HURRICANE KATRINA: Blame game won't save anyone
September 8, 2005
What a horrid thing to do -- blaming any agency or others at this time for the purpose of politics. It makes me wonder how low people can stoop. This was a natural disaster, and it is time to tend to the current destruction, which no one caused.
Barbara Budd
Livonia
Own up to mistakes
Once again President George W. Bush is attempting to insulate himself from criticism by proclaiming that those questioning his administration's response to Katrina are simply engaging in politics. Rather than taking responsibility, presidential adviser Karl Rove and his team are working hard behind the scenes to shift blame to local authorities. Talk about politicizing. I cannot imagine a more self-serving strategy.
Will Wittig
Ferndale
Shame on many
When our government fails in its most basic obligation to protect its citizens; when our president displays callousness, ignorance and ineptitude toward those in distress; when our Department of Homeland Security and FEMA leaders demonstrate gross incompetence and their lack of experience in disaster management; when Congress and the White House approve billions of dollars for pork-barrel projects yet cut funding for known disaster risks; when those who suffer the most are those who have the least, I am ashamed to be an American.
Kevin D. Miller
Saline
The real UPS connection
At UPS, we take exception to the use of our brand in Mike Thompson's editorial cartoon on Wednesday. Using the UPS brand, including that of a UPS driver, to make an editorial comment about the performance of FEMA Director Mike Brown may imply to readers an association with UPS that damages a reputation for service and community involvement that UPS employees have developed over 98 years in the transportation business.
In fact, UPS and its employees are working around the clock in many locations to help relief agencies provide much needed supplies and support to victims of Hurricane Katrina, including UPS employees and their families who have been affected.
In Michigan, UPS is providing in-kind transportation of supplies to the impacted area at the request of the Michigan National Guard. It is part of the $1.25-million aid package UPS announced to help support relief efforts.
Ron Sinclair
Media Relations, UPS
Chicago
An apology to people in need
Last week, I wrote a letter printed in the Free Press stating I felt police in New Orleans should have the right to shoot to kill looters ("Looters are the lowest," Sept. 2). I was led by the mainstream news media to believe the looting consisted of people stealing guns, ammunition, TV sets, appliances -- in short, stealing for the sake of stealing.
Imagine my chagrin upon learning the truth that the majority of the so-called looting consisted of desperate poor people trying to find food and water.
I am ashamed of having written the letter I did and regret it greatly. Having written it in a state of being misinformed highlights the need for the news media to provide us with honest, factual news, rather than spin and sensationalism. I apologize to those poor people and hope they got the necessities they so desperately needed.
Kathy Handyside
Southgate