Hoping.

Double-posting again, like yesterday...

I learned at Phantom Scribbler that the Red Cross is not being allowed into New Orleans (details on their webpage).

On the surface, this shocks and angers me. The Red Cross seems to be taking it pretty serenely, though -- they point out that "The Red Cross does not conduct search and rescue operations. We are an organization of civilian volunteers and cannot get relief aid into any location until the local authorities say it is safe and provide us with security and access." I hope that they are being given an honest appraisal of the situation. I don't hope, at all, that it's still so dangerous in New Orleans that the Red Cross can't be allowed in; still, given that they're not allowed in, I hope that this, or some other real reason, is the explanation.

Whether or not they're allowed into the city, the Red Cross is still doing a lot of good elsewhere by giving food and shelter to those who have escaped New Orleans. Donate elsewhere if you choose, but please don't let this bewildering situation sour you on giving aid in some way, however you can.