THE REPUBLICANS HAVE HAD THERE CHANCE.
THE COUNTRY IS IN MASSIVE DEBT.
THE ENVIORNMENT IS IN SHAMBLES
IRAQ IS IN SHAMBLES
NEW ORLEANS IS IN SHAMBLES
THE ONLY WAY TO CHANGE THE COUNTRY IS TO CHANGE CONGRESS!!!!

It doesn't matter who's in charge-the bigger issue needs to be addressed and that is: Will this country turn back to the foundation that this country was built on, which is the foundation of the Bible. Man will deceive you, no matter what party they are from. But if you are right with God, you can get through anything. The greatest strength this country has is our faith in God, and our willingness to help each other, no matter what our local medias like to portray. I don't know how, I don't know when, but I do know that after all this country's been through in years past, we can make it and we can all do one thing no matter what party we vote for-we can all pray.

The economy is looking up, gas prices are down, US soldiers say that we should not pull out of Iraq
(news story on msnbc yesterday). The progress there is most important. No new terror attacks in the US. It is better to fight the enemy in the middle east than to have to fight them here in the US. Vote like your life depends on it, because it does!

I live in Mississippi. I am aware of the national news and elections. I am sick of the election. We have so much work to finish in Mississippi. The good thing for us is that we have good people who work for us in DC. This will be the first election in which I do not vote. I am awaiting return to my town and do not feel I should vote in an area where I shall not be remaining for long. If I am living, I shall vote in 2008 without fail. I just have too much going on this year.

Well, if LA keeps their Republican Senators and Congressmen, let's see what happens to them when the next hurricane hits. They'll either learn or keep watching their children get swept away in floods.

M.E.: New Orleans was under water. The Mississippi Coast has disappeared.

As a Long Beach resident who was in his house during the storm and was lucky enough to survive it's easy to understand why Gulf Coast residents are not interested in the politics of elections these days. Having repaired and then sold my home I now live in my home state of Arizona and a day does not go by that I don't think of those days during and after the storm. I must say that the governments handling of the aftermath of the storm and the disaster in Iraq will have a profound affect on my voting in 2008.

Conservatives like me are tickled pink by the fact that those people aren't going to turn out to vote. Less votes for Liberals! Makes Bush's "neglect" look smart now, doesn't it!

I SO agree. I ended up having to re-locate due to the fact that the landlord that we had in Kenner, LA was going to try to charge us rent on an apartment that was un-livable. There has been nothing done except sending young people to get blown apart for the past few years. It is time for a change, hopefully, most people will wake up and vote to change Congress and the rest of the government. REMEMBER: they are public servants, in truth, they answer to US!

Great idea Weeks, turn the control over to the Democraps who have no plan, but are wonderful at bash-bash politics. Sounds like you're anti-establishment anyway, unless it's for that welfare hand out, then it's "Me first!"

I could not agree more. This country is nothing but a shadow of it's former self. Our rights and freedoms are slowly, seemingly unnoticed slipping away. Our reputation forever tarnished, our finances and economy in awful shape, our men and children dying for god knows what, and in the meantime they are stuffing their pockets.
Go out and exercise your right to vote. If you dont, it might be the last time you'll have a chance to vote. They might just declare voting "unpatriotic" next. Complacency is dangerous, once freedom is lost it is difficult to regain.

Oh, Your right! Lets just dump Iraq and leave them in shambles so that they will have civil war problems that can bleed over onto us and be blamed on us. We have to stay until it is more stable there. They need help, we started it so we need to help. And the government didn't cause Katrina! When ANYONE has their house destroyed be an act of God we all have to use our insurance to fix the problem, use relatives to live with until we have a place to live or live in apartments. What do you think happened to the people in Oklahoma when a tornado tore up miles of houses and killed hundreds? The government didn't house them all and fix everything for them. Do you think the one or two houses and families that had their lives uprooted when a tornado ripped through their houses in Indiana got National Guard troops helping them? Do you think they were any less devastated then any of you are? Weather or not it is one house or a thousand homes and families, each person feels lost and uprooted but they don't blame the government! You people had way more help in that region than Florida has EVER had in all the times they have been hit. You just don't realize that most of the putting their lives back together is on them! We all feel for you as we would anyone who has lost their home, but I don't think I feel too sorry for those that have been through this before and still live on the coast. Your just asking for it again in the future! It will happen again!

As far as the Republicans having their chance, the country is in massive debt because there are too many hand outs to people on welfare,who continue to have children instead of one knowing when to stop,then they could get out and get a JOB so the (in debt) government could start helping those for whom mother nature has taken it's toll on. That is where the government needs to start getting out of debt!!

The war in Iraq is the big gorilla in this mid-term election. Let's not over-react and put liberals in charge who can damage our home front in the next few years. Who's going to be in charge of Congress and its committees is important, but there are no easy answers as the ones newly elected today will soon see.

This year's campaigning has been disgusting. So little talk of what to do and plans and more talk than ever about what a bad person some candidate's opponent is. We talk about the Iraq war as a waste of money that could be spent here at home (and it is) - what about the millions pouring into campaigns to fund these trash ads when they should be funding Americans in trouble, like those in the Gulf Region and the poverty-stricken across the country.

Changing Congress will not change the country. Anyone can complain about things and demand change but what plan do the Democrats have? All they have done is whine about the Republicans. Where is their plan?!?

As a New Orleanian evacuee still displaced, I am glad that somebody understands that it is hard to worry about voting when you don't know where your next meal is coming from. This election is indeed important, the bungled response to Katrina, the Iraq war and a host of other recent situations have shown that the Republicans don't care about anything other than themselves, and those that will make them money..

Hopefully, the rest of the country will make a change today and finally bring intelligence back to governing.

I think that, you can not blame the environement on republicans. IT has been an ongoing problem for years, and we are just now realizing how drastic the consequences are.

As far as the debt goes, the National Defficit has decreesed by almost 50%.

The war in Iraq is a touchy subject however. It is hard to say how things will go.

As far as New Orleans and all the other stated that were aflicted by Katrina, I think that the republican did not send the storm into those areas. These Levies were built a very long time ago, and they did not have propper foundations to support them. Also, how many people have hindered the healing process with insurance fraud. I have seen so many articles about insurance fraud by people.

I think the problem in our country is we are always pointing and blaming a political party for every wrong. I think these parties need to learn to work more cooperatively together. We are suppose to be the "UNITED" States of America. Lately it seems like we are the run your neighbor through the mud to get ahead America.

Are you better off than you were 6 years ago? I'm not!

My first trip back to NOLA 2 weeks ago, since last years Katrina. The entire area looked as if the Hurricane had happened the day before we arrived! Incredible. Until you see it, you can't comprehend it. Watching and listening to the bias, right-wing media mouthpieces for the Republicans, will not give you a clue of the destruction and Republican run governments non-response. PITIFUL!

