We spoke of racism on Tuesday, my husband and I. We spoke of poor people, African Americans, the dispossessed of the South. We spoke of the uncaring responses of government, with the exception (at that time) of the mayor of New Orleans. We spoke of our sadness and our shame at living in a country that could callously deflect their responsibilty towards our citizens.

We talked about the shame of living in a racist society, where all it takes is a tragedy to bring our worst attributes floating to the surface. I know that many citizens in the United States feel the same way. We are right to be ashamed, to expect so much more from our government. I am inclined to think about my government officials as my employees. If this is the case, since I do pay the wages (as do you, my tax-paying friend), I should seriously think of replacing them. Perhaps pressing criminal charges, as well. Isn't it criminal negligence to allow another human to die when you have the power to prevent it?

I truly believe that this should awful event allow us to take the time to examine what is truly wrong with America. Is instituting a police state and handing out a few "relief" debit cards really the best response? Can we allow our leadership to contend that everyone (FEMA for example) is doing a great job when we have thousands of hopeless homeless people waiting for assistance? When there are maggot swollen corpses lying on the sidewalks of an American city? When the only assistance the government seems to want to offer is soldiers with guns?

What, indeed, is wrong with America?

Please read this article, available at TheNation.com.