Let's expose the underlying policies that led to the NOLA tragedy

[jocapo]

This event is such a clear example of what a failure the "Reagan revolution" is. It could be used to illustrate in a very simple, straight-forward way why the Democratic platform is right for America (and the world). The democrats should only talk about this in a big picture way. I don't think we should participate in the name calling and blaming that has already started because it's petty and ultimately irrelevant. We need to use the Katrina tragedy to explain our philosophy and why this couldn't have happened if democrats had been in charge.

We should use this disaster to expose the true republican agenda:
- government is bad
- taxes are bad
- individuals should be responsible for themselves
- if you work hard (or know someone) you can get ahead without help from Govt
- Govt should stay out of our way so individuals can flourish
- Environmental controls should be left to the free market
- etc., etc.

This is such a clear example of failed policies that can be used to teach, explain, illustrate, show the differences between the two philosophies. The lower and middle class folks that have been voting republican could be shown why, in a real, understandable way, they have been voting against their own interests. Until now these voters have been hearing two arguments and they have been persuaded by the republicans. Now the democrats can use this event to back up their argument with PROOF!!

[phiddle]

1. Yes, and use the word "incompetent" quite often.

[rzemanfl]

2. "Great opportunity" should never appear in the same sentence

as "disaster." Republicans might do that, but we shouldn't.

[jackster]

3. PLEASE - this is not an opportunity - this is a national disaster

it is very insensitive to suggest otherwise.

This insane Administration should be tried, convicted, and hung for what they've done to our country INCLUDING NO, but we should not use this nightmare as an opportunity to get rid of them, but a REASON to get rid of them.

no disrespect is intended, however, I remember that the Republicans were saying much the same thing during the Schiavo matter and many of us were appalled.

[bettyellen]

4. disaster= great opportunity?

[mitchtv]

6. Yeah, you know

Like 9/11

[bring_em_home_bush]

5. what a revolting thread title, and very suspicious to me

Like someone wants this to be quoted somewhere else.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

7. Here's another to add to the list:

Image is everything.

If they'd been less concerned about their image and more concerned about the tragedy, aid would have arrived much sooner.

[Armstead]

8. Amen....Mostly

I agree that the real problem is what it exposed about the whole aset of assumptions underlying right wing conservatism.

Conservatism seems to make sense when you have everythiong going your way. But that elusive state is rarely achieved in total, and it can be lost by anyone. Total self containment is a mirage the right-wing puts up to protect their own little cocoons.

Even those rich folk on the Gulf Coast got hammered by Katrina, and you can bety your bottom dollar they'll be among those yelling for any kind of government help they can get.