Thoughts on Katrina

Just watched a political discussion about Katrina. A couple of things that strike me about that entire situation.

1) From a strategic/economic standpoint, New Orleans is vitally crucial to this country as the port at the mouth of the Mississippi River. A lot of commerce from up and down the Mississippi river (not to mention oil from the Gulf) depend on the port system around New Orleans.
So, now I ask, why did such a strategically important city have such a SHITTY levee system. EVERYONE knew that the levee system was designed for nothing worse than a Level 3 hurricane. Probably would have been a smart thing to pork that puppy on up to a Level 4... or better yet, level 5 hardiness. Why didn't the Federal government step up to the plate and make sure that was done? I tend to be somewhat of a Libertarian and don't like the Federal Government getting involved with everything, but I think this was an exception - simply because of the economic importance of this area to the entire U.S....and the whole thing could have probably been built for about the same amount of money that we spend in a week on the Iraq war.

2) What is it with many of the people there who, granted, were knocked on their asses by this catastrophe, BUT who then proceeded to spend the next many weeks and months sitting on their asses whining about not enough help coming from the Federal Government. Some of them are STILL sitting on their asses in hotel rooms wondering when they're gonna get more help. I've got news... there ain't no more help. I suggest you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start over. Quit laying blame, and quit asking for a handout. Life is tough.. all of us have obstacles to overcome, some bigger than others. Move somewhere else. Find a job. Rent an apartment. Save some money. Buy some furniture, etc etc etc. It's just life. I can feel sorry that you've had your life turned upside down. But when I don't see you helping yourself, how can you expect me or anyone else to help you?

Had to get that off my chest. hehe