Central Scrutinizer

There is protocol, regardless of the disaster -- and regardless of coastal hurricanes or other types. Same ressponse from a Category 1 hurricane. The disaster area is evacuated and the federal government takes over. The transition to local and state is coordinated and -- when it works -- is usually seamless. I tell you the truth, in some cases rescue and relief agencies, such as the United Methodist Committee on Relief, have as much of a role initially in efforts as local and state officials. At the end of the day we are all individually responsible. Does that mean Katrina was my fault?

"Does your so-called smog cause global warming?"

Echoing a pragmatic point -- not ensuring a "war free" president, which was the point being made. "Sorry guv'nor, we're fresh out of oil ..."

I have served on disaster management boards. This is a bit out of order. It's actually 1) local government, plan of evacuation, protection of citizens 2) individual -- follow plan, get the butt out. 3) federal government is first into the scene, determines level and type of problems. Coordinates downard through FEMA with Red Cross, disaster response, state and local government. City nor state is allowed on the scene until fed says it's o.k. to do so.

True, as well as the fine local congressman, Sen. William J. Jefferson. However federal response trumps all in a national disaster. When the state declares a disaster that surrenders control to the federal government and FEMA. The buck stopped (or dropped) there.

Each person, regardless of party, race, creed (yada, yada, yada) is driven and motivated by the exact same things. Each person acts based on the content of their character and their ability to rise above those who attempt to mold or shape, or rise to a position to mold and shape, our culture. Each person is susceptible to emotion, passion and temptations. b2 is reacting to the election as he does -- and perhaps it's a good thing because he is approaching from outside of the constraints and compromises of the two-party system we find ourselves in -- where you compromise what you believe with th

I'm not quite sure I understand what you're saying here. History was made last night. History was made when Bush was elected. History was made when Clinton was elected, Carter, Reagan, Nixon etc. etc. If "the course of history" was changed by, say Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson -- strictly the basis of color -- would it be equally "amazing and for good." You are elated and excited, but please put what you're saying within context.

Bush gutted FEMA, placed a patronage person at it's head and failed to fund shoring up and rebuilding the levies. He sent the Reservists to Iraq so that they had to move military from the Northeast over days rather than having sufficient numbers on hand. To show his concern, they touchingly filmed Bush looking out his airplane window at the devastation -- from thousands of feet above it all. The Republicans didn't cause Katrina. But the Bush administration royally screwed up in its aftermath. This is bias, but the fact that New Orleans is democratic based likely added to the weak and unc

I think b2 is being pragmatic. As high as you feel now, a week of the opponents' propaganda is going to lead to some fierce negativity. That's assuming that everyone will pay as much attention to the RNC. To ignore it, one would be guilty of what they've held up against the opposition here and elsewhere over the past few years.

I understand what you mean. I felt that on the night Bill Clinton spoke at the 92 DNC, and the Thomason-produced video about "Hope, Ark."

I like how he turned the cliche breakup line on its head: "It's not me, it's you."

I always assumed they'd use sugar beets, which are easier to deal with. That said, algae ponds, through hydroponics, can be built like plants. This was explored decades ago as an approach to creating food for the starving -- algae tofu!

"I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts."

Two words:

Wilco. Now.

True. And you see what happened to Dan ...

You could complain that JFK got his PT boat run over (or was that Cliff Robertson?). Two wrongs don't make a right. But Republicans complaining about anyone besmerching McCain's record is pot kettle black: Swift Boat. That said you would think this stuff should be off limits. Bush got a relatively free pass (other than Fehrenheit 9/11) on his military record, while Clinton took his knocks for lack of. The winner will be the commander in chief, of course. Military record is not off limits, but should be addressed with a degree of deference.

McCain, despite his record, stayed on the job. Bush didn't. I would suggest everyone (self included) if you make specific comments about a candidate, you need to cite specifics. Any Dems can remember how annoying the term "flip flopper" was. Cite the specific issue and how he changed his position. Just passing it off as past history fails to enlighten someone who doesn't know that specific detail. We all benefit.

Well, technically, Bill Clinton was doing his job too ...

RIP

"If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"

Thank you for beating me to it. You are not exaggerating.

"Animal Makeover TV"?!? A channel crying out for the Red Green Show.

Or you could lock them in rooms with Jim Everett and Ozzie Guill