Five Years Later

These were my impressions on that dark day. My wife and I had been back in England nearly two years, and I was working in the International Office of what was then known as the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside in Yorkshire.

To: All Staff
Subject: A New Yorker's Thanks to All
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 08:47:34 +0100

Those of you here at Milner Hall know I am a native of New York City, and that I have not been home in almost two years. When news of the attack reached me, just as I finished my lunch Tuesday afternoon, I phoned my family. To say they experienced shock and disbelief would be an understatement. Fortunately, they assured me, our family and friends were safe. Later, as I would learn, there were more stories to tell.

An uncle of mine lives not more than two or three blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood. When he heard the explosions, he went down to the street to see what was happening. Shortly thereafter, the first of the towers began to fall. He may well have been buried beneath it, were it not for a passing motorist who stopped and urged him to get into the car. He later met with the family on Staten Island, where, in horror, they watched the cloud of dust rise above lower Manhattan.

A friend of my mother worked on the fourth floor of the second tower to be struck. When the first was hit, their windows imploded. Under a hail of broken glass, they dove to the floor. Among the office workers were survivors of the first World Trade Center bombing. Experience saved their lives. They quickly had everyone crawl to the stairs and make their way out of the building. They were heading toward the Brooklyn Bridge when their tower was hit by the second aircraft. Looking back at the burning skyscrapers, they walked across the bridge in stunned silence.

Only yesterday, my father visited the site. He stood at the edge of the mound of rubble that is all that remains of New York's tallest buildings, and forms the tomb of countless thousands of innocent people. My father is a twenty-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, having been witness to some of the worst New York has ever experienced. This sight reduced him to tears.
He told me that many of the nearby buildings will most likely come down in the next few days. Whilst he was there, a warning was sounded. Some debris still lies on the roofs of the surrounding buildings, and occasionally falls to the ground. All gathered at the site ran for the safety of Battery Park, and my father injured his leg in the chaos.

I tell you all this because, in the midst of this tragedy, the people of Britain have been a great comfort to all Americans, and especially to New Yorkers. The British people have long been true and faithful friends of America, and even moreso in this time of our greatest sorrow. From the moving ceremony at the Palace yesterday, to the local pub flying Old Glory at half mast, your kindness and your prayers have been a great consolation to all Americans, and this New Yorker in particular.

As Britain pauses for a moment of silence at 11.00 am today, know that your friends across the Atlantic appreciate all you have done, and continue to do in this trying time. We know that hundreds of your fellow countrymen also lost their lives on that dark day, and we will do everything humanly possible to offer our aid and consolation to you.

May God Bless America, and her wonderful friends in Britain and around the world.

I keep hearing the media say this was the day America changed. I pray this is true, but five years later, and I'm not so sure. Some of us still need to wake from our slumber and recognize the enemy who seeks our destruction, before it's too late...

By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!

On the Road Again

I'm moving again today. Not far, but then I still have to pack up all my worldly possessions, fit them into the back of the Cruiser (you would be amazed at how the seats fold back and back again) and drive about half an hour to my new temporary digs. I will be moving into permanent residence there in a month's time. Already made contacts at the local furniture emporium's clearance center, as I brought nothing of the sort with me. It's not easy doing all this alone, but at least there will be a home ready and waiting when my wife arrives.

Back to work!

How You Know You're Late for Latin Mass

You get cut off by a Lexus with this plate:

Saw said Lexus in the Cathedral parking lot a short while later.

True story.

And probably the reason I won't be gettting the Choose Life plate. I think they made it this dorky looking on purpose just to put off us Pro-Life types! Still, the proportion of these plates in the Cathedral's parking lot on a Sunday is very, very high.

My Afternoon with Capt. William T. Riker, UFPSF (Ret.)

Okay, not exactly.

I had an appointment at a local college to talk to the head of the Digital Video Production program. So, I take a seat on the couch, and wait. Before long, in walks -- I kidst thou not -- Riker.

No, not Jonathan Frakes, but it could have been his twin brother. Almost. This fellow was what I imagine Riker to be now... retired, let himself go a little... but still Riker. I mean, he had the beard, and all! But his voice... He could easily be a sound-alike, yet with a trace of Florida. Think 95% Riker, 5% Trip and you've got it.

And the beard, too! Only thing was, he lost a few inches in height and gained them in girth. But still, it was uncanny... I could not help but geek out on that for most of the interview. Somehow, I suspect he gets that a lot.

