CNN

"And calling the President names, dear Kim Portland, Oregon, will not produce any results to your "questioning" and "demand for accountability". It just allows the rest of the world to perceive that our President is stupid."

Posted By Val Davydov, Agawam, MA : August 29, 2007 11:55 pm

I'm guessing the perception by the rest of the world that the U.S. president is stupid already exists. I hope I am wrong (but I doubt it).

Rick in Chicago:

"It's a known FACT that 1) hurricane seasons were getting worse and WORSE before Katrina hit, and 2) every time a storm came anywhere near the city of New Orleans, the distinct possibility of the levees breaking was mentioned and both the State of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans begged the federal government for money to fix the levees."

Read your own post and it becomes quite obvious that if what you say is true, the City of N.O. should've known to prepare ITSELF for a category 5 and its aftermath. Not waited for a federal government who’d apparently ignored it’s begging up to that point. The distinct possibility of levee failure is the REASON Nagin should’ve evacuated everyone in his city, not waited for the feds to swoop in and save the day. Which didn’t and COULDN’T happen immediately.

Your post makes it obvious, the government of N.O. dropped the ball, the Bush Administration just kicked it out of play.

What I don't understand about the whole argument is how the citizens of Louisiana could not have known Katrina was coming.

On Friday August 26 Govenor Blanco declared a state of emergency in Louisiana. A state of emergency is a governmental declaration which orders emergency preparedness and citizen alerts. Katrina was a category 2 hurricane.

On Saturday August 27 Katrina is upgraded to a category 3 hurricane. Governor Blanco asked President Bush to declare a federal state of emergency. “I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments..." The federal emergency is declared and FEMA is asked to mobilize.

And at this point the citizens of Lousiana are doing...what exactly?

7am Sunday August 28 Katrina is upgraded to a category 5 hurricane. The morning newspaper warns the levees may give. At 9am Mayor Nagin issues a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans. President Bush is given a briefing on the levee conditions and tolerances. Louisiana requests 700 buses from FEMA. 100 buses are sent.

Early Monday morning August 29 Katrina makes landfall as a category 4 hurricane. 30,000 evacuees have already gathered at the Superdome.

The following days after Katrina made landfall are a series of FEMA failures. They are documented from the initial failure to send enough buses to the failure to move trailers which were parked enmass 100 miles north of the disaster area. That is indeed a Bush administration failure. Understandably Bush delegates authority to his directors but ultimately the failure lays at the feet of Bush. He hired the directors.

I will also say, although it may not be politically correct to do so, the citizens of New Orleans had a personal responsibilty to get out of harms way. Psychologists have likened the mindset as disbelief or, "it can't happen to me" syndrome. Faced with a category 5 hurricane the citizens still felt as if a pending disaster would not befall them.

As boats were moving up and down the streets of New Orleans rescue workers were faced with survivors who refused to leave their homes, even though they were flooded with fetid water.

There is blame and failure enough to go around. After two years the blame game needs to end. Rebuilding New Orleans will not be an easy or fast project. It is a very real possibility that New Orleans should not return to the city it once was. New Orleans was it's own undoing and it is no great surprise that a city built below sea level in a hurricane zone was bound to be flooded.

Well, it looks like we, the tax payers, just paid for another Bush photo op. I have no idea what a trip such as this costs us but however much, it is too much for this 'loser' and his wife to visit a city that is struggling to survive just so he can smirk and pat a few people on the back. I doubt any of them are dense enough to believe this clown.

How cute. Big hugs all around–see what money can buy - hugs if not Love.

You know, Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca and David, Salinas, CA, I had tears in my eyes when I read both of your posts (5:46 pm and 6:26 pm). Only and only in America it is possible to disagree on policies, and yet to remain friends at the end. THAT IS what makes our country so beautiful.

This being said, however, I would have to agree with Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca and Patrick, Denver Colorado, that it WASN'T President Bush's fault ALONE the way things turned out to be in New Orleans. There are many to blame ... I will stop short of pointing fingers here.

And calling the President names, dear Kim Portland, Oregon, will not produce any results to your "questioning" and "demand for accountability". It just allows the rest of the world to perceive that our President is stupid.

