Let me be crystal clear in my hindsight.  There is a tremendous amount of blame to throw around at every possible level of government, both the local democrats like the inspirational Mayor of New Orleans who never thought to gas up the 100s of school buses at his disposal to gather up the sick, blind and elderly and move them to higher ground; like the Governor, along with the President who not only told everyone who could evacuate, should, but didn't add that they'll make sure that those that couldn't will be picked up, or that food and water would be ready at the Superdome.   (Or at least unlocking the concession lockers.)

Equally to blame are the federal republicans who squandered the funds needed to prevent this on bridges to nowhere in Alaska and adventures in Iraq, and waiting far too long to respond when the dire need for help was apparent; as well as the inertia of bureaucratic boneheads who refuse to think outside of their comfortable routines and who always refuse to act without the right form being properly stamped, then pass the buck and blame the victims when things turn sour.

The media too, can hang its head low, especially when they are "all a-twitter" about looting and painting anyone who states the obvious -- that 98% of those stranded were black and that might have something to do with why they were left behind and were sent to "shelters" that were more like corrals -- are themselves the racists for having the temerity to be outraged that once again White America put its head in the sand.

Maybe I expect too much of a Government that still can't get the right kind of armor to our guys in Iraq to handle a crisis of this proportion in a competent manner.  I love this country, because we a capable of so much, but I'm so often dismayed because we seem to continually squander opportunities and time and time again do so little.

It is unforgivable that any organization -- charitable, religious, or military -- who were ready, willing and able to render IMMEDIATE assistance were held at bay or forced to wait for clearance through proper channels.

The Coast Guard didn't hesitate, and they kicked serious ass.  The Red Cross was there, Charlie, but some complete ass stopped them from doing what they do best -- and without doubt people died because they were stopped at the outskirts of the city.  Saying it was unsecure is an excuse by the folks whose duty it was to make it secure.  Even thinking that it would be wasteful or that it would somehow encourage people not to leave when they were already stuck and prevented at gunpoint from leaving is beyond comprehension.

And on a broader level, it is unforgivable that the people of New Orleans were not made secure in their homes and businesses from a predicted and preventable disaster.  And thinking that we should debate whether to rebuild New Orleans (even better than ever) when we are rebuilding Baghdad, is just plain bullshit.

Sure, levees break, rivers flood, but knowing that FEMA and so many others knew it wasn't just possible, but likely, is heinously depraved indifference when nothing was done to either prevent it or prepare for it.

My God, how absolutely unprepared are we for a serious terrorist attack on this nation, a dirty bomb, a biological attack, a suitcase nuke?  How many will needlessly die when the Big One hits Los Angeles because nobody prepared in advance?.

Most conservatives would agree with Einstein, that God doesn't play dice with the universe.  Why on earth would they think it was okay to play dice with the Mississippi Delta when they knew an act of God was inevitable?  Many things were started too late buy Local, State and Federal officials.  Things were done fantastically by individual heroes and courageous groups, and the Government once it got in gear.

But, conservative priorities and piles of pork robbed Louisiana of the funds it desperately needed to modernize the water management system that everybody who took a cursory look at, knew was a disaster waiting to happen.