If you've been paying attention, you couldn't help but notice the terrible disaster that has befallen the Gulf Coast. Millions are without power. Thousands of homes will surely be lost. Hundreds may die. The economic hardship will be felt throughout the nation. To many, Hurricane Katrina represents the materialization of their worst fears.
Everywhere you look, Americans are doing their part to help in the relief efforts. One typical response mechanism in similar times has been the mobilization of National Guard units.
For instance, the first President Bush sent over 30,000 troops to Florida - to say nothing of at least 6,000 Guardsmen activated - to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. By comparison, this President Bush has called 3,500 Louisiana National Guardsmen to action so far. That's 3,000 less than are available. In Mississippi, the Chicago Tribune also reported, 850 of at least 7,000 Guardsmen were mobilized. In Alabama, so far only 350 of more than 9,800 Guardsmen have been activated.
Of course, you fight disaster with what you've got at hand. Many of each state's National Guardsmen are fighting in Iraq. What's more, equipment that would better suited aiding relief efforts -
amphibious vehicles, for example - are instead deployed in Iraq, where they are ill-suited and ill-armored for desert duty.
Do I blame President Bush for Hurricane Katrina? Of course I don't. Are his actions in its aftermath open to criticism? Of course they are. The president is a leader who is supposed to be strongest and most steadfast in a time of national crisis.
After September 11, remember, each and every one of us looked to Washington for support during trying times. This week, millions near the Gulf will do the same, looking for guidance and assistance. There is precedent; prior to the 2004 election, Bush traveled to hurricane-ravaged Florida to show support. Will Bush do the same when the political stakes aren't as high but the human cost couldn't be higher?
Bush, sadly, began this week on the wrong foot. He spent a scant 200 words of a 1,000-word speech speaking about the impending disaster, instead shifting his focus to Iraq.
Yesterday and today, Bush is in the midst a two-state western swing to speak about Medicare and Iraq, scrambling to higher political ground as the waters of dissatisfaction rise. In the coming days, as actual waters rise and real conditions worsen, further Bush missteps will have a much worse outcome.