. Our presence would keep people from evacuating and encourage others to come into the city.

So as I understand it, the Louisiana authorities don’t want the Red Cross to provide services in New Orleans because that will discourage people from leaving? (Via Julian Sanchez).