Go look at Jack's blog for a post about a recent NPR story we heard. They compiled a blow-by-blow audio account of what happened before and after Katrina struck, how people responded, etc., and it's a really good listen for some factual reporting. Based on what I've heard about Michael Brown (former FEMA director) and his lack of emergency management experience, his resignation is a good thing, though it's hard to imagine how anyone could have been completely prepared for such a devastating storm that knocked out all lines of communication. Don, maybe you can shed some light on this if you feel like it, since you have more knowledge of these things than most of the rest of us. I'd rather not get up on a soap box for this one, but I do feel that skepticism for the response we've seen is healthy, considering the fact that something like this will probably happen again. If more lives can be saved next time because the people in charge have learned from their mistakes (or if new people are put in charge), then it's worth criticizing their response to Katrina and having a real investigation, in my humble opinion.

But I'm trying to focus on being a student again, and that brings with it the necessity to read many things for my comprehensive exam (I made a nice list today of the people and concepts I need to brush up on) and to finish writing my thesis. My exam is on October 15th, and my defense for exam and thesis is November 4th (assuming I hear back in the affirmative from the last member of my committee, who's on sabbatical this semester). Then, on or before November 18th, I'll be electronically filing my thesis with the Graduate School and then passing out from the relief. Knock on wood. It seems doable again.

Labels: hurricanes, listening miscellany, Louisiana, school

• posted by erica 9/13/2005 10:15:00 PM
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