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I do humbly disagree Wendy. As GD pointed out, her issues are more in line with the response from the government, both state and local. And as sleepyjeff stated, it wasn't after the fact that Americans nationwide sprang into action. Medical teams started to gear up as the storm was making landfall. Supplies were being pulled together before there was any indication of how severe the situation was. It was apparent from the night before, when I first saw any news about Katrina, that this was going to be a disaster. The weather service plainly stated that ahead of time, and around the country groups began getting ready. I’m sure that if the local government hadn’t drug their feet the Red Cross would have been in New Orleans before the winds even fully died. So no, I do not agree that the outpouring of support came after the fact. And that is why I take personal offense to Ms. Rice’s statement. If she were complaining about the governmental response to the situation I would stand right beside her, but she specifically addressed her comments to “her country” and accused us all of turning a blind eye and dismissing the victims there. That simply did not happen, and it’s disrespectful to every American who has sent checks to the Red Cross or Salvation Army, collected clothing and supplies, or put their lives on hold to run down and rescue people they’ve never met to say that. This has been a national tragedy, regardless of where it was located, and from the first moments it has seen a national response. I do sympathize with her and what she must be feeling right now, but I hope that you’re right and that she does amend her comments, because Ms. Rice needs to get some perspective on who she’s talking about.
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