DOWN BUT NEVER OUT

Less than two weeks from the time Hurricane Katrina ravaged portions of the Gulf Coast, Americans are again demonstrating their ability to rise to the challenge.
Katrina broke levees and allowed one of America's great cities to be plunged into almost unspeakable horror. The storm's savage winds pushed ocean water two miles inland in parts of Mississippi.
Yes, the usual crowd of doom and gloom sayers are out there still trying to score political points on the misery of Katrina's victims. The usual race baiters are out there trying to convince us that Republicans want black people to drown and government failed in a time of crisis.
Putting aside this insane rhetoric, let us look at the facts.
The greatest lesson to be learned thus far from Katrina is a lesson long preached by conservatives: that government never has been and never will be the answer to human problems.
Yes, government has its place. It provides armed forces to defend the nation when it is attacked by enemies. It regulates any number of activities, some good and far too many bad. But when a crisis on the scale of Katrina strikes, government, like all human establishments can and often is overwhelmed, just as are individuals.
We will not dwell on the doom and gloom any further. Instead, look at the outpouring of financial aid thus far sent by people across the nation to help the helpless. Look at the huge number of agencies and groups and churches that are at this moment easing pain and suffering. Look even at the unquenchable spirit of New Orleans organizers who are already saying that Mardi Gras 2006 will go on as planned, albeit scaled down a great deal under the circumstances. Rejoice in the news that the number of dead appears to be far less than what some were estimating just a few days ago. Look at the members of the military, police, fire fighters and volunteers who are even now performing duties almost beyond belief. Look at the pumps that are back working to rid New Orleans of contamination and water.
In the darkest moments of American history, our people have seldom failed to rise to the challenge. From Valley Forge to Hurricane Katrina, the strength and faith of America remains, with God's help, unbroken.