British survivors of Katrina in New Orleans have been returning back to their homes in Great Britain, and asking "what was the British government doing to help us in our hour of need?".
Well, apparently the British consulate representatives who were trying to gain access to New Orleans in order to check out the whereabouts and condition of British subjects were DENIED ACCESS by the LOUISIANA AUTHORITIES.
But some newspapers are spinning this that it is down to AMERICAN officials who were denying access, thus implying the Federal Government, i.e. Bush.
The Guardian is reporting LOUISIANA officials are denying access.
From http://www.guardian.co.uk/katrina/story/0,16441,1562752,00.html#article_continue
In Washington, the deputy British ambassador, Alan Charlton, said officials were doing everything they could, but were being denied access to New Orleans.
"Our people want to get into New Orleans to have a look around, as soon as we're allowed in by the Louisiana authorities," he said. "They told us that anyone going in now would be getting in the way."
But The Independent is spinning this that "US authorities" were denying access.
From http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article310317.ece
The first groups flew back into Gatwick airport early yesterday. Many criticised embassy officials for failing to enter the city over the past week. But the Foreign Office said it had been acting on the request of the US authorities, and had been "pushing" to be able to enter the city.
There is a subtle difference, with The Independent's spin implying Bush was denying access.
Even the BBC is getting in on the act. I first heard them report Louisana was being blamed by the British Foreign Office. One hour or so later it is blaming AMERICAN officials.
So, if Louisiana is denying access who has ultimate control? Is it Louisiana or FEMA? Is FEMA supporting rather than controlling?
