Well, this is my first time online since Bush's speech the other night, so while this article may be delayed, understand it's been brewing in my head for a couple of days.

30 years ago this past March, a tornado wiped out our small community. The community once thrived during the oil boom, catering to oilfield workers who would come in from the fields. But the oil bust, combined with the tornado, changed a lot of that (I guess if the storm doesn't have a name, it doesn't matter).

Through the years, the residents of this Texas community have worked to keep their community alive, even going so far as to GIVE away land to anyone promising to build on it to build up the tax base. The community has continually dwindled, and many residents live in perpetual fear of the loss of the school or of the city, and with more than ample reason.

But this community rebuilt with its OWN gumption, its OWN manpower (and womanpower). And has survived without demanding the government maintain its care.

Fast forward to 2005. New Orleans and many other southern communities are wiped out through their own arrogance because they chose to build and settle in an area where such a disaster was INEVITABLE; it was only a matter of time. Our president's response is to promise everyone who lived in these affected areas EVERYTHING; he will rebuild their homes and their businesses, he will give preferences to minorities who want to start a business, meaning, by definition that whites (who are, ironically a MINORITY by definition in New Orleans), will often be ignored because of the positive press that racism FAVORING African Americans generates.

Oh yeah, and he will do it without raising taxes. Meaning the national debt will continue its out of control skyrocket, or programs will lose already promised federal funds in favor of rebuilding after Katrina.

My heart goes out to those affected by Katrina. I would be willing to do much to HELP them rebuild. But I do not feel that Bush's current response is entirely appropriate. In fact, I feel it will further damage the region, rather than repair it.

You see, one key factor in success or failure of business is the personal stake one holds in the business. An owner who stands to lose everything if their business fails works longer hours, cares more about the customer, and treats their employees better if they realize it is THEIR money being spent, not that of the government or a faceless corporation. This is why mom and pops continue to flourish in America despite the presence of corporate giants such as Microsoft and WalMart.

Still don't believe me? Study the dropout rate of college students on scholarships and loans, which have to be either earned (the former) or repaid (the latter). Now compare it with students who rely primarily on grants or papa's piggy bank. You'll find that those who have to WORK for an education tend to see it through to completion and value it more after completion.

I'm not among those who question whether we SHOULD rebuild New Orleans. In an incredibly ironic twist, we are still celebrating the bicentennial of the expedition founded on the PURCHASE of the region inspired SOLELY by the Port of New Orleans. The city has been an incredible contributor to our culture and heritage as a nation, and a future without it is almost unthinkable.

But the rebuilding can and should be done by individuals and private corporations, and not by a nanny government. Business contracts should be awarded on the ability of the business to provide the services needed at a competitive price, not on the skin color of the primary applicant. And most importantly, this whole affair should not be a subterfuge for the Marxist redistribution of wealth our president is proposing. How incredibly ironic that the son of the man who spent 8 years serving as VP under the president who bookended the 40 plus year fight against socialism would adopt many of its precepts in his response.