I don't believe all the fault lies with President Bush regarding Katrina.
I do believe that Mayor Nagin, Governor Blanco, Michael Brown and President Bush could have done much more.

According to the Hurricane Center, State and Federal Officials were warned 32 hrs. prior to Katrina that it was going to be a level 4 or 5 Hurricane and would topple the levees.

They had a more than difficult disaster facing them head on. However, I believe if they had worked together they could have saved many lives and lessened the horrific aftermath experienced by the survivors.

In our modern age it is very difficult to understand how citizens sitting on roof tops could not be saved. Were there no emergency rescue means available? Hellicopters? Boats? Why did officials refuse the offer of aid from other areas and buses to transport NO residents to safety?

I don't know the facts regarding the Geographics or Populations of the areas. But, I know if such a disaster ever took place here there would be many who would not have the strength, finances, or knowledge to know how to survive or deal with such a nightmarish event. But I would hope that those unable to help themselves would find assistance regardless of their race or community status.

I believe whole heartedly in helping all nations in need. But I also believe that a nation's people should be provided for first before reaching out to assist those in far away lands.

My heart goes out to all victims of Katrina and especially to those who after two years are still striving to achieve a normal existence.

Next to 9/11 it was the most horrific disaster I've ever witnessed.

Patrick Kunc, Denver Colorado,

"What was the assistance they were offering?"

WHO ...CARES? Take it! Don’t debate political agendas while people are drowning.

Especially since Dubya didn't get over there until about FOUR days later. What president GOLFS when a hurricane puts 80 percent of a major American city under water? He got his a** over to swing states during his re-election campaign quicker than he got down to N.O.!

"Obviously when those national guardsmen were sent to Iraq, President Bush didn't know that a category 5 hurricane was going to destroy New Orleans."

It doesn't matter! You don't send the help we MAY need HERE over THERE. Do you not buy a fire alarm and then say "Well, how was I to know a fire would break out?"

It's a known FACT that 1) hurricane seasons were getting worse and WORSE before Katrina hit, and 2) every time a storm came anywhere near the city of New Orleans, the distinct possibility of the levees breaking was mentioned and both the State of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans begged the federal government for money to fix the levees.

"sending troops to fight it is the President's call and has nothing to do with New Orleans."

It sure does when he's sending NATIONAL GUARDSMEN over there to take part in COMBAT situations (that they're NOT trained to do) via a back-door draft when we need them here to handle unexpected emergencies!

"It was a tragic situation that was NOBODY'S FAULT."

Really? Then tell us why Bush personally apologized to the people of Louisiana and told them that the govt had "failed" them? Whoever else's fault it was (state, local, etc), it was certainly theirs as well since they had even admitted as much.

Jon, Sacramento Ca,

"WHEN oh WHEN will partisans like you Rick realize it's NOT the President's job to personally fix your house?"

Post where I said it was the president's job to fix my house?

I'll bet you cant.

Fact is, he was incredibly negligent in his own response and the response he helped coordinate.

The president has a responsibility to help promote the common good. Does this include taking in a few rounds of golf after a hurricane puts a major American city 80% under water, refusing more immediate help from other countries and doing a ceremonial fly-by FOUR days later?

And now post where I was being partisan and said the failure was only and SOLELY a republican or Federal govt failure!

I'll bet you cant do that either.

See, when you accuse people of saying things they never said or meaning things they never meant to try and win some points, and you fail MISERABLY when you can't ...

it makes you look like an idiot! Which apparently for you is habit-forming.

I have NO DOUBT whatsoever that you'll do it AGAIN though.

I'll give you two days ... tops!

John and David.... If the rest of us could keep the discourse and debate THIS civil, the country would be back on track to actually leading and achieving again.
Thank you for that bright spot of civility in disagreement.

Thanks David for your respectful response.

We can disagree on policies and the role of government – keeping the debate about issues and not personalizing it. I understand your view better and think we both share the same respect for the Office.

