Mother Nature and George

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Originally uploaded by mysterious chicken.

That nature can be beautiful and deadly at the same time is nothing new. From before the days of Pompeii, to last December’s Tsunami, we are reminded again that, though beautiful, Mother Nature can be a ruthless killer. And in the face of her most violent outbursts, humans can only hope to learn from past mistakes, try to take precautions to diminish the effects of natural disasters, and make preparations for dealing with the worst.

One thing Hurricane Katrina will remind us all about is the real need of money and resources here in America at a time like this. While floodwaters rose, George Bush went to San Diego to try and equate his war of choice in Iraq to World War II. Now that he’s finally turning his attention from his self-made disaster to the one Mother Nature has dealt us, don’t expect him to talk much about how his budget slashes Hurricane preparedness spending, or remind us that 35% of the Louisiana National Guard is serving in Iraq. Will he wonder if his actions made Katrina’s blow worse? I doubt it.

We can’t avoid Mother Nature’s wrath. But George Bush’s we brought on ourselves.

Bush and Katrina: A time for action, not aloofness
New Hampshire Union Leader Editorial, 8/31/05

Waiting for a Leader
New York Times Editorial, 9/1/05

with thanks to The Progress Report for the numbers