True Americans

I don't know the validity of FEMA's stance, don't want to argue that in this post, but I gotta say, these guys, and presumably gals, who volunteered are true Americans. Whether they are allowed in or not, we ought to salute these people, who on MONDAY, saw people in need and were ready to go. Salute.

As a flooded New Orleans sinks further into despair, up to 500 Florida airboat pilots have volunteered to rescue Hurricane Katrina victims, transport relief workers and ferry supplies.

But they aren't being allowed in. And they're growing frustrated. ......

On standby since Monday, the pilots -- many from Central Florida -- have spent thousands of their own dollars stocking their boats and swamp buggies with food, water, medical supplies and fuel. ......

said Frances Marine, Orlando's FEMA public-affairs director. "However, it's so important to be coordinated. Those areas are dangerous right now. There are health hazards and limited ways of getting in and out. . . . Right now, private citizens trying to go into those impacted areas are more hindrance than help."