Jon –

If you read my longer post under Katrina Politics you will see that I do indeed spread the blame to all levels of government, and that on the federal level I criticized the responses of Michael Brown, Michael Chertoff, and Karl Rove as well as President Bush. All were culpable, as were many others.

I don’t know what more I can say on the question of hate. I don’t like President Bush’s policies and I think his administration failed on Katrina, (and Iraq, and al Qaeda, and the 47 million uninsured, and the deficit, and the debt, and the environment). I believe George W. Bush is a decent man and that he surely has the courage of his convictions, even when the facts don’t support them. I do think he has been reckless and irresponsible with both our economic and foreign policy. I don’t think he has been a successful President, and if I am critical of him in this forum it is in the hope that we will not replace him with someone who will continue his failed policies. But I respect the office of the Presidency and I feel no personal animosity toward President Bush. I don’t hate him. If you’re unwilling to take me at my word, that’s your prerogative. I hope we can confine our debate to matters of policy.

If you want to see the real problem with New orleans back up and read what Kevin in Seattle wrote. He hit the nail right on the head. There was a problem in N.O. before Katrina hit, and that problem was a whole generation of people dependent on the government to take care of them.

Rick ~ Chicacgo

and

C ~ Sacramento

– - – -

Rick, September 13, 2005 – the President apologized publicly for the failure of the Government's "part" of the recovery effort.

SINCE then the government has aided the recovery effort to the tune of $96 BILLION dollars.

WHEN oh WHEN will partisans like you Rick realize it's NOT the President's job to personally fix your house?

When will you direct your ire to State and Local officials – demanding accountability for OUR tax dollars being used?

I know – I know .... change the subject about how much we've spent on the war in Iraq as though $96 BILLION in Katrina relief is so little.

C ~ Sacramento, You must be new to CNN Blog and have missed MANY times where I have clearly said this President and his administration is not perfect. Their plan for Iraq AFTER the toppling of Saddam has been a mess. Bush allows his ego to drive his decisions longer than good sense would allow sometimes. I disagree with Bush on ANY type of immigration amnesty bill.

But because I am not singing the chorus of "Bush Lied" and calling for impeachment does not warrant the label of "blind partisan". I think President Bush is trying to do what he thinks is right and that the left is ramping up the attacks because 1) anger from 2000 election, 2) anger we're still in Iraq, 3) Pelosi, Reid and the rest of the Dems elected to DO SOMETHING continue to muddle along.

What makes you so anti-bush?

No we wouldn't have a different response if a hurricane hit San Diego b/c there is nothing more the federal government can do when a category 5 hurricane hits a major city. Actually the damage wouldn't be quite as bad b/c I assume San Diego isn't below sea level and isn't held up by levees like N.O. Also the people are more affluent so they would probably have a means to escape. So overall the situation would be better but it would have nothing to do with the federal government. Some things are just an outcome of circumstance. For this to not happen in the future the people of N.O would have to become more affluent, which is a whole other issue in itself.

if it was san diego hit by katrina, we would have had a whole different scenario. and all you "the government doesnt HAVE to help anyone" would be praising your loser shrub for his wonderful humanitarian deeds!

ReadBtwthlins, "mindless bush bashing"!?!? you cant be serious. NOT questioning and demanding accountability from these money-stealing people who dont give a rip about most of the people in this country is MINDLESS and unamerican!!!! please enlighten me and tell me even ONE thing these jerks have done to help the AVERAGE american (those of us not worth over 100 mil)?

Bush returns to the Mississippi coast, as things stand he might as well not have done anything to help the people in New orleans. Why is it that he helps Iraq but does nothing to help his own people on the Gulf Coast?

Jon, Sacramento Ca,

Bush even admitted he and the federal govt FAILED the people of New Orleans with his RESPONSE to Katrina!

Common sense and literacy hater!

To Jon, Sacramento

Jon I sense your frustration at others who are disappointed at Bush and the current administration. As I empathize with you, I must say I admire your loyalty as you "back your guy" despite the ill-advised decisions he has made whether it be Katrina, Iraq, Immigration, or whatever. And quite frankly, I feel that if this administration advised that this country do something that you in your heart, had reservations and strong convictions against, you would still stay loyal and support the ultimate decision, simply because you are loyal.

