Some More Common Sense

Here is more common sense that, if heeded, brings a much needed voice of reason to some of the hysterical accusations being hurled around.

This piece points out -- as this site has (here and here) -- that any upgrades to the levees would only have protected the region against a Category 3 hurricane and that it was an upgraded portion of the levee that broke.

A research scientist from Alabama also provides some interesting scientific facts to rebut some of the hysterical propaganda.

Please note also that New Orleans is particularly difficult to reach for help and rescue because it is surrounded on three sides by water.

Finally, as the mayor of New Orleans criticizes the federal response, along with some sympathy, some tough questions are in order: What was his plan for safety and evacuation? (After all, New Orleans is his city). How much money did his city budget (and the state budget) set aside for the levees and for these kinds of events? Doesn't he bear any responsibility at all? And couldn't one argue that the kind of "shift blame" mentality is responsible in part for the problems at hand?

And one last note to people like Rep. Elijah Cummings, who is currently on CNN lecturing everyone in America and demanding their help: We hear you. We -- in the private sector and in the government -- are trying to help as best we can. Spare us the Bible quoting and indignant declamation. I hope you're going to say a word or two about the lawbreakers who are holding up the help by shooting at relief helicopters and hospital evacuees.

Note to Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (who has now replaced Rep. Cummings on CNN): The efforts to politicize this disaster is wrongheaded and detrimental to the people you claim to care about. Take care that you don't squander the warmhearted sympathy of the rest of the country by ill-chosen words and inappropriate attitudes which, in the end, will only discourage and anger people who otherwise would gladly pitch in.