I can’t begin to describe my sadness and anger over what has occurred in New Orleans. Some interesting interviews that I hope are archived somewhere include:
- A family that was on vacation in New Orleans, having brought their son to college, was furious that they could not get out and that there was no help for days. They reported being stuck in their hotel room with rumors that their next door neighbors had been shot. The rumors were true.
- Anderson Cooper’s interview with a physician in a short segment called “A Doctor’s Perspective”. This MD, a psychiatrist, took it upon himself to holster a gun, pack a backpack with essentials and medicine, and do what he could to save lives. He nearly broke down in tears when he explained his commitment to his oath and his conflict in having to carry a gun when the last thing he wanted to do was hurt somebody. He also explained his disappointment that the police who did an exemplary job of protecting the area he was at were not getting their due.
- Senator Landrieu’s interview with George Stephanopoulos as she took him on a helicopter tour of the ravaged areas was heartbreaking.
There are many more stories that speak the truth of what happened. Dennie Hastert, Tom DeLay, and others who have criticized those who where there would do well to step foot in New Orleans and learn this.
As citizens in a representative democracy we all bear responsibility for this abject failure of the system. From decades of pork spending to accepting political appointments for such important positions as Director of FEMA the problem here runs very deep. However, those with more power bear more responsibility. Does the buck stop with the President or not? If John Kerry were president would the response have been different? If not, would Republicans be calling for his head? My tax dollars that go to the federal government should be spent on national issues: FEMA, border patrol, defense, infrastructure, and education. Those tax dollars are not mine to take back when I want to put my children in private school. My tax dollars are for the betterment of this nation as a whole.
Will we learn our lesson or will we just be left with spin from Rove?
