I know that it's not something that we, here in the US, like to think about. There are times that a strict application of military force is the only way to curb lawlessness. It seems that that someone has finally realized that. Links to articles (with minimal details at this point) are: Link Link Link More later, including thoughts on what Martial Law means for NO.

I know that we're only at the 48 hour mark on this tragedy that used to be a fine, historical city on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. I know that the US is the biggest responder in international tragedies (like the SE Asian tsunami). After this time (and a Google search) there are no signs that Europe is doing any more than parroting the news articles that the AP, UPI and NEWS.COM.COM puts out. Where is the hew and cry from Europe seeking aid for the poor folks that are flooded out ...

One thing that Hurricane Kristina has done is severly impact the oil recovery and refining facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. One report on MSNBC was predicting an 8% loss of refining capacity for as much as two weeks. That's not even taking into account the loss of production from the wells and rigs that had to be evacuated as a result of the storm. Nor does it take into account the oil platform that decided it would rather rest against the bridge in Mobile harbor than out in the Gulf wher...