From Shelley Powers's post Stopping the World However, I’m finding that the contention and anger surrounding this event is becoming increasingly difficult to absorb. I can’t seem to maintain enough detachment to keep from being pulled completely in, and by the end of the day, I’m feeling emotionally drained and physically sick. Some of this is coming from the worries, frustrations, and the sense of loss–of people, of history–because of Katrina. But not all.
Debate should energize, not drain. When it doesn’t, you need to step away. When I read the headline, Condi returns to DC after Bloggers expose vacation about how wrong it was for Rice to buy expensive shoes while people are suffering in New Orleans, it was enough. And I find I don’t have the words to explain why.
While I’m taking a breather, some folks with good thoughts:
Joseph Duemer: Small Town Accountability
Jeneane Sessum: President Bush Declares War on Weather
Dave Rogers: What can I say and Unbelievable
A question and answer that Dave Winer had about the future impact of Katrina–beyond the South. In particular, check out the comments associated with the question.
Loren Webster: Two Worlds Apart
Frank Paynter: Down on our Luck
Scott Reynen: Fear Kills
Sheila Lennon provides a continuously updated round of news.
Norm Jenson: Incompetence
Charles Eicher: Outrage Overload
Karl: We would have fought or died
Lauren points to Culture of Life
There are others, but this is a good start.
From Doc Searls's post Prophecies This event won't have ripple effects. The consequences will be tidal: on transportation, on agriculture, on lumber and other supplies, on retailing, on churches and on citizens across the country who will need to take on the burden of caring for refugees and helping others start new lives.
Katrina also force us to face a subject even Demoncrats[sic] have stopped talking about, although it lurks beneath everything: class. When the dead are counted, most of them will have been poor. Count on it.