In a crisis -- government is the problem and not the solution

By Aussiegirl

Let's face it. What we are seeing is not only the breakdown of civilized behavior in New Orleans, we are seeing the breakdown of the veneer of governmental competence.

The reality is that it is and always has been the hard work, enterprise and creativity of the American individual which has made this country great. Ronald Reagan was right -- government is usually the problem and not the solution.

But now we see that in a crisis, supposedly just the kind of crisis the government has been preparing for since 9/11, precisely the sort of crisis which is beyond the capability of the individual entrepeneur or private citizen to handle, precisely the kind of crisis the government is supposed to handle -- we see laid bare that the government is useless. We see private individuals, organizations and churches doing their best, but government tells us to be patient, to send money and that they understand our pain.

What have they been spending all those billions of dollars on since the creation of the Department of Homeland security? Obviously nothing except office buildings and salaries and loads of useless publications and meetings.

When a crisis of the proportions of a major terrorist attack occurs we have stalling and passing of the buck, and explanations why this or that can't be done on time. All these empty suits (yes of both parties -- let's drop the blame game -- there's more than enough to go around for both parties and let's not kid ourselves) are primarily interested in lining their own pockets, feathering their nests, passing obscene pork barrel legislation that builds bridges to nowhere, and in amassing war chests so they can run again and again. They are useless to run an animal shelter, much less run an entire country.

God help us all when the terrorists choose to strike -- stock up now, get your guns to protect yourself, and have a plan, because government is not going to be there to help you, or tell you what to do when the time comes.

But you can be sure that the Bubba and Pappy roadshow will be there with their tin cups outstretched giving us platitudes about people being naturally impatient waiting for the government to save their lives.

Here are today's DRUDGE REPORT 2005

headlines -- does it look like anyone is in charge?

New Orleans Mayor Issues 'Desperate SOS'...
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Police say storm victims being raped, beaten inside Convention Center...

NYT THURSDAY: There are signs of complete social breakdown, experts and locals say, a descent into a kind of predatory violence... Developing...
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GUNMEN TARGET MEDICAL CONVOY...

Doctors plead for help as hospitals run out of food, power...
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Bush will travel Friday to the region...

Taps Father, Clinton for Relief Help...
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Miss. Struggles to Deal With Dead Bodies...

'HEALTH EMERGENCY' DECLARED...

LEVEE REPAIRS UNDERWAY...

BATTLE FOR NEW ORLEANS...

More Navy Ships Headed to the Gulf Coast...
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BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS -- FROM SPACE...

Spy satellites aid Hurricane Katrina recovery...
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Police: Man Kills Sister Over Bag Of Ice...
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Katrina Damage Could Hit $50 Billion...
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Kuwaiti official: 'The terrorist Katrina' is a soldier of Allah'...
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At Least Ten U.S. Airports Face Closure Due to Jet Fuel Shortages...
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Gas surges again as rationing fears grow...

Lines clog roads, stations in N Carolina...

Deliveries Falter...