The IEA issued a statement that they were ready to open the SPR, which is really the President's decision. Of course if the President were to announce he was ready to open the SPR he would be handing the Democrats a victory. So he gets the agency head, who doesn't have the authority, to make that announcement.

Secondly the Army Corps of Engineers still hasn't done all the improvements to the levees that were mandated, and not funded by the Bush administration. Anyone remember that story? Pre-Katrina? The group most worried about this hurricane should be the reinsurers. However Bernanke and company have made cash available at the corporate level. One thing Cramer of Mad MOney used to say about hurricanes, is that they are bullish for insurance companies, who use these events to raise rates.

Then they pay claims out two or three years after the fact, which is a ponzi scheme of sorts. He has been less bullish about this hurricane, but no reason for that really.

There is actually more government aid available to the insurance companies.

It stands to reason that banks owning foreclosed property have something to gain from this storm. During last years California wildfire San Diego county ordered the biggest mass evacuation of homes in their history. Many chose not to leave, and many were able to save their property, because the county has never fixed their logistical problems from the Cedar Fires. You could leave your home, in good conscience, and let it (and the mortgage paper) burn up, or your could stay. Some people actually saved not only their homes, but their neighbors home.

Ove the course of the last few years there were several fires which destroyed condominum projects under construction. Similar patterns to most of them, they all happened during the day, the workers all left before the fire could harm them, and the fire moved quickly and completely leveled the projects.

Now as a matter of public policy some wags have suggested that we burn down foreclosed properties and start over.

Insurance companies are getting ripped off at both ends, through onerous government regulation and investigation, and by banks who act as conduits for homeowners who are long gone, (or as in the case of the California wildfires, have one more excuse to walk away from a home they paid too much for, and which is underwater). Its easier then turning in the keys.

The Republicans are the party of comers and goers.

You missed that by a mile, hell Newsweek even did a feature on how Condi was going to replace Dick Cheney. We were all debating the Constitutional problems. Republicans thought Condi would make Bush impeachment proof, and after a year in office, and a couple of false flag dustups, phony terrorist warnings, she might not even need to call an election. Bush was going to resign. Then of course Pelosi made that line of reasoning academic.

Sure Condi is a player. Maybe she never shot a b'ar, but hell she knows a good fur coat when she sees it.

What this proves is that if you drive man away from an environment for any period of time, for any reason, that environment will prosper.

How are they doing downwind of Chernobyl?

Do you think 50 years is enough to measure the long term effects of radiation?

Does the long term result of the environment recovering, (not actually prospering) over Hiroshima somehow validate the short term suffering?

Couldn't all this have been achieved with a less grief and suffering? Does the suffering count for anything?

I could go on, but enough for now/

McCain said that.

Quite a news flash actually: being Republican and being American are not synonmous. McCain has to remove one hat to wear the other. Their love of the red white and blue goes back to the Republican Party of Wm. F Buckley at least.

How long have Republicans been Wrapping themselves in the flag, impugning the patriotism of Democrats, and anyone against the war, or anyone who disagrees with them.

I am sure Fox news will straighten it all out. Or maybem, just the Obama campaign will get some mileage out this.

How about a bumper sticker,

Republican First, American second

John McCain

Get it? Bill didn't inhale. Chelsea is a model citizen. She even took her mom to Africa to show her what was going on. It changed Mom's view of the world.

All because Bill didn't inhale. We all know that Bush Jr. inhaled, in the White House, while his daddy ran the country. End of story.

The Republicans are right. They just don't have the power of their convictions.

Don't inhale, not ever.