Hurricane Katrina (D-Louisiana)

Marooned in Marin webblog ^ | August 26, 2006 | Marooned in Marin

[stratman1969]

I am not writing the following to minimize or downplay the destruction that occurred a year ago from Hurricane Katrina.

Let's face it, Katrina was one of the most devastating storms to hit the United States. It was very reminiscent of Hurricane Camille in 1969 in terms of destruction.

As with 9/11 and the Christmas 2004 Tsunami, we saw the best in the American people once again. Without being prompted, Americans united to send food, clothes, money, supplies and volunteers to New Orleans and the Mississippi/Alabama coast. There is no denying the generosity and compassion of Americans seen time and time again when their neighbors are in need.

What bothers me about this anniversary is those who used (and continue to use) the death, damage and suffering of New Orleans as political battering ram against President Bush and Republicans. Many Democrat legislators, pundits and allies said Katrina was caused by global warming due to Republican environmental policies. (Gee, why did they say that back in 1969 with the 200 mph winds of Camille?) Some used it to claim the National Guard (as well as Federal money) is needed more for domestic purposes instead of fighting the War on Terror (which Iraq is a part of). Others used the storm for the purpose of dividing America by race and class, that the Republicans somehow don‘t care about Blacks. Frankly, I'm surprised that Hurricane Katrina has not yet been made an honorary member of the Democratic party.