"Read my lips"...Michael Moore claims NO...$2000...DEBIT...CARDS. None.

DON'T BELIEVE THE P.R.

The Bush spin machine keeps issuing the cheery news that the networks keep reporting without questioning it. Last week they kept telling us that there were "30,000" or "40,000" National Guard troops either already in or on their way to New Orleans. None of that was true.

Today's news that "debit cards worth 2,000 dollars" were being handed to each homeless hurricane evacuee. A friend of mine, who's in-laws live in Jefferson Parish, told me that they went to the FEMA center today to get their debit cards and they said that not only weren't there any debit cards, the FEMA people there didn't know anything about it.

Is there a reporter out there willing to find out what's really going on?

http://michaelmoore.com/words/blog/index.php

DAMN

You Mike. Make the film.

...and I agree.

more strife for the already traumatized.

hat, how can one check out every lie. Bring it to the press' attention. Bushco was born lying and they have never stopped.

I sense a scathing Michael Moore documentary to come.

n/t

Have heard where the RC was handing out some cards but not FEMA

It doesn't matter to these monsters what the truth is. You know Rove isn't going to miss his dinner.

I caught the end of Aaron Brown ( I was flipping between him and the daily show) when Aaron was interviewing someone, looked like a gov't. official, about how folks would get these cards. The 'official' said the folks in the Astrodome could go ONLINE, or call an 800 number or mail in the required registration. ONLINE? Is this guy f***in nuts? Who the hell of that group in the Superdome got out with a laptop! Cell phones are all dead now.

I swear I saw Aaron stifling a laugh as he went to commercial.

because they ran out of debit cards, they were asking people to fill out forms to have checks mailed to them. People with no homes. Whose banks are currently submerged.

yeah that's the ticket

If I register more than once for a specific disaster will it delay the processing of my registration?
Yes, registering more than once for a specific disaster will delay the processing of your registration because duplicates must be reconciled before processing is initiated.

If I do not have a computer at home, how can I apply using the Internet?
You can apply online from any computer that uses Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 for access to the internet. If you don't have a home computer, you can check with your local library, community center, or family/friends for an available computer to access the internet.

What are the hardware (system) and software requirements for accessing and filing a disaster registration?
A computer that has access to the Internet and Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 as its Web browser should work efficiently with the FEMA Internet RI system.

We further recommend a minimum Pentium III and 128 mb of Ram for IE 6.0, with an actual minimum requirement of a 486/66 MHZ processor, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP.

In addition, for Win 98 we suggest 16 MB of RAM, Windows ME 32 MB of RAM, Win NT 32 MB of RAM, Win 2000 32 MB of RAM, and Win XP 32 MB or RAM.

For monitors, we recommend a Super VGA (800 X 600) or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors.

Does the registration software have a time-out feature?
Yes. The registration software will time-out after 45 minutes of no activity. If you “time-out” during the registration process, your registration will not be saved. If this happens you have three options:

1. When your connectivity is restored, begin your registration again,
2. Call the FEMA Technical Helpdesk at 1-800-745-0243,
3. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and complete a registration over the phone.

Can I print the electronic registration form, complete it, and mail it to FEMA?
No. We do not accept any registrations through the mail.

Can I print a copy of my completed registration? No. A copy of your completed registration will be sent to you through the mail within two weeks along with a pamphlet titled, "Help After a Disaster, Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program". This pamphlet should answer many of the questions you may have regarding FEMA's program.

Where can I obtain technical assistance for filling out the registration?
If you need technical assistance completing the FEMA Internet Registration, you can call the FEMA Technical Helpdesk toll-free number: 1-800 745-0243. This line availability corresponds with the hours for teleregistration.

What if I lose my internet connection during the registration process?
There are two options available if you lose your internet connection during the registration process:

1. If your registration did not complete, when your internet connection becomes available, start the registration over and reenter the information,
2. Call the FEMA Technical Helpdesk at 1-800-745-0243,
3. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to complete your registration over the phone.

How will I know if my electronic registration was received?
At the end of the registration process, you will receive a confirmation screen informing you that your registration is complete, along with a 9 digit registration ID number. Within two weeks you will receive through the mail a copy of your registration, and a pamphlet titled, "Help After a Disaster, Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program".

When will I hear about the status of my registration and whether or not I'm eligible for assistance?
Within two weeks of submitting your registration to FEMA, you will receive by mail a copy, along with a pamphlet titled, "Help After a Disaster, Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program". This pamphlet should answer many of the questions you may have regarding FEMA's program.