I feel obligated to vote AGAINST the current Republican Disaster in washington rather than vote For the candidate Ifeel is best qualified for the office. A pretty sad state of affairs

Robert Tulett
Buffalo,NY

REPUBLICANS HAVE CERTAINLY MADE THEIR MARK.
-GLOBAL WARMING IS THREATENING THE STABILITY OF LIFE.
-HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE UNAFFORDABLE TO MILLIONS.
-"NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" IS HAVING THE OPPOSITE EFFECT.
-RESPONSE TO HUMANITARIAN NEEDS (KATRINA, TSUNAMI, AIDS VICTEMS, GENOCIDES IN AFRICA) IS SLOW/NON-EXISTANT.
-COLLEGE AID IS DRASTICALLY CUT BACK.
-MIDDLE CLASS IS BEING BANKRUPT.
-"CONSERVATIVES" ARE PREACHING ONE THING WHILE DOING ANOTHER.
-WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL IS STILL NOT COMPLETED.
-FEDERAL GASOLINE TAXES COULD HAVE BEEN LOWERED TO EASE INCREASED PRICES.
-OUR BILL OF RIGHTS HAS BEEN UNDERMINED, FOR OUR "PROTECTION AND NATIONAL SECURITY".
-THE WORLD IS MORE WAR-RIDDEN AND POVERTY-STRICKEN.
-LACK OF IMMIGRATION CONTROLS THREATENS OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND STRAINS OUR SOCIAL BENEFITS NET.
-WEEKLY POLITICAL SCANDALS.

The Gulf Coast residents need to elect all new local politians. George Bush and the Republican congress has done everything it could on a national scale. Local politicians need to act not blame, residents need to vote not watch!

We all need to be prepared for emergencies in our lives. The government's (FEMA) job is to have a plan for most widescale emergencies so that society does not become uncivilized during the emergency. Mankind has and will reduce itself to basic instincts when there are no other apparent choices. That said, I think it is deplorable that this country has allowed people to, once again, believe it is okay to be mean, selfish, and basically a--holes. Blame that on this administration and Congress. The conservatives have THE voice in government right now and their breath stinks! Hopefully, enough people are tired of it all and will get off their butts and vote. Unfortunately, the people most affected by the government policies (minorities) won't take the time to do what our parents and older siblings literally died for.....VOTE!

in response to a point made by Richard Gaffron above, dont get too excited about the fact there hasnt been a terrorist attack - the first WTC attack was in 1993, the second attack on the WTC was in 2001 - thats 8 yrs between attacks - its only been 5 yrs since the last attack.

granted we cant pull out of Iraq now, we made such a mess there we (USA) and them (iraqi) are both in a worse situation now - but dont get carried away with the troops not saying anything different when interviewed, they cant\wouldn't say anything public ally.

the Katrina issue - lets not forget the Levees and Flood maps (that determine who carries flood insurance) were federal built, created, maintained - they failed, which caused the flooding, if the levee's held Katrina would have been a lesser event for NO. though still a tragedy for our Mississippi friends, should the Fed then walk away, with a sorry we cost you people your homes and all your stuff? is that what others around the nation would do if a third party cost them everything they own?
- and we dont even need to get into what insurance companies are getting away with.

we have alot of issues domestically and abroad, the economy is good for some, but in my case ive lost ground over the last 6 yrs, and i work more hours than before. - until we get our federal gov. to regain interest in the American people and the areas where they live and the schools that educate their children we are going to continue downward - the elections this time around seem to be about Iraq and Sex between partners of the same gender, and i dont mean the Gay Marriage debate, i mean our self righteous politicians that want to legislate morality except when it applies to each other

To H Lector
Your message of name calling and general meanness makes it sound like you are part of the problem and not part of the solution.

Until all sides can have civil discourse - no name calling, bad mouthing of the other side - there will be no solution.

Calling them as I see them!

What a piece of work is man!
How noble in reason!
How infinite in faculties!
In form and moving, how express and admirable!
In action how like an angel!

In apprehension, how like a god!
The beauty of the world!
The paragon of animals!
And yet, to me,
what is this quintessence of dust?

Shakespeare was a man of wonderful words and thought. Hamlet was depressed, much like I am right now. He reflects on how it is possible that man who is so awesome is in the end nothing more than dust.

We are obligated to do much before our dust conversion. The most important is to take care of each other. That is the way. It is our duty to take care of our home first so that we may then extend our hands to others around the world. The survivors of Katrina are our brothers and sisters and we are required by G_d to care for them. This is a truth that crosses all religious lines.
I am so very tired of the right swinging at the left. Ultimately we are all hit in the process. There is war and devastation everywhere we seem to look. We cannot be there for some and not for others. Yet how can we take care of the world when we cannot seem to take care of ourselves.
In the mean time those most vulnerable suffer. We cannot take it with us people. Why kill over it. In the end we will be nothing more than dust.

I VOTED THIS MORNING HOPPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE...MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING I GET UP TO GO TO WORK EVERYDAY AND NOTHING TO SHOW FOR ....FOOD PRICES, FUEL PRICES, NO HEALTH INSURANCE....COLLECTIONS COMPANIES CALLING BECAUSE WE CAN AFFORD TO PAY HEALTH RELATED DEBT THANK'S TO THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION MAKING THE RICHER RICHER AND FORGETING THE MIDDLE CLASS.SCHOOLS ARE PACKED WITH KIDS IN ONE ROOM THE CHILDREN HAVE NO INSPIRATION ....DOES MR BUSH AND ALL HIS WEALTHY FRIENDS CARE ABOUT IT ??? GLOBAL WARMING,
COLLEGE CUT BACKS, HIGH HEALTH CARE...AND WE CAN GO ON AND ON....IS TIME FOR CHANGE....BYE BYE PRESIDENT BUSH...AND HIS KISSING RICH BUDDIES

Thank you John Spinelli, Its nice to see that atleast one intelligent person is paying attention to what is going on!

I choose to vote for the lesser of two evils, Democrats.

all intelligent people in america must go out and vote to replace those who are in the white House right now, because our country is going down the tube with the current administration

The gulf coast looks like a third world country right now. It's because the Repbulican/Bush administration is not interested in rebuilding our own nation, It's been over a year and their has not been any movement in rebuilding that area. But Bush and his corrupt officials have no problem sending billions of dollars to Iraq to rebuild their country. If you don't see something wrong with this, then you're not an American!!!!

"Meet the new boss! Same as the old boss!" I just pray we don't get fooled again!!

Mandy...not sure where you got that the National Debt is down 50% but I assure it is NOT:
http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/opd/opdpenny.htm

I would just like to say, based on how the US has ran in the past few yrs, i know who is getting my vote. i would like to make sure if possible that we never have our own citizens living like they did after the hurricane. there are still so many without and just are having to fend for themselves now, while we have armed forces and budgets to help other countries, countries that do not even want us there. we have so over stayed our welcome. didnt your mom tell you never to over stay your welcome? and for soo long. And you really think the gas prices just magically went down, hello, they knew elections were coming up. this country needs to get its priorities straight.

