Here in Michigan I have seen and talked to a lot of people in the last few days and the truth, maybe sadly, is that they aren't really following this except in the broad strokes (a devastating natural disaster with tens of thousands of displaced people and confusion over why people were shooting at rescuers). At the end of the day they can't separate the cause (the hurricane) from the rescue effort. And that's going to continue because of the long road ahead...they will judge on the rebuilding and care for the displaced, not the few days in between.
That is true of the majority of the country. In affected areas like Alabama, Miss, LA and Texas they will judge competance of leaders and this is why in LA (both Rep and DEM) are terrified.
but yes, Americans are sensible and know that man in majority cannot stop mother nature. It is arrogance to state otherwise.
Wharves damaged
Harbor Police Chief Robert Hecker said Wednesday afternoon that there was "a lot of damage" on port property around the wharves, but life-saving and security duties are taking precedence over a close assessment of how serious the damage might be.
“There is obviously a lot of damage -- light poles and trees down -- but
hopefully none that can’t be repaired,” Hecker said.
He said two ships were in port when the storm hit and neither reported damage.
Some of his officers have been operating the department’s two boats
the past two days, helping New Orleans police in life-saving efforts,
particularly in the 9th Ward, Hecker said.
Others are guarding the port against looting, none of which has been reported so far, Hecker said. Some administrative personnel have been allowed to go check on their own homes, he said.
As far as damage to the port, he said, The port of New Orleans is closed for at least the rest of this week. “I don’t know how far into next week” it will be closed, he said. “It depends on the flood-waters.”
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_Times-Picayune/archives/2005_08.html
TWO BOATS