If your registration is issued to an inspector to evaluate your damages, an inspector will be in contact with you within seven to fourteen days of registering. Following the inspection, you will receive a letter in the mail advising you of your eligibility. If you are eligible for assistance, you will receive the eligible amount either through the mail by check, or through direct deposit into your checking or savings account, depending on how you responded to the Electronic Funds Transfer question during registration.

How do I update my application with my new phone number or personal information?
Call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY-call TTY: 1-800-462-7585), or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

What if I forget my registration number?
Your Registration ID Number is displayed on all correspondence sent to you by FEMA. However, if you are corresponding with FEMA and cannot find your number, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

How do I apply for Disaster Assistance?
FEMA offers two ways to apply for disaster assistance. The newest is to apply on-line through the Individual Assistance Center - Register for Assistance available on the FEMA.gov web-site. The traditional way is to call FEMA, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and register over the phone or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired.

http://www.fema.gov/help/registration_faq.shtm#01

I haven't heard if laptops or desktops are provided. I doubt that anyone came in carrying their Dell.

Apparently they got Red Cross cards but they were much too little and were only handed out to those in the shelter. People waited for hours in long lines to get them. There are "rumors" the FEMA cards will show up tomorrow.

The Bush administration would LIKE for you to believe that all of those fine displaced 'murcans are enjoying a hot meal and a warm bath, courtesy of their FEMA benefactors.

And the truth is...like EVERYTHING ELSE CONNECTED TO BUSH...it "may happen tomorrow...."

:grr:

They need the Astrodome back for an upcoming game. They are down to 8,065 people in the Astrodome. FEMA claims that they want to roll this program out slowly to see how it will work. They stated that they will roll it out tomorrow with 8,000 cards at the Astrodome. None at the other center, etc.

What a coincidence. You have an upcoming game that creates lots of revenue, you have 8,000 people who have no money to leave your sports facility, you magically produce 8,000 cards worth $2,000. Voila! Problem solved and you still get to look good!

Guess I can't blame Houston, I'm sure this is hard on them as a city and they were great to step up to the plate (in fact if this was anywhere but Texas, I'd be sending them thank you notes every day and shouting their generosity to the roof tops)but, it is really very cynical. Especially on the heels of Barbara's veiled hint to Texas that they might not want to keep all those underprivileged, black, Democratic voters in their state.

A sports game being more important than aiding victims.

I heard that the Red Cross was issuing out debt cards for up to 2000.00 per FAMILY and that FEMA was issuing separate debt cards for UP to 2000.00 per family. I also heard that only about 8000 cards were given out at the DOME only.Everyone else is supposed to get a check....A damn check....How the heck are they supposed to get a damn check right now?

...which are separate from the debit cards...The comment was made that "some" FEMA $2000 cards were distributed yesterday (no quantity specified) and that "not everyone received them."

This is one more case of bad marketing. When Bush proudly proclaimed "We're gon' git ya some MONEY," people got in LINE.

That's generally what happens when everything you have has just been destroyed.

It's nice that the media is keeping an eye on this and not simply sweeping it under the tug.

Can't those fuck ups at FEMA go to THEM and hand them out??

Made a point of excluding firearms, liquor and tobacco.

process. That makes sense to try and keep fraud down,but I'm wondering exactly who the hell would have proper ID? Women sure as hell probably don't have a purse,men might have lost their wallet.

This story is worth keeping bumped,need to have Cooper or Olberman look into this......

** yesterday. stumbled over it. He also said every household will receive $2,000.00.

>>The first step is providing every household with $2,000 in emergency disaster relief that can be used for immediate needs, such as food or clothing or personal essentials. For those of you who are living in the large centers, such as the Houston Astrodome, I know that you don't have cars or transportation and cannot get yourselves to the centers to collect these funds. I also know that some of you do not have access to a savings or checking account, or ways to cash a check. FEMA and Red Cross teams are either -- are working or soon will be working with your shelters to meet your challenges and to get assistance into your hands as soon as possible. By registering for the first $2,000, you will begin the process of arranging for the delivery of other, longer-term assistance that will be made available in the coming weeks for eligible households.<<
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050908-1.html

edit to add link.

It's been reported for a couple of days now that the cards are being distributed from the Red Cross.