WP Spells Out Ominous Future for Victims of Future Disasters

The Washington Post today paints a picture of FEMA's concentration camp-like living arrangements for newly homeless victims of Florida hurricane, complete with perimeter fence and armed guards.

From the article:
"Bob Hebert, director of recovery for Charlotte County, [FL] where most FEMA City residents used to live" talks about "FEMA City, a dusty, baking, treeless collection of almost 500 trailers that was set up by the federal emergency agency last fall to house more than 1,500 people made homeless by Hurricane Charley, one of the most destructive storms in recent Florida history. The free shelter was welcomed by thankful survivors back then; almost a year later, most are still there -- angry, frustrated, depressed and increasingly desperate.

"FEMA City's population has barely declined -- its trailers are occupied by 1,500 check-out clerks, nurse's aides, aluminum siding hangers, landscapers and more than a few people too old, too sick or too upset to work. A not-insignificant number of illegal immigrants and ex-convicts live there as well."

"With the constant troubles at FEMA City and the increased tensions throughout the county caused by its housing crisis, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office spokesman Bob Carpenter said his department has had a real education since Charley. It's hard-won knowledge, he said, that they will share with Hancock County, Miss., one of the hardest-hit areas of the Gulf Coast.

'We're sending some officers over there,' he said. 'We know what's going to happen, while they don't have a clue.'"