Although I do not agree with your positions (based on your blogs), I do respect that you take a side and defend it whether right or wrong.

I myself live in Sacramento, and would be devastated if the levees broke. I also have flood insurance, and would hope that that alone would be enough to get me through a disaster like that.

-"one that is weak or that falls behind in ability or achievement"-Definition of "lame duck"

Only history will determine if this applies.

The uncivilized mentality that the welfare state has created was exposed to the world after Katrina struck.

What we consider 'normal' behavior in an emergency is behavior that is normal for people who have values and take responsibility to pursue and protect them. People with values respond to a disaster to fighting against it and doing whatever it takes to overcome the difficulties they face. They don't sit around and complain that the government hasn't taken care of them.

What about criminals and welfare parasites? Do they worry about saving their homes and property? They don't because they don't own anything. Do they worry about what is going to happen to their business or how they're going to make a living? They never worried about those things before. Do they worry about crime and looting? Living off of stolen wealth is a way of life for them.

People living in piles of their own trash, while complaining that other people aren't doing enough to take care of them, and then shooting at those who come to rescue them is a perfect summary of the 40-year history of the welfare state and its public housing projects.

How and why Bush is continually blamed for this mess is a mystery to me. Simply fodder for the liberal welfare-loving left.

Funding? Where's the funding for Katrina victims? Your overweight Democrats spent all moneies to repair Katrina's damages. Go ahead and check it out for yourself.

President Bush didn't know that a category 5 hurricane was going to destroy New Orleans.

That is one of Bush Lies. He claimed that he did not know how strong Katrina was, but you have video Bush and Cheney having a conference with the head of the Hurricane Center that took place over 24 hours before Katrina hit N.O. On the video you hear the President being told that Katrina was a Category 5. Bush knew how strong of a storm it was, but did very little. Look for yourself

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8SOXNeHZUDI

New Orleans is a shame to the entire country, not just Lousiana. It may well go down in history as one of the most shameful acts of our time, letting our own die and live in homes with no roofs, water, or sewer, all the while spending BILLIONS in Iraq to rebuild another country. Some people love to point out that these people haven't tried to help themselves, but what do they have to help themselves with? They have no home, no job, nothing. SHAME ON BUSH FOR LETTING IT HAPPEN, SHAME ON THE GOVERNOR, SHAME ON THE MAYOR AND SHAME ON ALL OF US FOR SITTING BACK AND WATCHING IT. This would never have happened in a different area of the country, say Texas!

David ~ Salinas,

You wrote, "I don’t hate President Bush. I just don’t think he’s up to doing the job we hired him for"

David, where you are being dishonest is how you point the finger at ONE person (President Bush) and want to heap fault on him. You ignore the responsibilities of individual citizens to have insurance against catastrophes such as flooding. You ignore the cities responsibility for helping rebuild. You ignore the state's responsibility to ALL the cities impacted.

The only thing that matters to you is blaming the President. And it is because of this singularly biased view, the term Bush Hater seems to apply. WHY ELSE do you ignore all the other parties responsible for "recover"?

Jon -

I don’t hate President Bush. I just don’t think he’s up to doing the job we hired him for, (any more than Michael Brown was qualified to be head of FEMA).

And spending $96 billion doesn’t mean anything if you award the money in no-bid contracts to cronies or throw it away to scam artists or spend it on unused trailers that are left to sink in the mud.

Anyone who takes an honest look at the situation can see that President Bush was totally incompetent in responding to this disaster. Open your eyes and you’ll see it, too.

And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop accusing us of hate, when all we’re doing is respectfully exercising our American right to criticize our elected officials. It’s not our fault that George W. Bush is a poor excuse for a President. We don't hate him. He failed us.

"1) He shouldn't have REFUSED more immediate help from other nations. Cuba and Venezuela, among others, offered almost immediate assistance but were turned down because the U.S. (Dubya) didn’t agree with their policies. Common sense tells me that people drowning, starving, and/or wasting away from communicable diseases due to the flood probably didn’t give a damn about politics."

