Where are you Rudy?

Has anyone else noticed about the New Orleans disaster, how little those in charge have learned from Rudy Giuliani? Time Magazine in selecting him 2001 Person of the Year phrased it well, "he managed to sound realistic and optimistic at the same time" and "He knew the difference between information and inspiration and never substituted one where the other was needed."

After the attacks, Giuliani was everywhere. Leading efforts, making decisions, gather information, speaking to the public, etc. He managed to calm everyone down and provided hope and strength. When he spoke everyone in New York if not the whole country stopped what they were doing and listened because he provided real information and strength by example. He told you what they were doing and what you should do.

Did anyone have that reactioni to Bush's speech two days after the storm and after a month long vacation to recharge himself? "We are dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history. And that's why I've called the Cabinet together. The people in the affected regions expect the federal government to work with the state government and local government with an effective response." What kind of a statement is this?

Most of the following is from this site On Tuesday Mayor Nagin, "Unhappy that the helicopters slated to drop 3,000-pound bags into the levee never showed up to stop the flow of water. Too many chiefs calling shots he says."

In New Orleans there's martial law and looting. We get reports that the police are overwhelmed. Pentagon spokesman Lawrence Di Rita said the states have adequate National Guard units to handle the hurricane needs even though about 7,000 troops from LA and MS are in Iraq. "Governor Blanco on looting: We will do what it takes to bring law and order to our area. This is not a place for that behavior. I'm furious. It's intolerable."

Emergency Operations Director Walter Maestri had a number of things to say. "Evacuees from New Orleans and the east bank of Jefferson are flocking to the west bank, overwhelming the facilities...FEMA and national agencies not delivering the help nearly as fast as it is needed...We have no food or water for the evacuees. Says emergency workers have seized the food and water and drinks from Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and other groceries for evacuees, but he said that is all gone. Says water supply is gone. More water expected, but its not there right now. Says evacuees are getting upset and harried."

Oh and as near as I can tell, the Vice President hasn't been heard from since Aug 18th. Shouldn't someone be looking for him?

The news keeps reporting conflicting reports and a lack of communication in New Orleans. Someone needs to step up and provide leadership and confidence. They need to be optimistic that we'll succeed and show a path if not to the end, at least to tomorrow. They need to show that they are doing everything humanly possible to help physically and emotionally. Maybe Rudy is available for a consulting gig.