Sorry, did I have a point..?

Oh, yes! Excellent DV program. Real indie attitude. I could easily fit in there.

But the whole Riker thing was just to unbelievable to let it go without comment.

More Tales from Tampa Bay

I see it has been a while since I've posted. I suppose it's been the long days and the occasional six-day weeks that took it out of me. Now, don't misunderstand, I am very thankful that I found work relatively quickly.

I've been part of a small, overworked team of IT contractors in the process of installing new PCs for all employees of a large telecommunications company. (If you've spent any time in Tampa, you'll know which.) The program is nationwide, so I suppose it could involve the odd trip to Texas or California or wherever. The money is rather good, but the nature of this 1099 contract work is that it is uncertain. The work can dry up at any time. One day they may simply tell me not to come back. I would prefer some stability in my working life so I can concentrate on more important things.

Still, this job did help me buy a car...

And I'm looking to move into an apartment this week, at long last. Job hunting in various parts of the state kept me in hotels this long. Once that is settled, we can begin the process of getting my wife her green card (or whatever DHS is calling it these days) and we can get on with our lives. It has been dreadful living in limbo like this. With my long hours we don't get to talk as much as we would like, and I am perpetually tired. I think I'm running on caffeine and sugar. (That helped me last through marathon D&D sessions in my youth, but I'm not as young as I used to be. And I'm putting on weight again. I need to start doing something other than working, eating takeaways and sleeping. And when we work Saturdays, they give us free donuts, the fiends! This is not helping. I need to join a gym or a dojo or something...)

That was a much longer aside than I intended. In any case:

This week there will be changes for the better!

Once again, novenas and Mass intentions most welcome. I did light a candle or two after Mass at Saint Jude's Cathedral this afternoon...

I want to tell everyone back in Yorkshire -- Julie, her Mum (and the moggies), Mike, Neil & Michaela, Fr. Cahill at Holy Souls', everyone else in Hull and up and down Britain, along with my friends at the University of Lincoln and Hull College -- that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. And postcards will follow very soon!

More to follow in a few days. I hope to have some good news by then.

Until then, I'm back in the blogosphere!

*****
PS: For my friends back in Britain, a few interesting things I've learned:

We have Deal or No Deal, but it is much more glamourous and camp.

Cat Deeley hosts the dance version of Pop Idol.

We also have Game Show Marathon, but, alas, no Ant & Dec.

Oh, for Pity's sake! I have got to do something more than collapse in bed every evening and turn on the TV. Of course, after an eleven or twelve hour day, I'm not really conscious enough to do much else. Okay, that's not entirely true. Though I've not yet picked up a copy of The Protector's War, I'm reading Star Wars and Philosophy. Definitely need to join a dojo or something soon...

Coming in from the Cold... Sort of.

Granted, it's not been below the mid-80s since I've been in Tampa Bay, but I have been remiss in posting, and that is simply not done. I have some good friends out there who are entitled to an update.

Would you mind waiting until after Mass?

Until then, Mike, I'm ever so sorry I've not been in touch recently. Do extend my apologies to the Hoopers, as well. I will do a bit of posting this afternoon/evening which I hope will make up for it.

And I really do need to send some postcards!

See you in a few hours...

The Hunter Bags His Prey!

I found a job!!

Fifteen days after I arrived in the Sunshine State, I landed a contract with an IT consulting firm. I will be providing tech support to a major communications firm as they upgrade PCs for all employees. The contract is for three months, but will likely run to the end of the year. And it ain't for chump change, lemme tell ya. You know... I think I've actually become a -- dare I say it? -- professional.

Yikes.

No time to think about that, as I start Thursday morning. But I always have time for this:

O God, of whose mercies there is no number, and the treasure of whose goodness is infinite; we render thanks to Thy most gracious Majesty for the gifts Thou hast bestowed upon us, evermore beseeching Thy clemency: that as Thou grantest the petitions of those that ask Thee, Thou wilt never foresake them, but wilt prepare them for the rewards to come. Through Christ our Lord, Who with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God, World without end. Amen.

I will have to stop in Sacred Heart again to offer my thanks to God and those who added their prayers to ours.

Dispatches from the (Other) Bay Area

It's been nearly two weeks, and I'm fairly close to landing a job, which is nice. (This week, Deo volente!) There have been some interesting developments in other places, however.

It seems that one of my oldest friends is about to get married. That's wonderful news and we wish him all the best!

