New Orleans... Pray.

The scale of the tragedy unfolding in New Orleans almost defies belief... as North Americans, we're very smug in our complacency that things like this do not happen here. We've raised NIMBYism to an artform, and that includes natural disasters. North America is the safe part of the world; here, civilized behavior is the standard. Lawlessness is not something that we have to worry about all that much. Until now. Looting, shooting at cops and rescue workers, relief helicopters. This is a good example of how it seems that our technology is what makes us civilized isn't it?

I have two co-workers that got caught down in N.O.L.A. The last word from them was back on Tuesday morning when we learned that they were moved to the Superdome (ala Superdorm). We all heaved a collective sigh of relief, surely if there was anyplace in NOLA that the authorities would ensure was kept in control it would be this place. Now, it looks like that relief was premature... at least until the Guard reaches it in useful numbers and can restore order.

Worst case scenario? The mind shudders away from the thought... but you have to think that 60,000 plus people are in that area, and without adequate supplies of fresh water... the magic 72 hours are almost gone.

I've already donated to the Red Cross; there is not much else that one can do when you're this far from the disaster. I hope that the massive relief efforts reach the people most in need as soon as possible.

God Bless, and Regards,

Mark