I wonder if Ms Gillard has a touch of “stage fright”, if she closes up when if front of cameras. It sounds like she is fine in informal settings, but as soon as the cameras roll, she’s in trouble. She did the right things, especially sending in the military early to help out, but doesn’t seem comfortable talking about it.
]]>State of crisis: a politician in a disaster zone
Curiously, the Qld flood has raised the image of the Qld Premier Bligh, and Kevin Rudd; whilst lowering Gillard’s image. Th article discusses why, and even Obama get’s some praise for his handling of the Arizona assassinations. Anyway, I thought it was an interesting read. 🙂
What are the ground rules for politicians in this vexed field?
Be useful, and if all you have to offer is words, then make them memorable.
I’ve added the donation link to my latest post, as well as references to other flooding problems.
The smart people who built early homes near the Gulf, built them on stilts, with the house over their car ports or garages so the storm surge could flow underneath, instead of through the houses. Of course, later builders decided that wasn’t necessary. You see more old houses than new, still standing after hurricanes.
Try to stay dry, Kryten, and don’t overdo it on the move.
]]>This weather system is not only affecting Australia, but Indonesia has some serious flooding, and it’s also affected NZ and various Islands in this part of the World. And this is only the START of the tropical cyclone season! Three other cyclones are being tracked, two will miss us mostly (just some ocean wave activity, surfer’s will be pleased), but one may impact the Qld coast again. Won’t know for sure for a few days or so.
15 are confirmed dead, and 60+ are still missing. We should know more soon as rescue crews are able to get into areas they couldn’t before.
I must say that I am impressed that the Fed Gov didn’t mess about and mobilised the Military very quickly. The Army & Navy have some of the best SaR (Search and Rescue) teams in the World, and they are being put to good use. Today, there were some 18 Black Hawk (army) & Sea King (navy) chopper crews on several missions and have rescued many people. Also, the RAAF are providing aircraft from King Air to C130J transports to ferry people and supplies nearby airfields to be redeployed by chopper or vehicles (from Bushmaster’s to heavy AT (all terrain) trucks and tankers). The RAAMC (Royal Australian Army Medical Corps) & Corps of Engineers have been deployed with a platoon of Reservists. As well as Medical facilities & staff, the RAAMC have deployed sanitation units that provide basic sanitation facilities and facilities to purify drinkable water.
I’d also like to say that the Premier of Qld, Anna Bligh has done a remarkable job, and has been going virtually non-stop since the floods began. She has been all over the affected areas and has been doing a great job in giving people hope and the courage to do what needs to be done. Considering she was something of a non-entity before this disaster, she has become a shining beacon. 🙂 Good to see a State Leader actually… leading! What a concept… *sigh*
And to give credit where it’s due, the PM Gillard has done what’s been required and mobilized the Military quickly. 🙂
OK! That will do for now. Thanks again Bryan, and all!
Oh! If anyone would like to make a small donation (every bit helps, but I know times are tough all over). So far, over $AU45million has been donated, but the total cost is expected to be well over $AU10billion! 🙁
Please go here for information on the floods and ways to help and donate:
Queensland Government: Donate to the flood relief appeal
Thanks all. 🙂
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