Beyond Imagination

The effect of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and the surrounding region was, in truth, beyond imagination. Yes, many of the eventualities such as the failure of the levees were anticipated. But unless one had seen for themselves the devastation, the numbers of dead, the conditions of the survivors; it would have been impossible to truly imagine what it would be like.

But far more unimaginable would be the response of our federal government to this catastrophe. The Federal Emergency Management Agency working to obstruct local relief efforts, turning away volunteers and supplies and rescue vehicles in favor of "preferred contractors", even shutting down emergency communication lines without notice or reason? And our President as well, flying into the heart of the disaster area for a appearance at an "emergency feeding station", only to have that station torn down when he left.. a mere prop for political gain, a stage for a quick photo-op. Who could have ever imagined such actions by our government?

Be sure to check out http://www.livejournal.com/community/hurricane_fema for more information on the heinous and inappropriate actions of our federal government in response to this tragedy.