I was surprised that a good wholesome country as ours, could not come to aid of americans. We helped everyone else but we couldn't drop bottle water into New Orleans. The President and Senate & Congress should be ashamed of themselves!

Here is a great article on the subject

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15590729/site/newsweek/

Vote the Bums out! This is your voice! We will not be taken as fools no more!

In reference to Gulf Coast residents needing to elect all new politicians. You need to read up on reports regarding the response to Katrina and the ongoing recovery efforts. The Mississippi Gulf Coast residents and politicians have stepped up to the plate and have begun to rebuild on our own. The federal money is greatly appreciated, but the leadership of our local governments and politicians have led the residents in the rebuilding process. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is leaps and bounds ahead of every other Hurricane Katrina stricken area. All due to the efforts of the residents and local politicians. Not because of the Federal government. We in Mississippi don't blame, we just take care of ourselves. The rest of the country should look up to Mississippi.

"Conservatives like me are tickled pink by the fact that those people aren't going to turn out to vote. Less votes for Liberals! Makes Bush's "neglect" look smart now, doesn't it!-- John Doe"

You know, I have read a lot about us Katrina survivors over the past year and a half that has digusted me. I've seen a bunch of "bloggers" on the website tear us down mercilessly. :( But, I must say that the above quote takes the cake. Too stupid to vote? Our neglect was "smart?" News flash for you John Doe. Mississippi is a highly CONSERVATIVE state. Look at a political map, and see what color the state of Mississippi is. Who's the fool now, John Doe?

I see one or possibly two responses from Mississippians -- I had to relocate from Gulfport, MS, after Katrina and I know how much work still needs to be done down there. But PLEASE don't give up your right to vote just because other issues loom. You MUST make your voice heard and make it heard loud regardless of which way you vote!

It's not whether you're democrat, republican, green party, independant...when will there be a person amongst the practice of upholding the constitution, willing to stand for what is absolutely, undoubtedly right for this country? Without overseeing due rights, without overthrowing our own written fundamental laws, without becoming dictator-like bullies to initiate some sort of democracy elsewhere, all the while realizing there is a separation of Church and State? America, her status is verily in deep disarry, and her people are in deep confusion. Help doesn't come when we ask for it, rather it spends what it barely has to commit forth some act that doesn't benefit any of us. At all. It helps not the poverty that is of many races in this nation, it helps not the single mother with 3 children who is not able to work yet cannot apply for disabilities. While we dwell on things that we perhaps made fault on ourselves, the nation we live in is unfortunately crumbling at our feet...yet the longer America cries, the more we ignore her. We as a people, need not depend on leaders who are only interested in self-interest. We live here together whether we like it or not, and it is for the people, by the people and an obligation amongst the people to stand for what we know is right. But we cannot stand together whilst the interest of "differing parties" clouds our judgement; yea the people are divided. Yea the people are confused. If we do not find a solution for a solitary agreement amongst us all, woe to this country. This great Nation.

It is time for the Democrats to have a chance. I remember how things were in the 90's and economically things were great. Now with 6 years of Republican control things are not so good. Give the Democrats a chance and see what happens. If they are all talk and no show then vote them out in 2008.

I don't know about the politicians in Louisiana, but in Mississippi Senator Lott and Govenor Haley Barbour have both done an outstanding job in helping the state recover(We still have a long way to go though). I also don't know why everyone believes that changing the control of the government will solve all of our problems. Many people seem to forget that most of these problems started during the Clinton administration and just got handed off to whoever was his successor. It would not have made a difference whether it was Bush or his opponent that won the election, no one could have predicted the catastrophic events that have taken place over the last six years. We also do not have any politicians that accurately represent the majority of the American population. Democrats are too far on the left side, while republicans are to far to the right. It seems like the two parties are solely competing against each other rather than looking at the issues. Both parties have their own agenda and the only thing that will come from changing to democratic control in congress is a new set of problems. If the democrats take control after today, my fear is that we will pull out of Iraq and send a strong message to all of the terroists nations that we are weak. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE THIS WAR. If we lose the war, America will no longer be a word associated with freedom, democracy, and the hope for a better life. And by the way, we need to stop relying on our government and start relying on God to see us through these tough times. God's plan will prevail if we just trust him.

It's time to send a message to the president & the congress. We're tired of tax cuts for the rich, while the poor & middle class are ignored. Congress has given themselves 9 raises while the minimum wage has remained the same. It's time for a plan to get us out of Iraq. We've lost too many young lives over there. Our national debt continues to climb. There are so many issues this president & congress has ignored (while they've catered to special interests).

So much is said about Iraq, gay marriage, The Foley Scandal, the Senator Kerry failed 'joke', Congress corruption and even stem cell research, and not one word of how the failure to assist Americans in the Gulf Coast should be considered in the election!
Why does the suffering of Americans (mostly black Americans) not register with the rest of the country?

Denise, you need to educate yourself. When your hometown is completely devastated, you are broke and jobless and can't feed your children, and your friends' and family's lives are completely changed, will you say that you all asked for it?? Did you not see the desperate people who were receiving absolutely no help for days in the aftermath of Katrina. This is why we have a government, this is why we pay taxes. The government at all levels failed the people of the Gulf Coast.

Good afternoon! I've read the various comments on here and I agree this is a time for change. I don't however believe in party favoring. I don't vote a straight republican ticket nor do I vote a straight democratic ticket. I vote for the people who by past actions show me they are willing to do the job honestly, and that's hard to find. The war was inevitable at some point. Saddam may not have sent terrorist here to kill innocent people but he sure helped them hide. As for the gulf residents, I feel so bad for everyone affected by Katrina, I feel ms residents were neglected in the light of New Orleans. I however won't feel as sorry for New Orleans if it happens again, because they re-elected an incompetent, bonehead mayor who bailed on them in their time of need. I feel any citizen in this country is suseptible to a natural disaster and the insurance industry needs to be changed to avoid good hard working people from being left to bare the burden of rebuilding and we need to all band together for our neighbors. Maybe the Amish community should have shown all of us how to care for one another.

First a response to John Doe - the MS Gulf Coast tends to vote Republican, so that'll be fewer votes for the Republicans.

Denise, if you go back and look at the responses to this article, you will see that most are not from the coast. Please, enough of the "you people".

And as for the coast not voting - it's not just a matter of not having/taking the time to vote - it takes time & energy to research the candidates. I don't vote just to vote, I vote to choose the best person for the position. But frankly, there are a few races (constable for one) that I can't find out a thing about the candidates.

