If you know me, either online or in person, youprobably have guessed that I an really cynical of government. But let's be precise. I love the system of government, but not the politicians. I always find they're nicely screwing things up at the expense the people of the United States. If you have been watching news coverage of the aftermath of the Katrina Catastrophe, you might be inclined to join me in my cynicism. Nowhere have I seen a situation in which people are in the direst of straits--no pun intended--and the damn governmental agencies can't get their act together. This is not to say that all of them have been dropping the ball. Nuh-uh. I have been impressed with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the National Guard, and the countless people stranded in that war zone that have been helping their fellow person out. To them I say: Keep up the good work! I also have to give kudos to the countless journalists who have not only been showing those of us outside the Gulf the desparity of the situation, but have been trying to lend their services to help other in need as well, even if it's just getting word out to family members for people who otherwise have no avenue of comunication. But they are playing another important role---in showing just how much the governent has screwed up their response from the get-go. if you've been watching the news, especially CNN, you'll understand. Of particular note was the interview when the head of FEMA---the guy in charge of the supply and rescue operations---admitted on live television that he had "just found out" about the situation at the New Orleans Convention Center Thrusday afternoon...four days after the hurricane hit and two days after it effectively became a breeding ground for disease, filth and the dead who were steadily rising in mumbers. The networks had been broadcasting about the conditions there for two days---doesn't this guy have access to a radio or a TV or a CB device or something? There have been more incidences that I have noticed, but that was by far the worst. This tragedy also marks the only time, in my 24 years of drawing breath, in which I watched not one but two United States Senators get the ass-reaming they so justly deserved. Anderson Cooper is my new favorite news anchor because of this. The guy has been covering the situation live for a week, watching the flooding and the destructionand the people in dire need of assistance on various levels, andhe ends up with interviews from two Senators who stand there and pat themselves on the back for the "efforts" they and their buddies in Washington have been giving. Of particular note was his line in his exchange with the Senator from Louisiana: "I've been down here for four days and have seen a city flooded out, massive destruction of homes, people without food and water, people dying of disease and filth--I saw a dead woman floating facedown in the street being eaten by rats--and you are patting your Congressional buddies on the back?!? Get down here and do something!! It was so richly deserved. So, if anyone has complaints about my opinion of our politicians, please feel free to PM me or post a comment with an example of how they have been helping the situation---other than passing bills or being shamed into seeing the destruction for themselves. I'll be happy to stand corrected.