C. GATSBY'S Weblog: "you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8:32

Bush campaigned last year on securing America from a terrorist attack and assuring all Americans that he would respond to any catastrophe quickly and efficiently. Bush was taken to task on his promises and failed miserably.  We now see that it was another Bush lie. With advance warning of days before Hurricane Katrina's landfall, Bush and his Homeland Security Chief sat idle.

Bush was squandering precious time in San Diego commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Allied victory over Japan, while New Orleans flooded and citizens died. Bush waited until returning from yet another long vacation before commenting on Katrina at the White House. Bush stated that no one could have foreseen the levees breaking. For your information Mr. Bush, your own FEMA placed the levee system on its priority list for emergencies prior to the hurricane. Not to mention that numerous articles in magazines and newspapers foretold doom with regard to New Orleans' levee system since 2002. Also, since 2002, Bush rejected numerous requests by the Army Corp of Engineers and Louisiana's congressional officials to allocate money to reinforce the levees.

Also, Americans have seen the true “flip/flop” man at work.  First, Bush praised Brown during his first tour of Alabama after the storm’s wrath telling him, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job."  Bush also stated that the federal government’s response was good.  Bush’s own Homeland Security Chief stated that New Orleans' reports of suffering at the Superdome were exaggerated.

Now, we find Bush backpedaling, stating after three weeks of numerous deaths and injuries that the response was not adequate and he accepts full responsibility.  Does he really care or is he more concerned about his own popularity and ego?

America needs more capable and honest leadership!

BY CHRISTIAN GATSBY

In 2004, Bush campaigned on continuing to make America strong and safe. We now see that it was another Bush lie. With advance warning of days before Hurricane Katrina's landfall, Bush and his Homeland Security Chief sat idle.

Bush was squandering precious time in San Diego commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Allied victory over Japan, while New Orleans flooded and citizens died. Bush waited until returning from yet another long vacation before commenting on Katrina at the White House. Bush stated that no one could have foreseen the levees breaking. For your information Mr. Bush, your own FEMA placed the levee system on its priority list for emergencies prior to the hurricane. Not to mention that numerous articles in magazines and newspapers foretold doom with regard to New Orleans' levee system since 2002. Also, since 2002, Bush rejected numerous requests by the Army Corp of Engineers and Louisiana's congressional officials to allocate money to reinforce the levees.

To make matters worse, Bush while visiting ravaged Mississippi displayed his arrogance and lack of compassion. Two, crying, African-American women told Bush that they had no clothes for their children, and Bush told them to go "...to the Salvation Army." Distraught, thirsty, hungry victims of Katrina’s wrath don't want to hear this from Bush. They want to know where is the HELP and needed supplies (e.g. water and food) and law and order---LEADERSHIP. Reports of half-filled military trucks with just water and ice are just not enough!

It appears Bush, too, like Louisiana Governor Blanco and N.O. mayor Nagin, lacks the necessary skills and compassion to be an effective leader in times of crisis. Bush has failed the nation once again.

America deserves better than Bush.

God Bless America!

by Christian Gatsby

The numerous deaths and enormous destruction in New Orleans saddens me deeply. Residents were encouraged to evacuate the city two days prior to Katrina's wrath. Some residents did not take heed.

However, I believe the larger problem is why didn't Louisiana Gov. Blanco and New Orleans' Mayor Nagin reinforce the city's levee system prior to the storms' landfall? A few thousands spent on reinforcing the levee system could have prevented flooding in New Orleans, saving numerous lives and countless billions. Also, why were no National Guard forces prepositioned around the city? The police and National Guard should have been instructed to enforce law and order and not to turn a blind eye to looting in the immediate aftermath of the storm. (Eyewitness accounts have New Orleans' police even encouraging looting.) Also, New Orleans' citizens were directed to shelters, such as the Convention Center, and to one's amazement, no one was placed in charge to control the influx of people and maintain order. Finally, shelters should have been planned in other cities with city buses readied for immediate evacuation.

Like Bush who planned poorly for the aftermath in Iraq which has resulted in numerous casualties and a quagmire, Gov. Blanco and Mayor Nagin also poorly planned for the storm resulting in the deaths of many, billions of dollars in loses, and anarchy.

America deserves much better leadership.

by Christian Gatsby
**article published in newspapers including two in Louisiana
(Copy sent to LA Governor...RE: Thank you for your Email. As your Governor I look forward to hearing from you and about the ways we can work together to improve Louisiana.)