New Orleans is sinking

New Orleans is sinking, not just in the literal sense, but it is sinking in the social aspect too. Massive hurricane, vast amounts of water with no place to go, riots, looting, gunfire. This is "Lord of the Flies", but in fast-forward mode.

The city is obliterated. Thousands of people are homeless. Thousands of people are missing. Thousands of people are dead or dying. The very lifeblood of their existence is the very thing that is wiping them out. Water is peaceful, water is deadly.

The government response was disgraceful. In my opinion, I feel that because it took the government so long to react to the needs of the city, that it is the root of the violence. I would be just as angry if my Canadian governement had the reflexes of the Bush parade. I can understand why the chaos started. When a society is abandoned or feels abandoned by their governing power, they feel that they have no choice but to defend themselves. Their ego overtakes their id and common sense is lost and chaos erupts.

I heard that Bush was going down to New Orleans to help. How does grinning and waving like a monkey help them get their lives back on track?