What was the assistance they were offering? We have thrown all the money we need to fix the problem at New Orleans, more money isn't the answer. So unless they had 1,000 helicopters or volunteers who were going to be in New Orleans the next day searching house to house for survivors any "help" they were offering no matter the intention wasn't going to make the situation better. It isn't about politics.

"2) He shouldn't have had crucial Louisiana National Guardsmen IN IRAQ instead of helping those hurricane victims in New Orleans where they belonged. were over THREE THOUSAND National Guard troops from Louisiana Guard units that should have been IN LOUISIANA that were over in Iraq rebuilding someone else’s infrastructure. National Guard members from other states had to be sent in to make up the difference for 1/3rd of the native troops that were sent to Iraq. One, it took time to get them to the area — and when they did get there, they didn't know their way around, where to look to rescue survivors, etc. When time was of the essence, the essential were half a world away in Iraq."

Obviously when those national guardsmen were sent to Iraq, President Bush didn't know that a category 5 hurricane was going to destroy New Orleans. This would be a valid point if he sent them to Iraq after he knew a hurricane was going to hit the city. Obviously he didn't. You may or may not support the war, but sending troops to fight it is the President's call and has nothing to do with New Orleans. Of course things would have gone smoother if they were there but like I said we are fighting a war and those guardsmen were sent to fight with no knowledge of a hurricane. This point if not valid.

"3) He shouldn't have had Mike "Heckuva job" Brown (a disgraced horse judge with LIES all over his resume) in charge of FEMA."

This point has some validity. However, I believe he was approved by congress. Also I don't really blame them for approving him, how did they know he wouldn’t' do a great job? Additionally, while I am not defending his work in New Orleans I don't really believe there was much more he could have done either. When a category 5 hurricane hits a major city and people are there, this will happen every time. Short of evacuating every citizen, which they refused to leave, there was nothing else they could do. It was a tragic situation that was NOBODY'S FAULT. And no I'm not a blind Bush apologist, I voted for Kerry but the criticism that Bush received for this was unfounded.

La. and N.O. received $90 billion so far, with more on the way. WHAT DID THEY DO WITH THE $90 billion?

Posted By shane, baton rouge, la. : August 29, 2007 11:10 am

It went to a new football stadium. Where the heck have you been?!

In my modest opinion it is shameful that we can spend 400 plus Billion in a useless war overseas and not take care of the homefront.

Politicians... I am sick of politicians!

Let's see....

Responsibility for 'rebuilding' the area is 1) citizen, 2) city, 3) state, 4) federal government.

The Federal Government has spent $96 Billion so far.

And critics want to say "It's President Bush's failure!" ??

Two words – Bush Hater

Patrick, Denver Colorado,

"For those who bash Bush over his handling of Hurricane Katrina, can you name me three specific things he should have done differently that would have made a difference and helped the people there?"

1) He shouldn't have REFUSED more immediate help from other nations. Cuba and Venezuela, among others, offered almost immediate assistance but were turned down because the U.S. (Dubya) didn’t agree with their policies. Common sense tells me that people drowning, starving, and/or wasting away from communicable diseases due to the flood probably didn’t give a damn about politics.

2) He shouldn't have had crucial Louisiana National Guardsmen IN IRAQ instead of helping those hurricane victims in New Orleans where they belonged. were over THREE THOUSAND National Guard troops from Louisiana Guard units that should have been IN LOUISIANA that were over in Iraq rebuilding someone else’s infrastructure. National Guard members from other states had to be sent in to make up the difference for 1/3rd of the native troops that were sent to Iraq. One, it took time to get them to the area - and when they did get there, they didn't know their way around, where to look to rescue survivors, etc. When time was of the essence, the essential were half a world away in Iraq.

3) He shouldn't have had Mike "Heckuva job" Brown (a disgraced horse judge with LIES all over his resume) in charge of FEMA.

You want three MORE?

Any OTHER stupid questions I can help you out with?

