I am out of here for tonight - but a few thoughts before I go.
An area the size of Great Britain has been devastated. Thousands of people have died, homes destroyed, lives forever ruined. The people of America want and deserve a true leader. A leader who inspires, unites and gives hope.
America wants to be assured that everything possible is being done to help those who need it, and a leader who can make them feel confident that this can never happen again. Americans want a reassuring hug from a leader they have faith in.
Instead, America has a man who fills them with doubt. A leader of an administration whose inaction and indecisiveness has helped cause dead Americans to float past homeless residents and tourists in an American city.
Bush says that New Orleans can be rebuilt - but by who? The same band of cronies who have been given no bid contracts to rebuild Iraq perhaps? The kings will be in their counting houses, counting out their money.
In any case, you can not rebuild the spirit of New Orleans. Much of that will be gone forever. No amount of new buildings can replace a proud history and spirit.
Will a rebuilt New Orleans inspire lyrics such as those by Tom Waits?
Well, I wish I was in New Orleans
I can see it in my dreams
arm-in-arm down Burgundy
a bottle and my friends and me
hoist up a few tall cool ones
play some pool and listen to that
tenor saxophone calling me home
and I can hear the band begin
"When the Saints Go Marching In"
by the whiskers on my chin
New Orleans, I'll be there
My apology for the numerous "Katrina" posts today, normal service will be resumed as soon as - the anger subsides.
Photo: A street fair in my suburb