Back in the UK (where my long-suffering wife is waiting for me to get established so we can get her a green card -- novenas and mass intentions welcome!) I learned that Alan Johnson, my old MP for Hull West & Hessle, is actually being considered as Blair's successor. Here's the cool part -- when I made my eight-minute promotional video for the Hull & East Riding Photographic Archive charitable trust three years ago, Mr. Johnson requested a copy. So I've made one film, and it may be in the hands of the next Prime Minister!

That almost makes up for not yet having a job.

Almost.

A Prayer to Offer Before Undertaking a Journey

In the way of peace direct us, O Lord.
We praise and venerate
All the heavenly princes,
But especially Raphael,
Faithful physician
And companion true,
Who with Heaven's power
Binds fast the demon.

V. God hath given His Angels charge over thee.
R. To keep thee in all thy ways.

Let us pray:

O God, Who did give the blessed Archangel Raphael unto Thy servant Tobias to be his fellow-traveler; grant unto us, Thy servants, that the same may ever keep us and shield us, help us and defend us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us go forward in peace,
In the name of the Lord. Amen.

Traditional indulgence of 500 days. Imprimatur: Francis Cardinal
Spellmen, Archbishop of New York, May 30, 1951.

The Journey Begins...

Bring the Mass of the Ages Back to the Diocese of Middlesbrough

I am of the opinion, to be sure, that the old rite should be granted much more generously to all those who desire it. It's impossible to see what could be dangerous or unacceptable about that. A community is calling its very being into question when it suddenly declares that what until now was its holiest and highest possession is strictly forbidden and when it makes the longing for it seem downright indecent.

Pop Benedict XVI (then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) in Salt of the Earth, 1997.

I have just read and signed the online petition of the Middlesbrough Latin Mass Society hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition
service, at:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/MboroTLM/

I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself.

And I Thought Madison Avenue Worked for the Other Side

Onward Christian admen
(Filed: 08/03/2006)

When the Emperor Constantine saw a cross in the sky before his famous victory at the Milvian bridge in ad 312, little did he realise he had also won a place in the history of advertising to rival the coining of "Go to work on an egg" or "Guinness is good for you". Dudley council in the West Midlands knows better. It has imposed a fee for allowing the erection of a cross outside a local church, arguing that it constitutes an advertisement.

What next - a Union flag taxed for advertising patriotism? Certainly a cross advertises salvation, just as a pedestrian crossing advertises road safety and a lamp-post advertises a path through the darkness.

The minister of the new church is consulting his architect. That is a wise move. Like the renowned Oxo Tower in London, which incorporates a trade name into its very structure, let Dudley Wood Methodist Church make the cross part of its fabric. No one has complained of the one atop St Paul's Cathedral - yet.

Telegraph | Opinion | Onward Christian admen

Jihad in England

Adrian was told on the Sunday prior to his death that he would be killed if he did not become a Muslim by the Wednesday, which was the day he died.

Telegraph | News | Son killed 'for not changing to Islam'

I think it may be time to return to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave...

The Nativity of Christ

The Nativity of Christ
by Saint Robert Southwell

Behold the father is his daughter's son,
The bird that built the nest is hatched therein,
The old of years an hour hath not outrun,
Eternal life to live doth now begin,
The Word is dumb, the mirth of heaven doth weep,
Might feeble is, and force doth faintly creep.

O dying souls, behold your living spring;
O dazzled eyes, behold your sun of grace;
Dull ears, attend what word this Word doth bring;
Up, heavy hearts, with joy your joy embrace.
From death, from dark, from deafness, from despairs
This life, this light, this Word, this joy repairs.

Gift better than himself God doth not know;
Gift better than his God no man can see.
This gift doth here the giver given bestow;
Gift to this gift let each receiver be.
God is my gift, himself he freely gave me;
God's gift am I, and none but God shall have me.

Man altered was by sin from man to beast;
Beast's food is hay, hay is all mortal flesh.
Now God is flesh and lies in manger pressed
As hay, the brutest sinner to refresh.
O happy field wherein that fodder grew,
Whose taste doth us from beasts to men renew.

Saint Robert Southwell, Jesuit martyr and poet, was born at Horsham St. Faith's, Norfolk, England, in 1561. He was hanged at Tyburn, 21 February, 1595 for the crime of practicing the Catholic Faith in England. Are those darks days soon to return..?

