[Bella0722]

Hurricane Katrina has dealt a devastating blow to LA indeed, as well as to our country at large. However, this is not the time to be pointing fingers at President Bush. He is not responsible for this disaster, but unfortunately the spin on this disaster will be politicized in an effort to expalin the unexplainable trauma we have just witnessed. The race card is now being played out in the media, when race has not had anything to do with this disaster.


I feel very sad for those who didn't evacuate as they were warned many hours before the hurricane . I especially feel bad for the elderly, children and those confined in hospitals when this tragedy took place. Those are the real victims that were stuck without the ability to evacuate. Others had the choice to leave, but for whatever their reasons, they opted to stay. Most stayed because they had had false alarms in the past and thought that the hurricane would change course and they would escape this tragedy. This is what we call denial, not wanting to accept what is staring at us and what is inevitable. I lived in Kendall when Hurricane Andrew hit Florida many years ago and this certainly brought a lot of memories back. But I certainly don't think the government is responsible for the choices we make as adults. Many of these people made poor judgements and this is why they remained there. I think the American people are tremendously generous and will help their fellow man. And we are seeing the valiant efforts of all our forces in aiding and rescuing and putting their own lifes in danger. We are a great nation of those willing to serve our fellow man when asked.

I think that we don't have all the facts, and thanks to Annadoodle and Essentialfun, we know better what is not being reported. I also agree with what cacbeary said about how fortunate NY was to have Rudy Gulliani after the tragedy of 9/11. He definitely exemplifies leadership which seems to have been missing from the officials in LA. Our country will come together as it usually does as we have seen the generosity of States such as Texas and others absorb the numbers of people that are in need of all types of services. Let's pray for the nation to heal from what could be a divisive issue. And let us learn of the lessons of Mother Nature and to heed the suggestions for evacuation when we are advised to do so.