Enjoy TNA, but ...(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)

I really enjoy THE NEW AMERICAN magazine. This is our family's newspaper. We use these articles as references and loan the magazines to a variety of people. This magazine is making quite an impact on people. It is an excellent source for us as subscribers to use as an information tool to inform others.

However, in the article "Katrina Exposes Fatal Flaws" in the October 3, 2005 issue, I feel the author missed an opportunity to point out that what happened in Louisiana is the final product of a welfare state. When multiple generations know only government to provide all of their lifelong needs, they cannot provide for themselves. Reliance on the government ruins self-esteem and creativity! This scenario reminds me of a domesticated animal that is totally reliant upon its owner for subsistence. Without the owner to care for it, the animal will soon perish.

What we have done to those people in the name of "compassion" is totally ruin what could be productive lives. If we are truly compassionate, we could now use this situation to help these people help themselves. During WWII and September 11, people did not resort to whining to the feds to "get here and fix our problem." They didn't rape, pillage, burn, murder, or loot. They united and worked ...