We also don't have tight races to bring out voters - the two major candidates on our ballot are already decided. Gene Taylor and Trent Lott will be elected. A large portion of candidates are running unapposed. Frankly, I don't think that democracy will die, or DC will notice, if a portion of the coast does not bother to vote for a couple of judicial and school board positions.

Tired of being lied to?
Sick of seeing innocent people killed for oil?
Tax breaks for the rich?
Tax breaks for Polluters?
Tired of the propaganda spin on "news" networks?

Take back America!!! Vote Democratic today!
VOTE THE BUMS OUT TODAY!

The time to pull out of Iraq is come. We should have left after Hussein was captured. It's their country and our country is going through extreme times. Gas prices are unpredictable and unstable. More Americans than ever cannot afford medical care or medications. More Americans than ever are homeless, many who are Veterans. Ford and GM have closed plants here in the USA. Others have gone out of business. The economy is terrible, even horrific for those that live on minimum wage of $5.15. Politicans are getting richer, making their own salaries as high as possible. The time has come to change and make America the focus of our taxes, our energies, our fellow Americans. The Republicans have ran the country into trillions of dollars of debt for their private agendas. Every Republican President for the past 30 years that I have been voting has given tax breaks for the rich. President Bush gave rebates checks, then increased IRS audits to 100% of tax returns. We need to vote out all the "good ole boys" and have a change. America is in a societal crisis.

Under the Republican rule, the people have not had a voice. There are issues long ignored this past 6 years. How about the fact that someone with an upper level education cannot get a full-time job, at Mcdonald's at least a job. How about the fact the recent scientific studies have told us that our supplies of fresh fish are going to run out in less than 50 years. Our Republican government wants us to believe in Creationism - yet belief has nothing to do with government. Separation of church and state, remember those days. How about the fact that Katrina was the worst governmental response in history- and STILL IS! Hurricane Wilma hit us hard, but we did not even get any press. What about the fact that there are Americans starving and freezing to death in the streets, or that many of us have never been able to afford health care as adults. What about the fact that under Bush's health care "plans" (this word has become a joke all around) that senior citizens close to me cannot get the meds they need to live, or to visit the proper doctors. It's called a donut hole! Iraq has become a large cluster screw-up, where even our generals are upset with Rumsfeld. Scandal rocks our nation. Gays are being legally prejudiced against, ever hear of the civil rights movement? (There seem to be a lot in the Republican party-self-hate maybe?) They are Americans too. Women's rights are being eroded by those in the Supreme Court, especially Bush's newest appointed patsy. Border security is a joke, no port security, or anything else for that matter. It was under Bush that a foreign company was going to control key ports! Fuel costs that have been at record highs when our president is an oil baron. No support for hybrid cars and new science that might help solve that problem. Eminent Domain where the government can give your home to big business any time they feel like it. And the worst crimes against Americans in my opinion is the Patriot Act, the threat to Habeas corpus, and legalized torture. I have Republican friends who traveled abroad and claimed to be Canadians they were so embarrassed. Is our country going in the right direction??

You have got to visit Albertville, Alabama. The illegals, the decrease in property values, homes for sale, advertisement banners at K-Mart in spanish, the accidents (no insurance or drivers license), the hospitals , the schools and now Million Dollar Avenue leads straight to little Mexico! Yes; it time for a change!!! Your home town could be next!!!

To Republicans on this sight who blame the poor and lazy for the government debt, tell me, why is it okay that Halliburton cannot account for 11 billion dollars?
To Rebublicans who blame everything on the Tax and Spend Democrats, is the bridge in Alaska a good investment?
You Repubs need to get out of your fantasy world and start looking at the damage your party has done to this country!
Louisana should have had a better response from the "richest" country in the world, instead, we looked like a third-world country, pathetic!

Anybody who holds blind allegeance to any party is a fool.

Those of you who are espousing 'stick to a Bible-based country and Constitution' and 'get rid of welfare' and let Katrina victims learn their lesson' and other such mean-spirited accusations need to chill. Our history, all 260-plus years of it, has been one of historic democracy and empathy as well as violence and fear mongering... a direct manifestation of human nature. We do face great inequality and disenfranchisement in the United States, but we also have a system in which to make things, hopefully, move towards a better tomorrow, and that is VOTING. As for you Christians, remember that you are to love your neighbor, you welfare reformers, there but for the grace of God go you, and you sitting snug in your house unembattled by weather...well, I have said enough. The foundations of this country are equality, brotherly love and progress, not hate and pointing fingers. Mellow out.

NOLA may have elected a bone-headed mayor, but you elected a bone-headed president TWICE, that I am ashamed to say he claims to be from Texas. He bailed on the middle class and the poor to help the rich. He bailed on the majority of this country to help the special interest.

He now leads you to believe that only his party can finish the war on terror and by voting Democrat you are actually supporting terrorist. I would drop the Democrats like a bad habit if they were promoting this type of rhetoric. The Military is calling for Rumsfeld to be let go yet Bush stands firmly beside Rumsfeld like the Micheal Brown nightmare ("Brownie, your doing a hell of a job".) Utter incompetence from the ground up and yet people still support him to no avail.

Clinton managed to occupy Iraq without one American casualty and why? Because they had a plan when they went in. Bush's plan has been to "Shock and Awe" Blow the $#@% out of the place hoping the bad guys flee Iraq vowing to never mess with the United States Again. These people are willing to blow themselves up for their beliefs. My guess is they will not tuck their tails and run like Bush originally thought.

The current administration is not getting the job done. Dems have vowed to re-direct our efforts in Iraq, pushing for a compromise between the Suni's and the Shiits. Once the civil violence has settled, we can then go after the real terrorist organizations who are trying to occupy Iraq. They would also like to go after that Al Quida leader that we are no longer pursuing. Some of us are still pissed at him for blowing up our buildings five years ago.

By voting for the current administration, you are voting for more of the same old crap. By voting for change, you are voting for the chance to at least make things better because lord knows they cannot get any worse. VOTE FOR CHANGE!!!!

It should be a political issue. The republicans are personally responsible for all hurricanes that occurred last year - They orchestrated the New Orleans disaster to disenfranchise the brilliant people who lived below sea level.

I say it's high time that we had a little freedom from religion in this country...

I believe that if the United States chooses another republican to run for governer/president we may have the same incident as hurricane katrina happen. If it wasnt for George Bush and his nonchalant ways about this hurricane, millions still could've been alive. The thing that kills me is when there was a Tsunami in Sri Lanka President Bush was right on tv the next day it happened. Why couldnt he have done the same with the people in New Orleans? Is it because the state is mainly populated with African-American citizens? Or is it because he had no clue on what to do? Well we the people cant make another mistake as choosing Bush or any other candidate associated with him including Charlie Crist. So many people voted for Republicans and it backfired on us. Did these things ever happen with George Clinton? No. We need a change! We are sick of paying for high gas prices! Help ot Hurricane Katrina Victims by voting for Democrats!

