John Block Reports from Washington

Some thoughts today about Hurricane Katrina.

One year since Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans, and we have seen the press give us story after story about the government's failure to rebuild New Orleans. Vast sections of the city still lie in ruins of broken homes, trash and no life. No one is returning. Will they come back? Blame President Bush. Blame the Governor. Blame the Mayor. The circular firing squad is in full view.

I have heard enough of this issue. Yes, it was a terrible tragedy. I agree the federal government has a responsibility to be there and help. The government was there, the military was there rescuing thousands from rooftops with helicopters. The government was handing out money, no questions asked. Is your house destroyed? Here is a trailer for you to live in. No charge. How many billions ofdollars have we spent? It's your money and mine. Taxpayers'money. Add on top the billions ofprivate charity money, clothes and food was sent to help the victims. We helped. My family helped. We sent food and clothes and we are glad we did.

But, I am getting tired of the criticism that it's not enough. The federal government is failing to rebuild and solve everyone's problems.

Well, pardon me, but I don't think the government has an obligationto rebuild every house. If a tornado leveled my home town of Knoxville, Illinois, population 2,500, do you think the government would rebuild everything? They wouldn't rebuild anything! Ifwe have insurance, we can rebuild as individuals. If the families of New Orleans have insurance, they can go back and rebuild. If you don't have insurance, whose fault is that? If a mud slide buries your house in California, whose fault is that? If lightening strikes and bums your home, who is responsible? Katrina was like a lightening strike. A once in 200 years event. Unfortunate, sad, but there are risks in life.

I think the federal government sets a very costly and unrealistic precedent by accepting such exaggerated responsibility for natural disasters.

Let me know what you think. I am jblock@ofwlaw.com. Have a great week.