Random thoughts on hurricane fall-out

Sunrise is near here in the Southwest. A tremendous amount of MSM information is coming in about what is happening right now on the gulf coast. My thoughts switch rapidly as Hurricane Rita comes ashore near the Texas-Louisiana border. There are several Past, Present, and Future potential fall-out implications that come to mind:

• Future fall-out - Hurricane Aid Used 'To Test Out Rightwing Social Policies' is the story linked with the title of my post today. This is a very devious method for the federal government to use. We are all still in shock about what has happened and what is now happening. And this administration and their Republican congressional cohorts will throw many of the recovery effort dollars in the direction of their private sector favorite causes or companies. Heads up, folks!
• Past fall-out - There will be several investigations about actions of governmental officials following Hurricane Katrina. And for all of us who have a more than passing curiosity, here is a great resource. Such a timeline will be one of the keys to figuring out when and what went wrong after Hurricane Katrina. It is TPM's "Katrina Timeline." Check it out.
• Present fall-out - Is global warming the cause of so many hurricanes? A British scientist says that it is. But there seems to be a big division within the scientific community about this important question. Some experts maintain that it is just one of the causes. In any event, the world must act to arrest the present warming trend. Perhaps the present debate can help the cause for behavioral change. What can you do to make it better?
• Present fall-out - In a very well written piece, this southern blogger captures many of the thoughts and ideas that seem very timely today. As this second hurricane event unfolds, many of us struggle to find some of core meaning to all this suffering, and good writers are always so helpful for that. What do your favorite writers have to say?
• Past fall-out - Our current president is no LBJ, contends this LA Times article. As congress moves to enact legislation to assist the hurricane recovery, there is going to be an effort from fiscal conservatives to pay for it with cuts in other programs. These programs comprise the social safety net that help our most vulnerable citizens. This administration and congress have talked about compassionate conservatism, while acting with outrageous fiscal recklessness. Let your elected officials know what you want.
• Future fall-out - Steve Clemons, at The Washington Note, gives a heads up to the story that Karl Rove is fund raising this weekend, rather than "managing the hurricane effort." Is anyone actually surprised? I am actually relieved that Mr. Rove is not in charge. If we can keep both he and his boss fairly marginalized, perhaps we can get through all this. Giving to your party is not a bad thing, if you give to the right party!
• Present-fall-out - Small business is coming to the rescue in New Orleans. I just love this story! It is balm for my wounded perspective. Apologies to all my femimist friends, if I seem insensitive to the plight of these generally vulnerable young women.
• Future fall-out - Reed Hundt, a regular favorite blogger at TPMCafe, discusses rebuilding after the hurricane disasters. It is a good close for today's post. How would you summarize all this?