Random Reaction

I know Brad has quite the social conscience, what with the trips to Africa and Asia to help those less fortunate, etc. So clearly, his move to help the unlucky folks in New Orleans to get back into housing and on their feet comes from a desire to do the right thing. But (and you knew there had to be one, didn't you?) why is he focusing on rebuilding the Lower 9th Ward? My understanding is that is one of the lowest areas of the city. How is helping rebuild there helping people in the long run? If you really want to help them Brad, get them out of the hole in the ground below sea level!! While I understand the desire to help people rebuild their home, isn't it the definition of insanity to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result? With hurricane intensity and frequency increasing, and sea level rising, can anyone make a convincing case that this is a good idea? I mean is it just me , or is this an incredible amount of human hubris that we can somehow hold back n

As much as I won't miss Tom Delay's partisan and ethically questionable politics, I wonder if it isn't indicative of a larger problem: politics and power attracts exactly the wrong personality type. That is hyper-competitive, ego-driven, monomaniacal, power-mongers. This quote from an MSNBC article illustrates my point (although I am not all that familiar with Jim Wright's personality). Jim Wright, the Democratic speaker, resigned that year after being found in violation of House conflict of interest rules. His tormentor, the Republican Newt Gingrich, became speaker in 1994 following the Republican sweep of Congress, but was forced out by his own party in 1998 following a series of investigations into alleged ethics violations. Mr DeLay, who held the number two post in the House behind speaker Dennis Hastert until he was forced to step down after a criminal indictment on money-laundering charges last year, is now the latest House leader to see his career destroyed by a