the Broussard video is up in Windows Media Player format. QT version is coming soon.

[link]

The only difference between the chaos of New Orleans and a Third World disaster operation, he said, was that a foreign dictator would have responded better.

MSNBC is reporting that Afghanistan has donated $100K to us to help with the disaster.

Apparently CUBA has offered aid to us. Fidel Goddamn Castro, people. Is helping America.

So, and I'm asking this in all seriousness, do we think the country could collapse?

No, not entirely. I do see this disaster, combined with the Iraq mess and China's rising economic clout, being part of what makes early 21st century America similar to late 20th century Britain. I think we're on the path to becoming a former superpower and reluctant supporter/dependent of other superpowers. Of course, this is rough opinion, and someone who's more up on political history could probably tear this theory to shreds.

If I were really being cynical, I'd suggest that Bush & Co. would prefer it if the vast majority of refugees died so that they wouldn't have to deal with finding medical care, new homes, jobs, etc. for all those people who will never vote Republican.

MSNBC is reporting that Afghanistan has donated $100K to us to help with the disaster.

Opium, the gift that keeps on giving.

CNN.com had a list of all the nations that have offered us aid in one form or another. It was a rather impressive list.

Apparently CUBA has offered aid to us.

I know. I boggled again. 1100 doctors, I think, is what Fidel was offering.

We'll never take aid from Cuba. It would be admitting the failure of our government to take care of its own.

Communal Living in the Quarter, or how to survive the apocalypse in style.

Reminds me of Walker Percy's Love Among The Ruins.

Which is definitely better than the Lincoln tunnel scene in The Stand which has been running through my brain lately.

Which is definitely better than the Lincoln tunnel scene in The Stand which has been running through my brain lately.

I'm stuck on No Man's Land -- but without the superheroes and colorful criminals.

Oof. I've already been to breakfast, the farmer's market, Trader Joe's, and Draeger's, and I put all the food I bought away.

Of special interest to Plei and ita: Draeger's was selling both Hershey's cocoa, and Hersey's Special Dark Cocoa, which is Dutch-processed. it looks to me like they will be selling both, though I am not sure. I looked at Hershey's web site, and they are now selling both.

Cereal: On the way home, my carpod pulled up the old (1989) John Mellencamp song, Country Gentleman, which he wrote about Reagan.

The first verse is:
Country gentleman walked a crooked mile,
Got our money in his pocket.
Did it all with a very handsome smile.
Now, he's livin' it up in a great big office.
He ain't a-gonna help no poor man.
He ain't a-goona help no poor man.
He ain't a-gonna help no poor man.
He's just gonna help his rich friends.

I was close to rage tears by the time the stupid song ended. Hate that.

Except for Bush's smile being rather a disturbing rictus, imo, sure. I also liked life better when "What's Goin' On?" didn't feel so goddamn current.