Eventually, perhaps, all the living will be brought out of the dying hell that has become New Orleans. Those that clung to life, that had the strength or the fortitude to survive, or the care of someone to help them - those are the fortunate ones.
Many thousands no doubt have suffered a far worse fate. Abandoned to the rising waters, the toxic gumbo, the snakes, ants and detritus - perished in fear.
In the days ahead, when we bring out these dead it will be our national shame.
Unlike 9/11 where most bodies were incinerated where they stood or sat - these dead will be in full view, save for their souls departed.
The bodies will be bloated from the water and the heat, decaying, eaten by rats and birds.
And the nation will ask why ? WHY ?!
Many of these victims of negligence would have survived, indeed did survive the hurricane and it's immediate aftermath, but they couldn't survive the callous disregard for their plight there-after. Few could.
For days, no doubt bouyed knowing they lived in the richest, most powerful country on the planet. The most powerful there has ever been. Knowing their country would not desert them - until the desperation and despair came. They had been deserted - they were being left to die.
While politicians and beurocrats filled forms in in triplicate and procrastinated on what to do, peoples lives slipped away. Last breaths were breathed, eyes glazing over, lips cracking, stomachs bloating - their hands held by a loved one doomed to the same fate.
Salvation was only miles away, now those places of refuge will be their graves - and our reminder.
We will remember how our government failed them and left them to die. How our government pointed fingers and looked to obfuscate the blame, save careers and direct contracts to big donors.
I will remember the shame i feel now, the shame of my government, of my country.
When we bring out those dead, we must never forget. And it must never happen again.