Go visit the Vietnamese community in New Orleans. They were flooded out by Katrina, but instead of sitting back and complaining while waiting for a government check, they got to work right after the waters receded and rebuilt their neighborhood. It's now rebuilt and they are successfully living and working again. Why is no one in the press pointing this out? Why is everyone still blaming the troubles in N.O. on a lack of federal handouts?

Three things Bush should have done differently:
1. He should have appointed somebody with merit as head of FEMA
2. He should have made sure the Levees were strong enough to withstand a hurricane like Katrina
3. As soon as it was obvious that New Orleans would be hit, (which was a few days before Katrina made landfall) he should have ordered an evacuation and prepared a suitable shelter.

I realize that Governor Blanco was also to blame for the third one but the federal government could have helped with that.

GW We love you in Wichita KS,

The government doesn't HAVE to take care of anybody. It also doesn't HAVE to take federal tax dollars from them then either.

It's the federal governments choice – either use the money you took for what's in the taxpayer's best DOMESTIC interest or don't help them, don't take any from them at all and kiss that source of income good bye!

What's it gonna be?

Rebuild the coasts and then develop levee systems that work. From what I have read, the Army Corps of Engineers has done the minimal job needed and none of the coastal rebuilding. It is only contemplating getting rid of the misguided ditch they dug for shipping. Apparently, this ditch was responsible for alot of the flooding.

New Orleans should not even be thinking about rebuilding neighborhoods in sinking and below-sea level areas (Ninth Ward). I'm sorry but if the area keeps flooding then it is time to move it. Expecting the tax payers to keep picking up the bill for New Orleans citizens' repeated mistakes of building in these areas, for the sake of history, is stupid.

The rebuilding should be slow so that it is done properly and with the knowledge that it is done correctly with the environment in mind.

Don't tell me no lies and keep your hands to yourself . .

New Orleans voted Nagin back into office.

Whats your problem with the Katrina response??

Why is it that people who are dependent on the government to take care of them, and feel it is there god given right, complain the most about how the government is treating them?? While on the other hand folks that haev never depended on the government for there next meal, are more apprecative for the governments help when they need it.

I was driving around Biloxi/ Gulfport area last Saturday and it still looks like downtown Baghdad. Many buildings still destroyed, hundred houses that were along the gulf are gone, only the foundations are left. It still looks like a third world city. Is it wonderful that President Bush will give anything to the Iraqis,but wont put Americans first. If the President and the Republicans really cared about America, the gulf states would have been rebuilt by now.

What's with all the Bush-bashing, he wouldn't lie to us ...again

Bush has visited New Orleans 15 times, and the federal government has given $114 billion for the recovery efforts, what more can you want from the federal government? Now it is up to the state and local government to fix this mess. For those who bash Bush over his handling of Hurricane Katrina, can you name me three specific things he should have done differently that would have made a difference and helped the people there?

La. and N.O. received $90 billion so far, with more on the way. WHAT DID THEY DO WITH THE $90 billion?

These two look like they're about to soul kiss. It would be more apt if they each took a turn bending over and offering their hind-ends to each other. The huge FUBAR of a evacuation before the levees broke is ALL on Nagin. Voting him back in means ya'll deserve what you get in N.O. from here on out.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about this place"

Caption for the picture: Bush helps Mayor Nagin get his head on straight.

nice picture with the article...Kiss him! Kiss him!

If Bush is so interested in helping New Orleans, why doesn't he put his presidential library there instead of in Dallas. It seems that New Orleans could really use the jobs and economic stimulation that building a presidential library would create. Dallas doesn't need another forum for right-wing propaganda.

They look like they are about to kiss.

Let the mindless Bush bashing begin..

The 33% are living in a dream world!

Absolutely PHONY political rehtoric on BUSH'S part. (he was then, as he is Now a disaster as a president )

And WHY do the two of them BUSH,and Lara fly in on seperate planes?

Utterly Pathethic!!! The Headlines should read "KING,and QUEEN" BUSH have arrived in their private planes, payed by the AMERICAN taxpayer's, all bow!! down!!)

The bottom line is that we have ignored the facts the fact is that we have been able to find all the money needed for Iraq but we can not find money for the people who pay taxes who live in this country who are United States Citizens. What does it mean that President Bush is in this state, nothing at all.