I'm an Independent voter from Missouri. I will be casting my vote for a Democrat in our Senate to help kick out this do-nothing Congress. Talent took a $30,000 pay raise while he voted several times against a minimum wage increase. This Congress was in session less days than any before it...92 days in a YEAR!!!

We need a change of direction in our country. New Orleanss is still a mess. The government was so incompetent in handling Katrina. Iraq is in a civil War and a mess. No more "stay the course"...We need a plan to stabilize Iraq and to bring our troops home to safety. We are less safe than we were before 9-11.

Say no to Corruption and Incompetence today with a vote for the Democrats!

It's funny, when Clinton was in office we were in the black but as soon as Bush got in office we went to red. We will be lucky if we can ever get out of the red. GOD bless America

Proud Democrat in Denver - You are right about the deficit - I think the administration was bragging about the annual deficit this year coming in at a lower number. Look at what has accumulated since 2001. The national debt has more than doubled in that time. However this administration is counting on confusing people to stay in office. So far they have bet right.(pardon the pun)

Your worried about hurricanes??!! Your to busy to vote??!!Then the people of this country may indeed be lost.

I think the biggest issue in government is the lack of term limitations. These elected officials forget what it's like getting and keeping health care and managing a budget when the get free health care and buit in raises with full retirement after a couple of terms in office. The longer the fox can guard the hen house us hens are in trouble. Limit all terms for congress and senate to 2 terms.The turnover will prevent memory lapse of what it's like to live in America and why they were alected, to represent not to preserve a career.

I am one of the 5 Registered Democrats (almost literally, LOL) living in Wyoming. My family watched with distress the tragedy of Katrina. We love New Orleans (and no, we have NEVER been to Mardi Gras!) We have been many times and we never get tired of the old homes, fabulous people, delicious food and sense of community that was New Orleans. An area rich in cultural diversity that somehow makes it all work. FEMA dropped the ball big time. I have also heard a lot of negative comments about the Army Core Of Engineers but I read a detailed proposal they submitted to our government in Washington 6 YEARS BEFORE KATRINA stating that the levees would not hold and asking for increased funding to re-do and repair as needed. Congress of course, turned them down. ALas, Iraq is taking too much of our money.

Whatever one feels about New Orleans, had this been a terrorist attack on the same catastropic level in Louisiana, are we to believe that FEMA would have responded more efficiently? I suspect not. The Bush admisnistration has done nothing that makes me or my family feel safer. Our thoughts go out to New Orleans and the surrounding areas, especially at this time of the year. May all who suffered so much have a better future to look forward to.

Everyone knows that we just can't leave Iraq. But at the same time we need a plan. Everyone is asking what about the Democrats plan, some in fact H. Clinton had a great plan, lets move out troop gradually over time, the PM of Iraq really doesn't want our help. Yes if we leave then we have lost but at the same time if we stay our 12 yr sons will be drafted. Thousands of Iraqis has died due to pre civil war. We have bigger fish to fry (N.Korean & Iran)they are testing us a we can't do anything about it. I know some people who can't afford to work because can't pay daycare or buy gas. Also who can't work because if they do they will have to pay for their own insurances and food, making $5.15 won't support all of that with a single parent home. 5 yr ago gas was 1.15, my electric bill was half the cost and my heath insurance was $100 a pay period cheaper! So lets take the time out to vote!

The Democrates don't need to submit a plan. The American people, 69% or more, have repeatedly declared their disgust with Congress and the President and the way this Country has been run over the last several years. All the Democratic party has to do is submit a change to what is already being done. That in itself is enough of a plan. Also, people need to look more at Healthcare, Education, Medicare, Senior citizen rights, Middle to lower class families, etc. the list goes on and on. The Republican party has done nothing to right any of the above mentioned. People love to throw around the word "Liberal" like it's a bad word or belief. Basically Liberals care for "everyone" not just for those that can help them in the end like the Republicans. The Democratic party needs only to do something "different" than the Republican party has done over the last 12 years. That would be enough and would be much better.

After reading so many emotional responses, I am amazed that anyone who is competent gets elected. We are so dependent on the media for "facts" rather than validating what is actually true ourselves. We perceive the stories to be accurate if they come from a group who has beliefs similar to our own. How many have actually read the constitution to see what the government, by law, is required to do for it's citizens? How many people know the breakdown of the tax legislation to see who benefits ( by the way, all citizens have from a real dollar basis )? How many understand that we are in a global society and that while we have a large impact, we do not control the world economy? Ours is doing very well in real terms and compared to most of our trade partners. The only way to exercise our individual rights for the good of the nation is to vote for individuals who represent us in most, not all of our beliefs. Neither party does that and anyone who votes for the opposite political party automatically to express their displeasure has done themselves and their country wrong. Get the facts yourself and don't listen to the spin put out by the media or political parties. Also realize that no matter how hard we try, you can't replace personal responsibility or legislate personal success from Washington; nor is it the government's responsibility to do so ( read the Constitution ).

I've seen what people who are "right with God" are willing to do unto others in His name, and it makes me wonder why God allows it.

As and independent voter, I read the previous comments with great interest. Remember the great uniter speech? Our current admistration has used fear and intimidation to consolidate their power. He has been the great divider. At least this round of elections they did not return to the color coated terrorist warning red light system to cause fear. I lived in New Orleans when President Clinton allocated money to finish the Federal levees. That's right the people of New Orleans feel the federal government should help out because it was the Bush admistration's redirection of federal money that left the levees unable to sustain Katrina. Did the money go to tax cuts for the rich? Did it go to Iraq?
The only talking point that the Rebulicans can win on is security. Has anyone considered what would happen if China stops buying our bonds on the internaional market We are funding this enormous dept with Chinese money! Our national dept which has exploded during the Bush admistration is putting us more in harm than the terrorist. Congress has abdicated its responsibilty for checks and balances. If the dollar is not longer the monetary standard for the world, the American standard of living will significantly drop. We will no longer have any negotiation for trade. Hasn't anyone wondered why China gets such favorable trade with their human rights record and Iraq gets invaded?
I think the Republicans said it best in 1994 when they said in the "Contract with America", if we do not clean up congress run us out of town.
Foley is not "gay and gone". He was a sexual predator. Delay, Frist and cronies need to be run out of town. Halliburton and many other companies are making a fortune charging the service members $45 for a six pack of coke. As a former Air Force member, I find it discusting that the people who risk life and limb in Iraq are making sometimes one sixth of the civilian defense contractor who working next to them. If the military is still supporting this war, it is because they are uninformed and unable to admit their buddies have died in vain. It is a pity that Fox news is the mandatory station on every base. Thank goodness we have blogs so we can understand (without filter) what is going on. WE DO NOT HAVE FREE PRESS IN THIS COUNTRY. As an independent voter, I have had enough. Maybe the Democrats have not expressed their plan for America but they will receive subpoena power if they take over the Senate and House. We may find out more than we want to know about impropriety in our government. Where should the buck stop?

