Aftermath

Watching television and the Internet, talking with family members and friends about the devastating aftermath of hurricane Katrina, I am struck by how much of this was predictable -- yet how little of it was prepared for. We can spend six billion dollars a week in Iraq but, somehow, cannot have support systems in place for a disaster that we can watch rolling towards us for days on a satellite weather map. I recall how quickly aid was in place after other hurricanes and yet, three days after Katrina, people are dying of dehydration in New Orleans.

These people need help. They deserve and are entitled to help. The fact that that help is so fatally slow in getting to them is appalling and should call into question (on all levels) the competency and focus of the leadership in this country.

• To offer free shelter, locally, to those in need.
• The American Red Cross.
• FEMA's Katrina donations page.