It was my understanding that levees were being rebuilt only to their pre-Katrina strength to withstand a Cat 3 storm, so is it true that "the levee systems are better and stronger than they've ever been in the history of New Orleans"? If not, another Cat 4 or 5 would destoy what's left again.

Where is the $114 billion? That is A LOT of mulah. I was in New Orleans in July and drove through the entire city including the Lower 9th Ward. Didn't hear any hammers or trucks, nada. In fact, caved in houses still remain on some properties. A gentleman operating a relief effort out of a tent informed me the local government was levying fines against the homeowners if their grass wasn't cut....I believe $100 per week for every week the grass was high. I did not independently verify this but if it is true it means that the displaced folks who have only a piece of property and maybe a caved in house will ultimately owe the local government probably the value of their homes by the time they are able to return and pitch a tent. I am sure this will be deducted from the value the government wants to pay to purchase this land from the owners in order to rebuild condos and make way for cruise ships to come in (this is what I heard from the people in and around various parts of New Orleans...not verified). If this is true, it is despicable, right in there with the insurance companies (remember, wind first then storm surge then breach of levees, then flood, hence is wind damage).

So politicians in LA and MS, where is the alleged $114 billion? May we the people who paid that sum see the spreadsheet of where, what. to whom, and when it was spent? I am ashamed when I see where it has NOT been spent.

And what is this "over $96 billion which has been disbursed or is available for the states to draw from.”
Is this FEMA money? Who is holding the checkbook? Has everyone who is eligible and applied been taken care of now two years later? Another spreadsheet is in order.

How much of all these funds went to LA and MS, respectively? We the people of the country have a right to an accounting, ESPECIALLY when we see the mess New Orleans is still in, some homes still standing but ravaged and falling down, the empty lots with grass grown so high the vermin flourish (not to mention the monetary fines), the people who are still unable to return because they have no home/tent/FEMA trailer to return to, much less the help to rebuild (or even purchase a tent).

Prior to the last 6 years, I always had great pride in this country and felt we were a caring people, practicing what Jesus taught...judge not lest thou be judged, help those less fortunate...

I pray the country will wake up and demand accountability from our elected leaders and demand that they act in the people's best interests and not make us a party to their shameful behavior.

Moreover, I pray that the people of this country will stop just preaching religion and judging others, but rather will start practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ.

(and spare me the "well if those people had evacuated, or if they were so stupid to have homes there then they deserve it, or if they had adequate insurance, all their fault, blahblah...I don't recall any teachings of Jesus placing blame on the victims to escape our humanitarian responsibility to our fellow man...a responsibility not born of self-interests, but rather that which should be born of our love for each other as human beings)

I hope the national light shines bright on New Orleans and the Gulf coast until this travesty is acknowledged, apologized for and corrected.

Standing there looking pretty is great, but how can you with a straight face stand in New Orleans and be proud of your successes when we have still not buried the bodies of the victims due to lack of funds and after 2 years most of the city has still not returned to normalcy. Time for Andersen Cooper to start "Keeping them Honest"

I'm glad that President Bush has found time to visit this area...I'm not going to preach that "it's about time." But as a leader of THE MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY ON EARTH its about time...I understand that the Iraq "war" is important...But let's help the citizens that the government is meant to protect/serve first...I would bet my enlisted pay that if Katrina happened in the Arabian Gulf that they would get the needed aid deserving...Don't say I don't know...I've seen Biloxi...Plenty of FEMA trailers still there...We are the most powerful nation in the world...Why are the citizens of our nation...that contribute to the welfare of our nation...still in trailers?...Its 2007...Recognize how the government has acted...See for yourself...Don't depend on CNN/MSNBC/FOX to bring it to you...they are more concerned about the "what is now news." America needs to help Amercan's first before anybody else...

The first rescue team to arrive in New Orleans was a team from Vancouver, BC. Check the map. How could Americans have let those people suffer for so long before they arrived??

What the city really needs it not an improved levee system – but coastal restoration to protect our city from future storm surges. Priorities need to be put in proper order.