Holding out for a hero...

I don't really know what to say about what's happening in New Orleans. The New York Times says it better than I would. What I do know is that it the agencies charged with responding to national disasters and emergencies have been failing on an immense scale. And they are dealing with a situation that came with a warning.

Once again, the best organized and most effective efforts to help have come largely from volunteers. The Red Cross has again stepped into the breach with aid. They need help though. You can donate online through their website, www.redcross.org. Cash is the best some of can do to help, so that's what we should do.

There are stories of heroics that have come out of the area. One that struck me is the scores of people who headed to the area with boats, creating a volunteer navy of sorts. Individuals with boats have been searching for people stranded by water and ferrying them to staging areas where they can continue on to relative safety.

I'm just struck - much like The New York Times editorial board - by the lack of strong leadership displayed by the President. Maybe others find his lead inspiring, but I have certainly been left shaking my head.

I'm reminded of the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks when the country watched in horror and found comfort and inspiration in from the leadership not of the President, but of the Mayor of New York City and the group of men around him. I only pray that someone, or some people, will step forward again in this time of need.