KATRINA - IS ANYONE SHOCKED ...

... by the ineptness of federal and Louisiana state officials in relieving the human crisis in New Orleans?

If you are, read Daniel Henniger's piece in this morning's Opinion Journal ... you are not alone. Even if you are not, read it! He opens with this ...

The response to Hurricane Katrina suggests we are not very good at it.

I predict, if Friday doesn't see a major shift in relief for the "huddled masses," we'll see riots by Sunday night.

O LORD, You are God and we are fallen creatures; for You O King, all things are possible ... in spite of our best efforts we have failed our people in a time of intense need. It is up to You Almighty God to reach these poors souls with what they need. Clear the fog from the minds of those in charge of the relief, destroy the red tape which blocks all the pathways, and consume those who are attempting to profit from this horrible natural disaster.

God, my prayer is that You balance the scales of justice and mercy after "the least of these" is taken care of ... hesitate, not in the midst of this governmental nightmare, to quiet the winds and still the sea of chaos for the benefit of the needy. Take from me, O God, all that I have and give to those who will see Your hand in their supply.

_______

UPDATE:

WaPo criticism - Planning, Response Are Faulted
Times-Picyune News - 100 Dead Post-roof Rescue
CNN report - Buses turned away at AstroDome