You can’t go home again
I’m not sure what to make of the lead on this Reuters item:
Angry New Orleans public-housing residents on Saturday took charge of the recovery and cleanup of homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina and vandals, blaming the government for failing to act.
Acting without the approval of housing authorities, some residents took their first look at their homes since fleeing Katrina nine months ago. Many found criminals had done as much damage as the storm.
I’m hoping that what the residents are angry about is that bureaucratic ineptitude has kept them from their houses for so long that thieves have had ample time to make off with furniture and fittings…and not because they’re actually having to clean things up for themselves. I’m all for decreasing the scope of government, but it doesn’t strike me that indignation is misplaced when existing bureaucracies pull their paternalistic don’t-touch-that-you’ll-hurt-yourself routine and end up making things worse. On the other hand, this might be a nice lesson for those who’ve made life decisions in such a way as to keep themselves wards of the state: There are strings attached to government handouts, namely that you tend to be bossed around about how you can use them.
I wish George Bush would come over here and straighten up my f**king garage. And maybe clean the toilets. Talk about a disaster.