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Sept. 12, 2005 The USA are the most important country in the world: economically (Wall Street determines every other Stock Exchange in the world), military, culturally (although Hollywood, for instance, produces a lot of crap). But when it comes to coping with a tropical storm, the USA turn out to react like a third world country. There´s one thing I personally don´t understand. Every year, the USA are confronted with tropical storms. Thus, it would be smart to be prepared for them. Then, why is it that such a disaster as in New Orleans could even happen? Was American government taking risks on purpose? In European press, much has been speculated on this. In The Netherlands we say a dam-burst in our country is ´reasonable´ once every 10.000 years. Our dams are built to anticipate on this speculation. In the USA, dams are said to be ´allowed´ to burst every 400 years. Quite a difference. Especially when one keeps in mind America faces tropical storms every year. Why not build dams that are some secure? Can this difference be explained by the fact the Dutch had their lessons already in 1953? A lot has also be spoken about President Bush´s behaviour, his negligence of the seriousness the first days. And about the lack of co- ordination by the FEMA. What lies underneath, according to many European and American (!), comments is the racial question. Most of the victims are poor and black. Would it really be the case that an American government gives less about his poor and non-WASP population? A good American friend of mine said ´the state of the States is not positive´. It indeed seems so. I write this column on September 11th. President Bush called for unity today, to overcome the New Orleans disaster like the USA overcame the terrorist attacks. He showed strength after those attacks, whether or not in a smart way, he hasn´t shown much strength until now. Another blow in his leadership and popularity. It gives to think why he has been granted a second term anyway. ------------ About the author Johan Peters: I'm a freelance journalist/editor from Rotterdam, The Netherlands. I write articles, columns and books. I'm also available for making simple translations from/into English, German, French and of course Dutch. More information about me can be found on: www.johanpeters.net (partly in English). Email Johan Peters: johan.peters@johanpeters.net Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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