shock

like everyone, i am in a perpetual state of shock. yes, shocked about the disaster in hurricane hit areas, and the appalling results of the man-exacerbated disaster in new orleans, but mostly shocked by the total inadequacy and intentional idiocy of the government's response. the timelines of events are just incredible. here's a simple one and a more detailed one.

i mean, i knew this administration was terrible, but i am still totally appalled by the whole thing. i just can't believe it. and all of the heartbreaking stories of people who survived despite the best efforts of the government. it really is overwhelming.

i hope the tremendous flaws in the structure of our society revealed by this tragedy continue to stay in the forefront of everyone's minds. it is truly time to talk openly, as a country, about why we have a government and what responsibilities that government has to all of its citizens: to protect them from the devastations of poverty, to offer true safety in the face of emergency, and to immediately respond to disasters. i mean, FEMA turned away help!! this whole thing is just totally unbelievable. compare this to the response of FEMA to the minor hurricane Frances, that hit florida during the election campaign. there, FEMA declared miami-dade an emergency area, even though the hurricane did not hit the area.

it all just makes me feel sick. i know i am not saying anything new; really, i'm just speechless.