The enormity of the disaster in New Orleans should bring home one thing with crystal clarity as the flood waters recede and the city one day becomes whole again...if it ever does.

When the Army Corps of Engineers speak, politicians should shut the fuck up and listen. These people know whereof they speak. Tax Cuts are wonderful things when all other bills have been paid; the Federal Government doesn't belong in my bedroom or cable box, they belong on Levee Projects and other things that affect public safety. Peoples lives are ultimately affected by greedy, power-obsessed politicians who preach the virtue of self before community, maybe Louisiana and Mississippi residents can identify a few of those folks at the local, state and federal level and reconsider their "employment contracts" in light of their present circumstances.

Katrina might have been a wake-up call for a lot of things. For now, it's time to rally around our fellow citizens and help out. The American Red Cross is a pretty good choice. [/end of rant].

Thanks.