[IronJack]

The difference between the aftermath of Katrina and that of 9/11 is that the horror arising from the former was compounded by our own failings, while the inspiration that came from the latter arose from our strengths. In the end, the disgrace of Katrina is not the hurricane, but the fact that we did so much of the damage to ourselves.

Instead of rising to the challenge, the way Americans are wont to do (or at least believe we are), we collapsed beneath it.

This is not our finest hour.

[tiki]

Hey, I wasn't anywhere near NO so don't include me.

[sgtbono2002]

Sorry Ironjack, but who are you calling WE. WE didnt do any damage , I am not in New Orleans shooting at police or looting. WE didnt collapse beneath this thing, New Orleans lower level of citizens are to blame.

WE are doing all WE can to help.
WE are taking people into our cities even after many of them showed they couldnt behave like humans at the Super Dome.
WE are sending all the help WE can muster to help people who dont seem to be deserving of a lot of help.
You say it isnt OUR finest hour, I say when WE have watched how many in this city have behaved and still WE help them perhaps it is OUR finest hour. It is certainly not a day when I would want to be called a resident of New Orleans the Sodom on the Mississippi.

[roses of sharon]

Our? The US?

More like proof that the socialist state of LA does not work on ANY level. None.

[Day Kay]

Instead of rising to the challenge, the way Americans are wont to do (or at least believe we are), we collapsed beneath it. This is not our finest hour. I beg to differ. This is not New Orleans finest hour. Other Americans are rushing to their aid; our city in Texas has taken on thousands of refugees - we've displaced church activities, ball games, after school programs - changed our entire daily life routine - to help these people. The basketball teams are now serving lunch to these people; the churches are providing food, shelter, clothing and giving up their service times; money, gift cards, medicine, etc. are pouring in from the people here. I've never been prouder of the folks in this town. It is just flat out wrong to say that America is failing when we have seen OTHER American cities respond to natural disaster without the rape, murder, and massive looting that is taking place in New Orleans. While no one will argue that the level of destruction is the same - N.O. is MUCH worse due to the massive flooding which has totally crippled the city infrastructure - most should also argue that the crime which is taking place is a reflection on the population of New Orleans, NOT America as a whole.

[Carolinamom]

Please do not smear all Americans with your "WE" reference. Only SOME are doing the looting, murdering, raping, et. THEY have failed US.

[Howlin]

Instead of rising to the challenge, the way Americans are wont to do (or at least believe we are), we collapsed beneath it. This is not our finest hour.

Utter tripe.