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FEMA Demands Use of IE To File Online Katrina Claims
WebHostingGuy writes "As reported by MSNBC, if you survived the hurricane and are a Mac, Linux or Firefox user you cannot file a claim online. Further, you must have javascript enabled or face rejection. From the site: 'We are sorry for not being able to proceed your requests because you have failed our tests.' Opera and Netscape don't work either." Also reported at InformationWeek. From that story: "To file a claim online at FEMA's Individual Assistance Center, where citizens can apply for government help, the browser must be IE 6.0 or later with JavaScript enabled. That cuts out everyone running Linux or the Mac operating systems, as well as Windows users running alternate browsers such as Firefox or Opera. When TechWeb tested the site using Windows XP and Firefox 1.0.6, the message 'In order to use this site, you must have JavaScript Enabled and Internet Explorer version 6. Download it from Microsoft or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register' popped up on the screen." Update: 09/08 13:48 GMT by Z : Added word 'Online' to title to clarify story.
...FEMA certainly knows how to get things done! (efficiently too!)
"George Bush doesn't care about Mac people!"
I had a sucky sig.
Clearly the government doesn't care about minorities. Only educated, rich, Windows users can apply for aid online.
(Funny, not flamebait)
You win!
Any sufficiently advanced incompetence is indistinguishable from malice.
Now we Linux and Mac users from all over the world can try to test the site. That will at least help stress the servers to the point that simply no one will be able to file their requests.
my other sig is a 500 page novel
I think in the end you're probably better off just using the telephone. They're more likely to understand technology thats been around for more than 100 years.
"MS-Internet" is confusing to them.
No France
Would you expect any less from FEMA?
I tell you, if they get any more imcompetent, George Bush is going to have to give them a medal.
-Eric
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
I can see it already..
... User accepts pre-defined choices in the following categories.... ... User declines the right to recall.... ... User hereby waives right to request a recount.... ... User will be registered to vote in a state of Microsoft's chosing as needs require....
Download Microsoft Vote(tm) for the next election!
Anyone without a Genuine Advantage Entitled Windows XP Service pack 2 must either upgrade or not be able to register to vote. Available also for Windows MobileXP.
From the EULA
---------
Miles and miles away, in the White House....
*computer*
Good morning mister president
*POTUS*
Good morning computer, what are my orders today?
-if at first you don't succeed, stay the heck away from paragliding.
"If your code is REMOTELY standards compliant then it'll pretty much work on every browser."
Yeah, every browser except IE.
Cool art gallery, if you're into that sort of thing.
As they say, not FEMAs fault
"It is a greater offense to steal men's labor, than their clothes"
I think in the end you're probably better off just using the telephone
--krrrr click--Thank you for calling FEMA, we regret to inform you that since you're using a Nokia mobile phone, we cannot connect you to an operator, please switch to a Motorola cellphone to make full use of our services. -bzzz- Have a nice day. --bleep--
Maybe not, but let's go ahead and slashdot the registration site just in case.
well, it does say specifically, IE 6.0.
It's not kidding.
"Champagne for my real friends - and real pain for my sham friends!" http://ericblade.postalboard.com/
Either way, somebody's in line for another Medal of Honor...
No thats having advanced incompetence in the White House.
Sorry I'm lost here in a maze of twisting little passageways.
I wasn't aware that using an alternative operating system and/or browser was considered a disability.
I for one welcome our IE browser overlords. This type of forced standardization by government experts is exactly what we need. It's too confusing to support more than one operating system and browser when writing evil attacks.
"As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
It's also a good lesson for designing things even when you *know* the environment in which it will be used...that can change and it's best to work with standards rather than the easiest, but perhaps proprietary choice.
Its statements like that which guarantees you'll never work in management.
GBTW!!!
In the future, I would want to not be isolated from my friends in the Space Station.
Surely it's made of coprolite, not copper.
--
"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
"the best part is that using IE7 gets you the same errorpage. Those guys just know everything about browsers, don't they..."
As much as I like bashing our stupid gov't, this one is not their fault. Whenever I boot to Windows (like i am now) I use IE7, and no matter where i go, they think i am running netscape 4, try it on yahoo mail.
I guess IE has finally reached the technological pinnacle that is netscape 4.
There's a medal for "making the president look relatively less incompetent"?
FGD 135
old-boy friend of Bush
Did anyone else read that as, "old boyfriend of Bush"?
Just wondering, is that painful?
Er... Yes; I screwed up because I don't get these very often.
Jon Stewart: So no one's going to be held accountable for this at all?
Ed Helms: No. In fact, if history is any indication, they'll be hard-pressed finding enough medals to pin on these guys. My sources tell me the head of FEMA will be dipped in bronze and turned into an award to be given to other officials.
FEMA: How can we help you today?
Thug: Uum. I want free money.
FEMA: Ok, were you in New Orleans and lost everything?
Thug: Yep.
FEMA: Ok, where did you live?
Thug: My house was destroyed.
FEMA: Ok, we'll write that check right now.
Thug: Make it out to Achmed Hamed. I'm in Nigeria.
Job? I don't have time to get a job! Who will sit around and bitch about being broke and unemployed then?
"My to-do list is so long that it doesn't have an end; it has an event horizon."
Access should be ready to go in about a year. Purchase an approved copy at the sports stadium housing you for a discounted price of $29.99.
Be aware that written permission from FEMA is mandatory to connect Firefox with our Claims site. Read the EULA carefully. There is a 7 p.m. curfew on Firefox use so be sure to only use it during office hours. If you do not know how to use Firefox, contact one of the National Guardsmen "protecting" you. If you are not currently in a displaced person's facility, return to one for an opportunity to purchase a copy of Firefox and for approved FEMA Firefox instruction from one of our select instructors at a very nominal fee.
WARNING: illegal for use within the city limits of New Orleans.