Had to share this as many times as I can, this is a copy of something I sent to Mallman in reply to his blog from September 1st...

It moved me sufficiently to bring out the following...these are deep felt feelings and they may not be directly in line with your own, they may even be a little raw - and in some things I may be wrong but I'd like you to hear it just the same and make your own decision.

There are some who have suggested to me that placing blame at this point serves no purpose and just adds to the feelings of desperation.

Still It IS VERY HARD to watch, on the news, it's almost all that's been discussed on CNN for days. And watching it unfold, I can see how devastating it is even to the jounalists trying to observe and describe their findings, which have been gruesome. They are experienced in these things, in death and devastation, re: embedded in Iraq, and the tsunami coverage, and still it brings them to tears and anguish!

Voting will assist you all in working out a government that better represents the people. There is more...and America will learn from this and grow stronger...and hopefully this won't further harden hearts who've forgotten how to truly "feel".

Your fellow citizens will likely find yourselves better off setting up "neighbor to neighbor", "friend to friend" and "family to family" "systems" to help each other. Always in your history, as in Canada's, the people have been the Backbone of their communities - they pull together and help each other...Here you are all needed in that respect, in whatever way you can contribute... re: putting people "up" for extended periods of time, etc, and helping build shelters and helping to soothe the pain of your neighbors.

The biggest lesson to learn from this is just how silly and downright confounding our "systems" are...

Money for example should not be a question in this...Governments shouldn't have to sit and think up bills and legislation to solve this - there should be no question, HELP, let the issues sort themselves out later...who gives a hoot if it's "legally correct" There are people perishing before our very eyes while officials discuss theories and assumptions.

The politicians answer questions, like always, without any answer; diplomacy in it's worst light - when asked why they weren't prepared; "Well you know this is the very worst storm that has ever hit....etc. etc. blah, blah" My god don't feed people back the obvious - it's insulting - and if the people trapped in New Orleans could watch TV while waiting for help or to die - which-ever comes first - they would riot far worse then they are now, realizing no one even considered them important.

Poorer countries simply ship their people out of dangers way, no questions, just "here's the trucks and buses - get on and get outa town" Why did that not happen? - In particular when Katrina teased the shores as a category 5, long before hitting Louisiana.

They KNEW people would stay...many couldn't leave, being so poor, where would they go, who would have them anyway? And don't forget they are a proud people too.

Why in America, are the poor considered as non-people... What's with these old habits we all thought had finally been outgrown? This isn't the wild west! Aren't we more mature as countries, as peoples, as evolved human beings, that we honour all LIFE? all life is beautiful and precious - no-one is "dispensable" or unworthy of consideration. This is the lesson we are all learning as we watch with broken hearts in disbelief!

It is no wonder the violence - this is true desperation we are witnessing. Who would choose to sit and watch their neighbor die beside them, without dignity or at least a sense of safety?

What hurts ne most, as one who has lived among you, who was educated with your own and took what was taught about democracy and freedom and America as great inspiration to build a life I could be proud of, is hearing Americans, so many Americans, referred to as refugees. This is not only unacceptable it is unimaginable...

It truly breaks my heart - I love you all so...All I can do is contribute what I can, and have, and pray...I pray that sense is returned to your leaders everywhere, and that their hearts open rather than stay those hard, dried prunes that barely beat just now...I pray someone hears the desperate calls to smarten up coming from New Orleans' mayor - at least he's not pulling punches...it's a dire situation and his message should hit home hard with those who have had such short sighted views!

My very best to you all. May god soothe the fear of those who've already passed, their families, their friends and give peace and strength to those who must suck it up and roll up their sleeves and solve this . Mallman it was "A little long reply" ...hope you don't mind a little rant!

Update: this afternoon the calvary finally made it! Let's hope now things will reach a level of humaneness and humanity we can all take comfort in.

The garden hasn't taken back seat by the way. Perhaps I should tell you all how sitting in the peace and beauty of the garden helps refresh my very soul giving me the ability to look at something this horrible and tragic and not be overwhelmed not only by the visuals but my own "sensations" of those who suffer and fear the night there in the south this week. The garden gives back in many ways and always provides rejuvenation and a sense of peace. Goodnight my dear 'sayers!