I haven't seen this diaried yet so I just wanted to point it out. John Edwards has posted a very moving piece at
tmpcafe
Every single resident will know and care about someone who was lost to this hurricane. But some, ranging from the very poorest to the working class unable to accumulate a cushion of assets to rely upon on a very, very rainy day, will suffer the most because they simply didn't have the means to evacuate. They suffered the most from Katrina because they always suffer the most.
In this moment, we have to remember they are part of us, Americans who love their country and are part of our national community. In this moment, it is hard because our hair is clean and our clothes are washed and our eyes are not glazed with hopelessness. But these are our brothers and sisters, and we have to remember this not just for them, but for us. We must finally recognize that when any of us suffer, we are all weaker; it affects us all.
I am a big fan of John's podcasts over at oneamericacommittee.com When I listen to him (and his family) talk about the plight of the poor in this country I am always left with a sense that Americans TRULY matter to him. He is passionate about helping the less fortunate. How many politicians can we really say that about?
When I read his word after a long day of incoherent Bush ramblings the sadness and thoughts of what could have been are overwhelming.