Finger Of Blame

Jack Kelly says 'the finger of blame is being pointed in the wrong direction.'

Perhaps because pointing the finger at someone makes us feel more in control than in fact we are, perhaps because it is hard for trial lawyers to sue Mother Nature, there is a natural tendency to find some human villain to blame. This is compounded by political opportunists who — like looters — seek to profit from the misery of others.

Jack says there were two tragedies: first that of the destruction and havoc on Mississippi's gulf coast, which couldn't have been prevented. Then, there was the break in the levees in New Orleans, letting the city become overcome by water. This was negligence.

But since no federal administration from the time of Franklin Roosevelt on has sought to build levees strong enough to withstand a Katrina force hurricane, finger-pointing is pointless.

Both Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin have questions to answer. They took too long to respond to this disaster with help. But, help has come from all over the nation, and New Orleans is beginning to 'rise above the water', so to speak. But, it will be a long time before it is inhabitable again. Forced evacuations are now taking place, to force all those that chose to stay, and are still alive, out of New Orleans so clean up can begin - or, perhaps to keep them from dying from diseases caused by unsafe conditions there.