Is that really America or some third world impoverished country?

I'm not the only one irritated by what I've seen recently in the Katrina disaster. A friend writes from Austin

There's "W" on the TV with his appearance a day or two late and several million dollars short. We have grown to expect his lack of leadership. His speech yesterday provided more proof that he is disconnected and, too many times, clueless. He is supported by a cacophony of politicians and administration wonks first wringing their hands then telling us that all the forces that the US can muster are "on it" as they speak. But of course, the media shows vividly that the catastrophe is broadening, that lawlessness prevails in many parts of N.O., that Americans—our relatives and our friends—are suffering greatly. Is that really America or some third world impoverished country? It is sad to acknowledge that it reminded me of pictures from the tsunami crisis just a few months ago.

You are not "on it", Mr. President. You are –"behind it and in the way of it", just as you were in the weeks and months preceding 911. Being "on it" is providing the leadership that would not have cut the millions in spending that was needed to shore up the levee system in N.O., leadership that would not consistently challenge as heresy the settled world scientific view of global warming, leadership that has too strain to find National Guard troops to help out because you have sent these American men and women to fight a war in Iraq that your own children will not.

It is just a suggestion, but you might consider that the presidency is not just another job where you get perks like flying around on Air Force One and take extended vacations in Crawford. Throw away your tired moniker as a Compassionate Conservative. The media pictures of what is actually happening on the ground and your canned response to a true American crisis prove otherwise.

Yes, America will rise to this challenge. We will beat this crisis in spite of poor leadership. But let us not forget in November 2006 and November 2008.

Thanks, friend, for another clear voice. Indeed, let's not forget our outrage over the current situation in the area devastated by Katrina, especially New Orleans. Take your outrage to the polls, make a difference, vote to change this sorry administration as soon as possible from the ground up at every level. It's not too soon to begin ramping up to the November 2006 elections.