Not that I’m here to play “who’s devestation was worse.”

But you’re missing several important points here. The devestation in New Orleans, you rightly pointed out, was because of the Federal Flood caused by the leeve failures. The levees were FEDERALLY maintained. Don’t try to put these failures on the locals. The ACoE let them fall into disrepair, and the constant cutting of their funding under Bush only exacerbated matters. It is the federal government’s fault New Orleans flooded in the first place. And Bush can never make up for his failure to respond to the crisis (not that he’s actually tried.)

If it wasn’t for what happened to New Orleans, do you really think Bush would have made a single stop in, or reference to Katrina-affected areas in Mississippi? I’ll put it another way: Did Bush include SW Louisiana, or even SE Texas (his “home” state) in his visit?

If it weren’t for New Orleans, Katrina would be just as forgotten by the government and general population as Rita has been. We’re not OK either. We’re angry, too.

But, I guess, that’s what we get for not living in a swing-state during an election year with a Republican President.

I am SOOOO tired of hearing about NO. Yes, it’s a great city that I loved visiting, but to put it’s devastation on the same level as the rest of the Gulf Coast is wrong. Most of the coast of MS was leveled thanks to Katrina and Katrina alone. The stupid comment about insurance shows that you haven’t kept up with the news. The insurance companies are claiming that these people’s house being gone is because of flood damage, not the hurricane, which is crazy. But that does explain why some of the people are still living in FEMA trailers.

On the other hand, NO is in the situation they are now based on the levees failing. They weathered the hurricane and all breathed a huge sigh of relief- a sigh that was NOT being felt in their neighboring counties and state. Then, and only then, did their hell begin- a hell caused by 25 years of failure to deal with the levees. I have a friend whose husband worked for the Core of Engineers there in the 80’s. It was the same song, different verse, even then. When I lived in MS, they were always talking about what would happen to NO if another Camille came through. They KNEW they were screwed!

Now, does that mean we shouldn’t have compassion and work to help them? Not at all. Does that mean that Bush is still a prick- absolutely. But, unfortunately, the blame will have to go to a whole lot of stupid politicians from the local level all the way up, from many years ago to today (the levees still suck). But PLEASE remember the victims who can’t blame anyone except Katrina!

My posts state that you (and your silly ilk) need to quit blaming others for this problem and get to work FIXING the problem-such that I have and will continue to do so.

Considering I spent two weeks there working with Habitat for Humanity, I’ll bet a million bucks I did more to help then you ever did.

I suppose you also think that Bush created the forces that spawned the Hurricane itself…

Spawn the hurricane? No.

Appoint an incompetent twit to head up FEMA? Yes.

Stayed on vacation and showed no compassion during the horrific aftermath? Yes.

Lied about knowing the levees could fail? Yes.

So depleted the Guard via the Iraq war that there too few to help? Yes.

If you don’t support Bush, why don’t hold him to the same “personal accountability” metrics as you do people with no ability to leave a flooded city?

Or is nothing his fault?

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Cans full of change from minimarts can’t be the primary means of coping with catastrophic natural disasters, JT, and I want to live in a country where the taxes I pay help ensure that neither my family, nor yours, has to endure prolonged refugee status or the complete decimation of our personal/local/regional economy. That’s supposed to be one of the benefits of living in a “First World” country, and it’s not too much to expect.

Please learn to read for comprehension. I NEVER said I supported the president, and your presumption totally misses the mark of my posts.

My posts state that you (and your silly ilk) need to quit blaming others for this problem and get to work FIXING the problem-such that I have and will continue to do so. I suppose you also think that Bush created the forces that spawned the Hurricane itself…

Your comparison of natural disasters with 9/11 is asinine.

No, it’s not.

Tens of thousands of people in New Orleans had NO WAY TO LEAVE. They lacked the money, the car or, thanks to police officers who blocked off a bridge and threatened to kill anyone who crossed it, the escape route.

As far as your “personal accountability” crack — coming from someone who supports a president who has blamed EVERYONE else for his own failings, it’s kinda funny … in a sad and pathetic way.

Your inability to show even an ounce of compassion for others is quite remarkable, and says all that needs saying about your character.

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Spin all you want, but this was a Federal fuck-up form the get go, and falls squarely in the gross negligence and rank incompetence of this administration and is simply an outgrowth of the Grover Norquest “drown Government in the bathtub” philosophy put into action. Congratulations, you drown an entire city with GOP incompetence and have the temerity to blame everyone else but Chimpy McFlightsuit. Some party of “personal responsibility”, THIS is the result of the GOP way of doing business, and the results of the Bush admsinitration. This isn’t some theortical or abstract debate. GOP/Bush incompetence KILLED people and has failed to live up to the basic obligations of Governance.

Comment by JT — March 2, 2007 @ 4:25 pm

With all due respect, I have not questioned your integrity or motives.

Unless you know what I have done, or where I have been, please have the decency to not question mine.

My comments were directed at the President, whose nationally-televised failures are all too obvious.

I donated substantial sums of money and my time to help the victims of Katrina

Thank you

Have you, or are you just writing sanctimonious little ditties in support of your un-tested beliefs?

Yes, I have.

EMPTY talk by YOU. Put your money where your mouth is and demonstrate your own leadership by helping the victoms. Quit blaming others!

The blame being laid at Bush’s feet is for failing to lead.

There are certainly many problems in New Orleans. But, seeing the inability of the locals to cope should stir him to lead real, concrete, decisive action. Leadership is his job, after all.

All he offers is empty promises, platitudes and a smirky grin.

I donated substantial sums of money and my time to help the victims of Katrina (and other natural disasters). Have you, or are you just writing sanctimonious little ditties in support of your un-tested beliefs?…

All you other naysayers, have you helped the victims, or are you just pissing in the wind blaming Bush?

The victims of 9/11 had no chance to remove themselves from danger or, as sensible persons do, buy insurance to protect against property loss or damage for an ACT OF WAR.

This faulty logic of yours (and the sympathetic responses you draw) only illustrate the problems with American society today-NO PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY.

EVERYONE, by your logic, can I count on you to bail me out when my home gets flooded too, or should I take measures to protect myself and my family instead? Sheesh…

JT -I really, truly hope you get a chance to demonstrate your indomitable self-sufficiency in some other-than-imaginary way someday. (yes, that does mean that I hope a tornado blows your trailer away)

“Candidate Kang: Abortions for all!
Audience: BOO!
Kang: Okay… Abortions for none!
Audience: BOO!
Kang: Hmmnn… Abortions for some, tiny American flags for others!
Audience: YAAY!!!”

Oh and JT, I DEFY you to find a local government that ISN’T corrupt in some way shape or form. The victims of Katrina, as you so lovingly portrayed them, are some of the poorest people in this country. They really do NEED the help, regardless of your opinion as to who’s to blame for this tragedy.

Don’t you mean Problem, Reaction, Solution.