Photo-Opper-in-Chief

I'm watching Marine 1 fly away from the OEP as I type. Sorry for the slow updates--Labor Day and all...also put in extra hours at work yesterday, and wanted to rest just a bit.

The open letter from the Pic is getting national attention.

Also on CNN, this story noting that the administration needs to put up or shut up.

Earlier I saw footage from Jefferson Parish--long lines of cars in the early morning rain--skies are clear now, but radio reports emphasized the devastation and "stench of death."

Krugman gives the administration an "F:"

Experts say that the first 72 hours after a natural disaster are the crucial window during which prompt action can save many lives. Yet action after Katrina was anything but prompt. Newsweek reports that a "strange paralysis" set in among Bush administration officials, who debated lines of authority while thousands died.

What caused that paralysis? President Bush certainly failed his test. After 9/11, all the country really needed from him was a speech. This time it needed action - and he didn't deliver.

But the federal government's lethal ineptitude wasn't just a consequence of Mr. Bush's personal inadequacy; it was a consequence of ideological hostility to the very idea of using government to serve the public good. For 25 years the right has been denigrating the public sector, telling us that government is always the problem, not the solution. Why should we be surprised that when we needed a government solution, it wasn't forthcoming?

Bob Herbert writes: Bush to New Orleans: Drop Dead.

Just heard on local television that emergency agencies are still getting 911 calls from people trapped. Others are sticking it out despite flood waters that are still at least chest high in some areas.

Just heard that traffic was surprisingly light on Airline Highway and I-10 going to Jefferson--one man said things got heavy around Burnside, but he was able to take River Road.

I'm going to catch up over here, and be back in a bit.