Michelle...since when was our country founded on the bible? I was under the impression our founding fathers were seeking freedom, not just another type of government mandated religion. How many times does the word "god" appear in the Constitution?

I feel the salient point to be remembering this election cycle is that our founding fathers had a good reason for having the different branches of government, and we're seeing the disasterous effects when one party controls all three. Vote Democrat for the simple reason to restore some checks and balances in our legislative process.

I think that we should pay our Senators minimum wage. I think that they make too much money. I also don't think that special interest groups should be able to donate money to our politicians. They need to go to Congress and work for us. They can't do that if they are worried about getting elected again.

You need a genious to solve the problems that Bush administration created for USA.
You can't leave Iraq - you have to clean up your mess, but there is no cleaning supplies invented yet to do this job.
You have to stop spending money on war there to solve problems with N.Korea and Iran, to find Bin Laden.
And remember how many kids are left without parent,
the parent who died in Iraq - whether American or Iraqi, and Bush is talking pro-life?
Clinton lied about private affair, Bush lied abot the reasons for war that is the reason of thousands lives lost! Think before you vote!

When you read posts here you see frustration from every post.
You also see complete lies like "our deficit has been cut by 50%".HUH??? Its over 8 trillion so was it 16 trilliuon before??? Pure stupidity.
50% of americans make 30,000 or less per year.
That does not cut it in most areas of America unless you live in the midwest.
The government shoves "no new terrorist attacks since 9-11" down our throat every day it seems yet we have an estimated 3 to 5 million unregistered sex offenders here terrorizing the most innocent of our people-our children. Thats crazy.
Bascially politics and government has failed America from every angle period.

I'm appauled by the number of comments that have unfeeling, unsympathetic tones (even more so than your political views). It's a ME, ME world for most of you out there, and you're just so sophisticated.

Yes, you should change power when those in power have betrayed our trust. AND NO!!! this country was not founded on "the bible"... so NO your religion should not effect our government.

Oh I know... if I don't like it, I can just leave. NO, YOU TO LEAVE, this is our country. How about we just try to have a little compassion for one another. Try it, you might like it... instead of living in a haze of judgment and fear.

Peace & lalaLoVe

WHY WOULD ANYONE BE INTERESTED IN REBUILDING A CITY
KNOWN AS "SIN CITY" IN A SWAMP,AFTER GOD (ELOHEM)
"ALLOWED" IT TO BE DESTROYED BY THE SATIN'S DEVICES OF WIND AND WATER. SATIN IS, ACCORDING TO THE KJV OF THE BIBLE, THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR.
LEAVE IT AS IT IS,"DEAD" WHICH WILL SAVE LIVES, MONEY AND HEART ACHE AND TURN IT BACK INTO A NATURAL
WET LANDS FOR GOD'S LOWER CREATURES, WHO WILL TAKE BETTER CARE OF IT THAT THE PEOPLE DID.

If the terrorist have their way and destroy America and it's economy, the effects of Katrina would be totally irrelevant!

Michelle from Florida, you are mistaken. This country was built on the separation of government and religion. I think we need to keep it that way if we want it to continue to be a great place. The direction we are moving now - towards that of letting religion run our government - is scary. Look at the other countries around the world where the government is controlled by religion, they are usually scary places.

Major Ray Nagin did his best. He stayed in that city day and night. It's Blanco I'd like to see removed. He can't make the state help now can he. Put the blame where it needs to be.

There are people who would give their lives to vote for their country's leaders. Some of our grandfathers have died so that we can free. It is unAmerican to not vote. Go out and Vote. Its frankly a disgrace not to. May the Lord Bless this country too.

I can't help but wonder how in the face of all of the lies, theiving, sexual misconduct, fraud, illegal activities (ie. wiretapping) and outright evil, anyone can really support the present administration or the right wing conservatives. I don't think I can handle any more good ol' republican family values like lying, drug use, child molestation (foley), gay meth fueled sex (haggard - "Dear Georgie, I just love our weekly monday morning chats. Well I've got to go to the ATM and then "get a massage." Yours Truly, Haggard - P.S. Oh yeah, ban gay marriage. Thanks!), "enron" theft, crooked lobbyists (jack abramoff and tom delay robbing native americans for their own benefit), war profiteering (haliburton painting iraq with their red jumpsuits all over the country, no bid contracts etc.), sacrifice of our brave military men and women for the sake of a war based on lies, greed and "getting even," taking medical care benefits from the elderly (medicare), attempting to rob the public treasury by allowing huge financial firms to charge exorbitent fees for "managing" our retirement savings ("social security reform" - taxpayers will pay a lot more for these companies overhead, say economists), giving huge tax breaks to corporations and the rich while the rest of us get, well, maybe $25, maybe a few hundred, trying to legalize torture - or better yet, sending people to other countries to be tortured so we can wash our hands of it, not allowing prisoners due process of law (constitution? declaration of independence? I consider these to be pretty much american documents, I am so sick of the never-ending attacks on beloved American instutions and traditions), cutting funding to our national parks, easing environmental regulations which creates more pollution, cutting funding to our schools, the PATRIOT act, Katrina response (I should say lack thereof), ignoring climate change while other core countries are acting on scientific research, etc. I don't blame America, I blame our current president, his administration and conservative right wing hypocrites. Only a third of America supports Bush now, and I am not in that third. I must be right because well over half of the country agrees with me, and not you.

We have a war between the right and the left. And if we dont become united we are doomed. Lincoln said that no country will destroy our country. We will destroy within. We seem to have a ego and power problem in this country.

Look at the choices that have been made for the last 6 years do they make you feel safe and secure? Are they choices you think were good for this country.Is our world standing at the same level as it was 7 years ago? Did the tax cuts to the oil companies help with the price of heating oil or gasoline? Reach inside yourself and answer honestly then go vote.

People need to just admit to the fact that everyone will vote their own pocketbook. If you are rich and worked hard for your money you want to keep as much of as possible- Republican. If you are on the lower tier of the economic picture you are constantly looking for someone to put funds in your pocketbok for you. It has been this way since are founding fathers were around.....

The fact is the Republican certainly have flaws. But the alternative is a party that is completely clueless. The Dems will raise taxes, promote socialism, erode all moral principles and validate sexual dysfunction. Gay marriage is wrong only because it would validate a disorder as being normal and perfectly acceptable. That would perpetuate such a disorder. Our children are the real victims of this moral decay. They have nothing to associate with it to be able to consider the long term consequences. The War in Iraq is a obviously noble effort to bring democracy to the region. The strategy is clear. We are on one side of Iran in Afganistan intalling democracy and in Iraq doing the same on the other side. We were easily justified in both places without any threat of WMDs that we certainly were not lied to about. Saddams own top General has admitted openly that they sent them to Syria but you people just ignore that fact. WMDs are irrelevant any how as this war is a struggle to maintain and advance civilization and human progress. Democracy is the only way to ensure a populaces civil liberties and to protect thier right to self determination. This is a rather new concept in that region. It will take some time to work it out. Easily as long as 20 years. Fundmental Islam is blantantly facsist and subjigative. Mutually assured destruction is a not a deterrent to these people it is an incentive. Remember that when you vote.

