I am a firm believer in self-sufficiency,
self-reliance, and not relying on the government, at *any* level. I have
worked hard all my life and have not asked for any handouts. I
actually am quite conservative, especially on economic issues, which is why I
have real, serious problems with this administration - cutting taxes for the
wealthiest, and cutting benefits and needed government agencies and activities,
and getting our country into a huge deficit - we are now beholden to
China(!) - as a result of its actions.
My point regarding the victims of the storm is that
many, if not most, could not evacuate, had no choices. They now have fewer
choices. They are not as fortunate as most of us (especially on this list,
probably) have been in our lives.
Sorry, but I do blame President Bush for not taking
charge at the beginning. It is his responsibility. I do not expect
miracles from him, and know that the people on the ground have been working
around the clock to rescue and help people on the coast and in New Orleans -
thank goodness for the Coast Guard, the National Guard and the military, not to
mention all the private agencies such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
My point is this: The govt. response was too slow and too
disorganized, and ultimately thousands of lives were lost because of this.
Do you blame the patients and medical staff at Charity Hospital that as of
yesterday had not been evacuated, for not leaving?
Yes, everyone should be digging deep and donating
cash, and if you're close enough to provide shelter, and/or haul people and
animals out of the area, then go to it. Talking about a very real problem,
an on-going problem, is not taking away from the recovery, and it is our
responsibility to speak out if we feel the situation can be improved, for the
future.
