Bush will speak at 5pm Eastern time today (that's in 10 minutes or so)

Check out this article written 5 years ago.

I lived in New Orleans for two months. I almost moved there a couple of years ago, but decided instead to come home to Los Angeles. I love the city so much, and this is so, so heartbreaking. So many people’s lives lost or irrevocably changed. So much stunning architecture and history, erased. Even for those not left homeless, their livelihoods are likely gone.

I feel grateful to have been a part of the city for a brief time. And that I’ve had the opportunity to visit there since. I often dream about the city, and have always thought about moving back, because there's just something so magical about it (in addition to it also being very often crime-ridden and filthy). I cannot imagine, my residence being so brief, how people who have lived there for many years, or their whole lives, must be feeling. Or even how my good friend, Alli, must feel. Two years ago she moved there, met her husband there, had her first child there, and fortunately moved away to Baton Rouge a few months before this disaster.

A sacked sculpture, a sacked building, these things happen from time to time. Poltical unrest. Terrorist attacks. Protests. But, goodness, a natural disaster sacks an entire city and so much is lost. Not even thinking about the economical ramifications, New Orleans is a treasure for so many reasons. There’s something different about that city’s energy, something so uniquely its own. The idea that it could really all be lost? You can rebuild a city, of course, but….so much of that almost unearthly quality about the place will very likely be gone forever. I hope not, but man. Man!

It must be so weird to have lived in a place that has been waiting for something like to happen. The city has been almost waiting to become the next Atlantis for years. But even confronted with this possibility, it always just seemed unlikely. Like, how bad could it really be?

Bad, apparently.

I just spoke with a friend who has a lot of family in central Mississippi. They have been told that they will have no power or water for at least 1-3 months. The effects of this storm cover a huge area.

I also never got to visit NO and I am horribly saddened by this fact. It was always on my must see list for the wonderful food and jazz, and just for the wonderful history. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that I will never see the French Quarter the way it was.

I'm not sure any of us can really comprehend the long term implications that this destruction will have. It's just horrific.

It's only been two days and already it's getting out of control in New Orleans. It's frightening how fast our civilized society breaks down in such a situation. How incredibly frustrating and very frightening this is for all involved. I've read a few reports on the world response, such as it is, and it's largely predictable. The Islamic wingnuts have made Katrina an official member of the Jihad, and are rejoicing per usual. Citizens from Switzerland have been extremely kind, and are asking where they can donate to help the relief. There are other countries doing the same, which makes me feel a bit more kindly disposed towrd them, but some of the comments coming out of places like Holland are unnecessary and innappropriate. ("We know how to build these things- what's wrong with those Americans?") Still, it's nice to know that some countries see this for the tragedy it is, and instead of laying blame or gloating, are offering a helping hand.

Silly jihadists. Everyone knows that Pat Robertson, with an assist from He Who Can Kick Allah's Ass, controls the natural disasters in this country.

Speaking of wingnuts...

Link

Apparently the gods were angered by all the celebratin'...

Yeah, because the Catholics celebrating Mardi Gras are so boring and staid.

While initially I was really pissed off about the looting going on, I realized that this is only a small part of our society. While I am saddened by the loss of life, property and basic neccessities of life that so many people are having to deal with, I am also reminded of what a great country we live in. The outpouring of help from all around this country in the form of money, food, supplies, anything has been just tremendous. When we face a crisis, we are able to rally and support our fellow man.

Sure there are opportunists who are taking advantage of the situation (we received a junk fax today made to look like a "Notice to all Employees - in regards to Hurricane Katrina" - it was a solicitation to sell discounted trips to the Bahamas!), overall, we as a people are stepping up and doing everything that we can as individuals and groups.

Don't let the small stuff get you down. Let people deal with their own Karma. Focus on the positive things people are doing and do what you can to help the people in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi who need it!