Katrina
  by Will Hogsett

  Like many folks around Blackburn, across the United States and world, I have been watching the continuing coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina with great interest. The devastation has been absolutely tragic to watch… indeed, it leaves one with a sense of gratitude and that “There but for the grace of God go I” feeling.  The response from the people of the United States and world at large has been heartening. To see people from all walks of life opening their hearts and pocketbooks leaves a positive feeling in the heart- that, even in our busy, seemingly dog-eat-dog world, people still care. Yet out of all of the positives- the boxes of donations of toiletries and clothing , the telethons raising $70 Million at a time, the children donating all of the money from their piggy-banks- comes a sickening feeling, a feeling of absolute shame. How is it possible that in the wealthiest, most powerful nation in the world, something like this could happen? 

  Not the natural disaster part- that can happen anywhere- but the pathetic response from our government?  The incompetence was staggering and was evident at virtually every level. Despite the fact that a mandatory evacuation was called, the local government of New Orleans failed to utilize hundreds of school busses that could have ferried the poor, infirmed and indigent of the Big Easy out of harms way.

  The State of Louisiana, acutely aware of its precarious position, failed to initiate a suitable plan of action to evacuate the parishes around New Orleans of all inhabitants- particularly those most vulnerable- the aged. Indeed, perhaps one of the saddest news reports of recent days was that a nursing home in St. Bernard Parish was never evacuated, resulting in the deaths of some 34 elderly patients.

  But perhaps the most glaring cases of incompetence came from within the highest echelons of government. Relief coordination- handled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- was, to put it mildly, lacking. After four years of emergency alert drills supposedly preparing federal, state and local governments for disasters, the response was clearly inadequate. Residents of the Gulf region, particularly those in and around New Orleans, who managed to actually survive the hurricane were made to wait for rescue for days on end with no food or water…all because of sloppy planning.

  It is interesting to look at how FEMA- supposedly one of the most effective and professional disaster relief agencies in the world- could so profoundly fail. In the days following the disaster, when it began to become obvious that something was drastically wrong with the operations to rescue those who survived and help recover the bodies of those who were not so fortunate, members of the national and world media began to investigate Michael Brown, the now ex-Administrator of FEMA. 

  Brown, a loyal George W. Bush supporter, had previously been employed by the International Arabian Horse Federation. That’s a helluva jump…from horses to being in charge of emergency disaster response. Nevertheless, it at least appeared that Brown had some experience- on his resume, he listed that he was in charge of emergency preparedness for the city of Edmond, Oklahoma. 

  Yet when reporters for Time magazine contacted a city manager, he indicated that Brown had been “more of an intern”- a distinct difference.  Despite the fact that he was clearly not suitable or eligible for the post, the blame cannot and should not rest squarely on Brown; after all, he did not appoint himself to the position of FEMA director. President Bush, who at the time Katrina hit the Gulf was on another of his famous trips to the “Western White House”, appointed Brown. The buck, as they say, should stop there.  President Bush is ultimately responsible for the pathetic response and lack of coordination. He appointed those whose incompetence ultimately failed New Orleans and the Gulf… in turn, President Bush failed not only New Orleans, the Gulf and the residents of that area, but all of the United States as well. We have been further demoralized during this, one of the darker times in our national history. Sadly, it seems as if things are only going to get worse before they get better. It should be noted though that, despite the disappointing actions of political leaders and government officials, the true spirit of the United States of America and her people has shone through this disaster.

  Across the country the efforts to help those affected by this tragedy continue.  Even on our little campus efforts are happening: the Newman Club is collecting toiletries, clothing and everyday goods that might be important and/or helpful for some evacuees being housed in Alton. The

Student Senate coordinated a Benefit Concert along with Work Committee and Volunteer Services.  And, perhaps most importantly, our students are keeping the people of the Gulf in their prayers.  In the end, New Orleans will be rebuilt, bigger and better than ever. The people of New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulfport will return to their cities, with a renewed sense of love for their homes and respect for the Gulf of Mexico. For it is the Gulf- that same body of water whose raw force and energy destroyed them- that has for years served as the lifeblood of these cities.