I'd hate to think anyone would accuse me of coming to George Bush's defense, and while recent cuts in federal spending on LA projects may have exacerbated some of the effects, B-run's correct. The New Orleans area has been an accident waiting to happen for decades. The Corps of Engineers maintains rediculously gargantuan projects intending to protect the area from the inevitable. But disaster there was inevitable according to authorities familiar with the hydrology, geology, and geography of the area.

Like Aunty M and Wailuku, I wonder what NO and LA officials were doing ahead of the hurricaine with their state and local resources. There doesn't seem to be any indication that state and local government took any advance action other than issuing the evacuation directive. Unfortunate for the victims, but I suspect this tragedy is going to be "one for the books" after the disaster experts finish their various investigations.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.