I have read all of the messages on here and disagree with most of them.
1. The Katrina disaster was an act of God, not the Republican party. In fact, the governor of Louisiana and mayor of New Orleans are both Democrats. I understand that the response from FEMA and the Bush administration was not something to be admired but the governor and mayor should and could have done more also.
2. What about immigration reform? I don't see that mentioned on here. I am tired hearing the sob stories from illegal aliens. My husband came to the US from India LEGALLY 7 years ago. It is insulting to anyone who has legally immigrated to this country to see people cross the border and given the will to commit crimes in our country and get away with it. A good example of this is Elvira Arellano who is holed up in a church for fear of being deported. She entered the United States illegally in 1997 and was caught and deported. She then re-entered the US again and moved to Chicago. She was busted in 2002 while working at O'Hare airport as an illegal and was also convicted of Social Security fraud. During this time Arellano managed to get pregnant and have a son, who is under current interpretations of the 14th amendment, considered to be a US citizen though he was born to an illegal immigrant from a foreign nation.
3. I'm sick of hearing how the gap between the poor/middle class is widening with the rich. Our bankruptcy and foreclosures in the country are at an all time high. Yes, some of bankruptcies may be due to people without health insurance but I can tell you the majority of Americans are living well above their means. I have worked at a Public Aid office and have seen the way the people there show up and expect a handout without having any intention of ever finding a job or not having another child because they cannot afford it.

I will be the first to admit the Bush administration and the Republican party are not perfect but at this time in our nation, I believe what they have to offer is the most appealing.

As an 18 year old double minority I can say the Republicans have done a terrible job setting an example for the younger gernerations. How can these people sleep at night know that thousands of people are misplaced and left to fend for themselves in the wake of such a disater. I watched on the news with family for days while those people stood on rooftops begging for relife that FEMA was just not willing to provide. People drowned to death or die because they didnt have their medication. And waht about the people that tried to turn guns on the Katrina Victimes when they tried to cross over into the bridge to safety! Where in the is the country headed. By the time I am old enough to collect social security the Republucans will have gambled it all away with to me the most ridiculous idea any one of them could of had to Privatize Security!!! What about me, I am college student with a 3.9 grade point average but cant afford an regular university, I cant afford to live where I work and I am struggling in bill payments. I work full time I go to school full time and I try my hardest to be a good honest American. What about me? What about the millions other like me? When is somebody going to stand up and say enough is enough. Today I voted because I honestly belive that we have hope and that there will be a difference if we elect the right people into office. I did this because so many of my forefathers died for me to have the right that so many of us take for granted. Please get out and vote, its is so important. This country needs change and Bush is not looking to change it to better any of us.

Mayor Ray Nagin is responsible for the chaos after Katrina. Not Bush and certainly not the Republicans. The facts are indisputable. FEMA acted like a beaurocracy. Nagin acted like a negligent coward.

To Denise:
The government may not have caused Katrina, but they are responsible for the levee failures. The government failed us. Americans. Just like you. You can spew all you want about your tornadoes, but Katrina was our worst natural and, yes, man-made disaster in America. Have YOU been here to see the devastation? I am sick to death of people who have not seen what is happening here acting like they have any idea of what is happening here or what happened after the storm! Tornadoes last minutes. Any idea how long a hurrican lasts? How long it took the water to recede? Come on down, girl. You owe it to yourself to do that before you speak of us.

To Denise - I can sense you have "Katrina Fatigue" as do many people in this country. The only people who should have Katrina fatigue are those of us who have lived through it and are STILL trying to rebuild our homes and cities. I would never try to diminish anyone's suffering from a natural disaster, but this compares to nothing that has ever happened in this country. As far as blaming the government on Katrina - you are right - the government did not cause Katrina. However, the levees which are supposed to protect our city are built and maintained by the federal government and had been poorly designed and neglected for years. As far as using your insurance money and living with relatives - oh if it were only that easy! So many people are still fighting their insurance companies to try to get what they deserve. And your suggestion about living with family members while you rebuild is hard to do when your entire family has lost their homes and there is no housing available for you to live in while you rebuild your home.And the price of rentals is through the roof. The Gulf Coast was devastated - that means not only homes and lives were lost, but businesses, hospitals, schools - the entire infrastructure of so many cities were completely destroyed. The magnitude of this catastrophic event is not something that can be fixed overnight. If you have not lived through this, you have no right to judge us. Have you even beed down here to see it in person???Our homes, our cities and our spirits have been broken but we will survive. I applaud the state of Mississippi on how they are handling their recovery and wish Louisiana could follow their example. One thing I do agree with is that it will happen again - but it may not be a hurricane on the Gulf Coast. It could be a hurricane on the East Coast or West Coast (yes hurricanes can strike there), an earthquake, severe fooding on the Mississippi, a blizzard in the North East....SO should all of these people move, too??? It is inconceivable to me how this country can sink billions of dollars into a war where we are losing so many young men and women and do not seem to be getting a grip on it, yet the citizens of this country in the Gulf Coast region are living in cities that look like Katrina hit a few days ago. I am definitely going to vote today and hopefully my vote can help make a difference in this country - because a difference is WHAT WE NEED!

I think this entire dialog might just as well have been sealed in a time capsule. There will be wars and rumors of wars until the end of time as we know it. God sets up kingdoms and He brings them down. There will be natural disasters upon the earth to the end as there have always been. We reserve the right to choose where to settle and build. We must exercise a bit of common sense in our choice of location, however. I chose to settle in the hills. Still, there is no assurrance that the mountain at the base of which I live will not one day errupt into an exploding volcano. We have no guarantees in life and no government is going to make it so. As for the moral issues, no administration will override the law of God. Attempts will be made and laws will be enacted to the contrary but the Word of God is constant and will never fail. Our freedom of choice will never be removed. We came into this world with it and we will leave this world with it.

Four and eight years ago, I happen to remember everyone screaming "Get rid of the Democrats". I love how the uninformed always blame a party for the Country's problems. Every four years they stand on their soapbox and criticize whoever is in office at the time. During that 4 year period, they continue to remain ignorant and uninvolved in anything that will help this country get better. Why doesn't everyone quit playing the blame game, vote for the candidate you think will do a better job (not his/her party affiliation), be a voice in your community, and maybe we get this country turned in the right direction.

