Attention Republicans: you bet I am politicizing this.

I'm back:

To the Editor:

My heart and my Red Cross donations (1 800 HELP NOW) go out to the people of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

My rage and fury go out to our failed president and his co-conspirators in Congress, who sent the bulk of the region’s National Guard and Reserves, including its high water equipment, to Iraq. They cut the region's federal emergency preparedness and disaster mitigation funding by over 50% ($71 million) just before the start of hurricane season. They cut 80% of the funding from an Army Corps of Engineers project to restore Louisiana wetlands and silt barriers and reroute navigation channels to protect against storm surges. Meanwhile, Atlantic hurricanes are increasing in number and severity. Issues of human suffering aside: with 25% of the nation's oil refining capacity, 30% of our oil product shipping, and 50% of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve located in this region, you’d think Homeland Security might have raised an alarm, even if the president and his cronies were too shortsighted to notice.

Bush did not cause the hurricane. But he has weakened our country, endangered our safety, and brought us to the brink of financial ruin.

Attention Republicans: you bet I am politicizing this. My taxes help pay for relief efforts. Those are my fellow Americans suffering along the Gulf Coast. I am damn well entitled to point out where this miserable administration has once again failed America.

Sincerely,

Sorry for the long absence. Next topic: Maine Won't Discriminate!

Your friend,
The Alna Erratic

P.S. In case you think I made it up about the National Guard:

LA National Guard Wants Equipment to Come Back From Iraq

August 1, 2005, 9:07 PM CDT

JACKSON BARRACKS -- When members of the Louisiana National Guard left for Iraq in October, they took a lot equipment with them. Dozens of high water vehicles, humvees, refuelers and generators are now abroad, and in the event of a major natural disaster that, could be a problem.

"The National Guard needs that equipment back home to support the homeland security mission," said Lt. Colonel Pete Schneider with the LA National Guard.

For updates on the situation in New Orleans, go here.