[doug from upland]

The charges that the President cut funding for the levee projects because of the war in Iraq, and that caused this catastrophe was debunked --

"These (projects) were not funded at the full ability of the Corps of Engineers to execute the project," said Lt. Gen. Carl Strock, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers. "But the important question is, 'Would that have made a difference?' And my assessment is, no, it would not."

Now, it appears that it was Gov. Blanco who did not have her National Guard deliver food and water for 3-4 days.

[concerned about politics]

WT????? The state Homeland Security Department had requested--and continues to request--that the American Red Cross not come back into New Orleans following the hurricane. Our presence would keep people from evacuating and encourage others to come into the city.”

Louisiana Gov Kathleen B. Blanco controls both the Louisiana National Guard and the state Homeland Security Department. Through both entities she is keeping the Red Cross out of this desperate city.

She furthermore announced in her news conference Friday night that she was immediately forming a new state based Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation and requesting that contributions be sent there for the relief effort (Send the money to HER new foundation instead of the Red Cross????)