We all have seen the horrific and terrible pictures coming from the south. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we have seen thousands of people that have lost everything. Their homes, their cars and for many their Lives. We have seen riots, armed thugs and complete devestation in New Orleans. The latest estimate is that it will cost $100 billion to rebuild. People have lost their jobs. People have lost love ones. Their lives will never be the same.
I watched in digust yesterday, as I saw a family being arrested for stealing an abondoned car to try to leave the city. They were trying to survive. This family was not armed. They were not the thugs that are being reported. They and their 3 children have not eaten for 3 days with nothing in sight and they were trying to live. And to be arrested. Unbelievable.
I could not help but think that it wouldn't it be wonderful if, instead of spending $200 billion in Iraq, and 2000 American lives, that those resources could go to help with the saving of lives in our own country. Wouldn't it be nice if those resources in Iraq could have been used to airlift the thousands that need it in New Orleans.
And where was George?
An area of the US has been destroyed. It appears thousands of people have lost their lives. Thousands more stranded and dying. The sick and elderly are not being fed and not given water. Bands of armed thugs roam the streets at night, looting and killing. Shooting police and military. The victims again - mostly the poor and underclasses in the south.
Again, where was George?
While this is going on, gas has now climbed to $3 per gallon and continuing to climb. New Orleans was the distribution point for 25% of bananas and 30% of coffee for the country. Obviously, inflation is going to be a concern. Already there is pressure to increase interst rates in the country and there are deficits as far as the eye can see.
Again, where was George?
It struck me that it appeared no one has been in charge of the rescue efforts of our own citizens. No one has stood up as the leader. Even the mayor put out an SOS for help and had to instruct people to start walking miles to get away from New Orleans. Obviously this was not an option for the sick and elderly. And the dead.
Again, where was George?
When in this country we are going to war, or we have a disaster like 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina, it is important that there is a leader. That there is someone that takes responsibility to make sure that things do not denigrate into what exactly happened in New Orleans. The people needed hope. They needed a leader to tell them that things are going to be OK. They needed a president.
But where was George?
It is Friday now. Days after the hurricane and George and his wife are visiting the area. He is making the traditional trip that all presidents make after natural disasters. He will have some photo ops.
But where has George been?
He has been no where. He will tell us all that the federal government is going to help. He will say that money will be available. That is and never was the answer.
I am embarrassed again that I live in a country with a president that has no concept about the common person and their needs and wants. I am struck that this country has accepted it.
George needs to wake up. He needs to show that these people with no house, no car, no money and no livlihood that there is hope. That we are not going to abandon them. That this country cares about them and that their president cares.
But in reality, though George might actually care, his inaction has shown his priorities. And it certainly is not us.