I was just in New Orleans last week for business. And I have many business associates in the area - most of which are unaccounted for at present time. I've spent many a night in the Big Easy. And I'm just overwhelmed by the pictures, stories and devastation being reported.

I'm literally speechless as I see footage of people taking advantage of this catastrophic situation by looting. And we're not talking about looting water, food and medicine. We're talking about toys, electronics, etc. And most are doing it with a smile on their face. I just can't comprehend it.

So many times you see things like this (i.e. the tsunami) and it just doesn't hit home. It's a headline. You don't understand because you aren't personally impacted by the tragedy.

I am in the midst of implementing DR plans due to the loss of facilities in the New Orleans area. Yet in the back of my mind - I am thinking of those people I've worked with and come to know and wonder if they are managing to literally keep their heads above water.

I know business and trade must go on, but it just breaks my heart. Events such as this really make you appreciate the simplest things in life like dry clothes, clean water coming out of your faucet, a place to rest my head, and the list just goes on and on.

God bless all of those impacted by Mother Nature's wrath. And may the shroud of safety be with those selfless individuals working nonstop to rescue the stranded.

I'm starting a blog list of responsible bloggers asking the tough questions regarding the rebuilding of New Orleans at Discussions on alternatives to rebuilding New Orleans.

Please point any like minded bloggers that would like to be added to the list over my way at:

http://porkopolis.blogspot.com/2005/08/discussions-on-alternatives-to.html

Part of what has to be done is contact Senators and Congressman to let them know there's another way to help those in need.

Porkopolis

Don't rebuild the same city in the same spot -- at least not in the same way. Try rebuilding the wetlands first and outlawing the canals that have devestated and confused any natural ability of the land to handle these storms.

Have a little respect for reality . . . and then it would be possible to reclaim and rebuild New Orleans.

This is Gods wrath upon the US for killing
civilians around the world.

Mije S.,

Since our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan is saving a direct minimum of 80,000 lives/year when compared to the number of people their previous rulers killed per year, I'd say you need to go find some new talking points.