A friend in need.....

Hurricane Katrina is quickly being recognized as the worst natural disaster to ever hit the United States of America. Canada is America's closest ally. The ideological gap between our two countries has grown to levels unheard of historically but this does not reflect upon the relationship between the American people and the Canadian people. That being said like a true neighbor we are attempting to help the Americans in their time of need. But alas things are not that simple...

On tonight's news, CTV (Canadian TV) said that support was offered from Canada. Planes are ready to load with food and medical supplies and a system called "DART" which can provide fresh water and medical supplies is standing by. Department of Homeland Security as well as other U.S. agencies were contacted by the Canadian government requesting permission to provide help. Despite this contact, Canada has not been allowed to fly supplies and personnel to the areas hit by Katrina. So, everything here is grounded. Prime Minister Paul Martin is reportedly trying to speak to President Bush tonight or tomorrow to ask him why the U.S. federal government will not allow aid from Canada into Louisiana and Mississippi. That said, the Canadian Red Cross is reportedly allowed into the area. Canadian agencies are saying that foreign aid is probably not being permitted into Louisiana and Mississippi because of "mass confusion" at the U.S. federal level in the wake of the storm.

I won't attempt to score cheap political points by discussing how the war in Iraq has depleted the National Guard so much that it is unable to provide the service it is meant to provide, to 'Guard the Nation not to occupy foreign nations that possess WMD..I mean nations that participated in 9/11...I mean nations that pose a threat to America.. I mean nations that have large reserves of oil. I also won't mention this story that details the funding cuts to New Orleans flood control projects and the reason for the cuts. (cough cough IRAQ)