I have read all these postings, few seem to support republicans, just because democrats do not have a plan. If that reason is good enough to keep republicans on board, then there is going to be more downfall for the economy and america's reputation on the world platform in the future. visit www.loosechange911.com and see the facts, which lie beneath 9/11. Everybody might say that, it's a fiction, but this was created by a true american and why would an american say that it was a self-inflicted wound? Look on the other side of the coin. Republicans have made the country believe that there is no other way for us to combat terrorism, other than fighting in middle east (IRAQ). Why couldn't they find any weapons of Mass destruction? does the republican party have an answer for all of these. All they keep saying is that they are doing everything for the nation. Was Iraq war necessary at this stage, when the country is economically down. There is a saying "Clean your yard, before cleaning other's yard".

The devestation on the Gulf Coast has not been covered like it should. The news media only show a small portion of the area because most of the reporters do a lot of talking and not much actual footage of the damages the area recieved. Mr Bush went to the area and got his picture made for publicity and assured the people he would help them and cut out some of the red tape but needless to say that was all hype. Task cannnot be undertaken or accomplished for all of the beauracatic red tape. The contractors are taking all of the financial profits and then expecting the local contractors to only recieve minimum payment for the actual work being performed. So where is our government that is always supposed checking people out to make sure all business is honest. As the governor of Louisiana said," As soon as the rain stops the Gulf Coast will be forgotten." I wish someone would explain how it is that the Federal Government can give money and assitance to Irag and Iran but it has to LOAN the people in the USA money and assitance.

I went back to the Gulf Coast for the anniversry of Katrina. Less than 50% of New Orleans (A Great American City) is still without utilities!! Amercians died in America because they did not have water, food or a government with strong leadship and common sense skills. What a shame.

We will never have a party that will please everyone. I realize this, but if keeping the republicans on is the best we can do even when we have seen how dishonest and dirty they can be not to mention the fact that it is all about what they want and not what the people and country need. Even Mr. Bush won't see that it was a mistake to go into Iraq and whether democrats or republican we are at war for many years to come. Since Mr. Bush went to war with a third world country mentality we are now as they have been for thousands of years. We took for granted using diplomacy and so here we are going up without a paddle.

For those of people who think like David L. Walls, I would just like to see how you would survive without New Orleans. Did you enjoy how high your gas when up when there the rigs were down? I guess the port of New Orlean at the mouth of the Mississippi isn't important to you either. How about the energy we produce so you can warm yourself durning cold winter? I think if people understood how important our city is to you, you may be quicker to help and not hurt us with your terrible verbal attacks on my neighbors and home.

We will never have a party that will please everyone. I realize this, but if keeping the republicans on is the best we can do even when we have seen how dishonest and dirty they can be not to mention the fact that it is all about what they want and not what the people and country need. Even Mr. Bush won't see that it was a mistake to go into Iraq and whether democrats or republican we are at war for many years to come. Since Mr. Bush went to war with a third world country mentality we are now as they have been for thousands of years. We took for granted using diplomacy and so here we are going up without a paddle.

Be careful what you wish for, it may come true. If you think that a knee-jerk reaction to elect liberals is the answer..please don't complain in 2 years.

Please everyone, don't give up your hard earned right to vote just because you are overwhelmed or too busy dealing with everyday life, or getting back your life. Everyone should vote in every election. Voting won't resolve all the country's problems, but not voting will lead us more quickly in the wrong direction. The poor, the working poor and the middle class can no longer afford to live in this country. Every report says the rich are getting richer and more millionaires are born each day. Huh, why isn't the money flowing in the other direction? We all need to pick an issue and fight for it in whatever way we can. Small steps by everyone will bring change. I am outraged myself that Congress has had nine pay raises while the minimum wage has stalled. No one can afford gasoline, food, utilities, housing and yet many of us are hourly workers. Please vote!

I hope everyone reading this article realizes that Katrina gave a week's warning and this was the best our state, local, and federal governments could do in the face of an attack by nature. FEMA, whose statutory duty it was to handle this, failed. And while it was failing, Bush said "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a good job". I hope you all feel safer under Bush in the event of a chemical or biological attack by terrorists. Katrina isn't about a mayor or a governor or even a president. Its about a culture of incompetence, intelligence failures, and spin control. Karl Rove can't design a slogan to counteract what Katrina did to this region. He can only insist his spinmeisters keep repeating "America is safer under Bush" when in fact they have proven they cannot handle a simple hurricane, let alone an attack on America soil. The devastation in the Gulf region is beyond belief - you have to drive across ninety miles to understand it. But if it makes you all sleep easier to blame the victims, then you're good Republicans.

Louisiana has a long and distinguished history of oil and gas production, providing much of America’s energy supply. Currently, nearly 34% of the nation’s natural gas supply and almost 30% of the nation’s crude oil supply is either produced in Louisiana, produced offshore of Louisiana, or moves through the state and its coastal wetlands. Together with the infrastructure in the rest of the state, this production is connected to nearly 50% of the total refining capacity in the United States.

But I guess you don't need us.

Well....the truth is out there and I'm afraid Ray Charles could see it! Take a look around and see the corrupt dealings in Congress, the way we got involved in Iraq and it's aftermath. Gas prices ARE STILL HIGH.
Osama is still making videos, and the check out federal debt. Or questionable election results, which leads to folks not wanting to vote. (which is no excuse!)
I won't even mention how our global political influence is nil because of our mis-direction or/and how we owe countries money. How much influence do you really think we have with China since we owe them money? Oh yeah.....don't forget the comment from the White House today on staying in Iraq because of the oil. Did I forget the illegal immigration and the promise building of a 700 mile fence for a border over 1500 mile long?
If you like the journey of the last 6 years then
"Stay the course". And if the present body wins, then prepare to pray when the ship called the United States runs a-ground!
Open your eyes and pay attention.
Then do the right thing and VOTE.

Yes, the government blew up the levees, Amy, or should I say, Kanye West. Why would anyone want to help a city with one of the highest crime rates of all time get back on its feet, im sure those crack dealers are really hurting with no front pourch to 'Hustle' from. Katrina is sad and unfortunate but blame cannot be placed on the gop, or anyone for that matter. I feal terrible for all the honest hard working americans that lost their homes and whos families were torn apart, but the majority of the people were looting stores, not for food or water but for plasma tv's and the latest pair of Air Jordans. Maybe if N.O. showed the slightest bit of gratifacation for the services that WERE provided, such as the coast guard saving thousands, then maybe I wouldnt feel that they got what they deserved. FEMA may not of been a golden performer, but when they give you visa cards with money on them and youre spending them in strip joints and in casino's i feel no pain for you. Bad things happen to everyone, but the government isnt a charity organization, and by no means required to rebuild your houses. Katrina was bad, but everyone needs to suck it up, stop blaming the government, esp the GOP for you problems. The government cant control the weather and we cant magicly de-flood new orleans or wave a magic wand to make it all better. If