The grey lady has spoken her well-researched and decidedly northeastern opinion on Katrina.
The damage caused by a hurricane like Katrina is almost always called a natural disaster. But it is also unnatural, in the sense that much of it is self-inflicted. New Orleans is no exception, and while the city has been spared a direct hit from the storm, its politicians and planners must rethink the bad policies that contributed to the city’s vulnerability.
All I have in reply is: Ummm, yeah, but can we withhold the I-told-you-sos for, perhaps, the middle of next month? We have flooding from a 200-foot hole in the levee associated with the 17th St. canal to contend with and major environmental ramifications of rig damage, if you hadn’t noticed. Following 9/11, did the Times Picayune give your city an analysis of the poor security infrastructure that led to a colossal tragedy?
Sure, we have to look to a sound future. A bigger tragedy would be not learning from this costly lesson. I am sure that our government and residents will figure out that we can’t afford not to work on protecting our city properly.
Further, considering federal expenditure, the money for Katrina cleanup should cost a mere four months of the funds funneled into that other disaster known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From the Houston desk of Laying The Smack On Jejune And Poorly-Timed Opinions,
Maitri
How can we help New Orleans? I owe it to New Orleans……for all the Mardi Gras and jazz, gumbo and sinning.
Right now, please pray for us. Or just hope for the winds of hope, goodwill and safety to prevail over NO so that whomever and whatever remains stays safe.
Once I am back and assess the damage and cleanup efforts, I will let everyone know what they can do to help.
The situation seems to be really grim. After what seemed to be a narrow escape (for New Orleans), the doomsday scenario seems to be unfolding. There are some good diaries on the disaster at Dailykos.com. Also, check out http://www.wunderground.com/blog/SteveGregory/ for more updates.
I certainly hope the region returns to normal as early as possible. Good luck.
Maitri speaks and the Grey Lady listens: New Orleans in Peril