Puer Natus Est Nobis

O God, who dost gladden us by the yearly expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now joyfully receive Thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear behold Him coming as our Judge, even the same Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Collect of the Mass of the Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord, or Christmas Eve

And even Christmas has a Dark Side:

There is an edge to Christmas, a harshness, and a different kind of promise than that implied by the easy words of peace and glad tidings. It is a mystery, all of it. The Word made flesh indeed, but into a world that was from the beginning set against it, that sought with every bit of strength at hand to stay in the darkness.

Amy Welborn on Christmas on National Review Online -- A Sword Will Pierce Your Heart: The Dark Side of Christmas

Pope to Change Dungeons & Dragons Cosmology

First they foist the Novus Ordo Mass on us, and now this:

Vatican City (Reuters): The Pope is set to abolish the concept of Limbo, overturning a belief held by Dungeons & Dragons players since Gary Gygax first described the cosmology of the game in the Players Handbook in 1978.

Well, that does it! I'm calling my uncle the Monsignor and getting an audience with B16 post haste.

dmmaus: Pope to change D&D cosmology

On a more serious note, here is what the Church actually teaches about Limbo.

Teen Banned From Wearing Crucifix

But ceremonial daggers are just fine!

A row has broken out after a teenager was banned from wearing a crucifix at a school where Sikhs can carry ceremonial daggers.Sam Morris, 16, was reportedly sent home from Sinfin Community School, Derby, after she refused to remove a gold cross on a necklace.

She was told wearing a crucifix was not compulsory for Christians, so the necklace breached dress codes.

Other pupils are allowed to wear kirpan daggers and metal bracelets, as they are classed as religious symbols, said the Daily Express.

Teen Banned From Wearing Crucifix - Yahoo! News UK

Telegraph | News | School ban on girl wearing cross 'discriminatory'

This is what it takes to bring me back!

I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you, I will not let the White City fall. Nor our people fail.

Numenorean


To which race of Middle Earth do you belong?
brought to you by Quizilla

"Gondor! Gondor!" cried Aragorn.
"Would that I looked on you again in happier hour!
Not yet does my road lie southward to your bright streams."

Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea!
West Wind blew there; the light upon the Silver Tree
Fell like bright rain in gardens of the Kings of old.
O proud walls! White towers! O wingéd crown and throne of gold!
O Gondor,Gondor! Shall Men behold the Silver Tree,
Or West Wind blow again between the Mountains and the Sea?

Not Gone... and Hopefully Not Forgotten

The long hiatus is just about over...

Have I missed much?

Never Forget

Almighty, everlasting God, in whose hand are the powers and the government of every realm; look upon the Christian people to help them, that the heathen nations who trust in the fierceness of their own might, may be crushed by the power of Thy right hand. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God: world without end. Amen.

Collect of the Mass Against the Heathen

We must never forget.

What Kind of Role-Player are You?

You scored as Tactician. You're probably a military buff who wants to have the chance to think through complex problems. You want the rules, and your GM's interpretation of them, to match up what happens in the real world or at least be consistant. You want challenging yet logical obstacles to overcome. Tactician 100% Storyteller 83% Method Actor 67% Butt-Kicker 50% Specialist 42% Power Gamer 33% Casual Gamer 0% Law's Game Style created with QuizFarm.com

As I am very old school, coming to RPG from Avalon Hill and SPI wargames and tactical fantasy boardgames, I would say it is very accurate. I would have identified myself as a Tactician before I took the quiz. Storyteller is also on the nose as my number two, as RPG (Dungeon Mastering, I should say) led me into screenwriting, and I suppose I am a bit of an actor at the game table.

So, what kind of role-player are you..?

Closer scrutiny reveals the lies surrounding Katrina evacuation and recovery

Being an American in an increasingly anti-American UK can be trying at times.

Lies, damned lies, and the BBC.

Fortunately, the truth does shine through... eventually. Here are some facts you will not learn by reading The Guardian:

Lie #1: President Bush doesn't care about the people of New Orleans.

This outrageous lie is thoroughly debunked by the fact that it was President Bush who pushed for a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans.(1) Governor Blanco issued only a voluntary evacuation order, but admitted that she received a call from the President on August 27, 2005, urging her to make it a mandatory one. He wanted as many people as possible out of the path of the storm.

So much for the President not caring.

According to a Washington Post report on Sunday, September 4, "Shortly before midnight Friday [August 26], the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state's emergency operations center said Saturday."

Bush's offer to have the federal government aid in the evacuation was rejected. (2)

Despite the fact that New Orlean's own Emergency Response Guidelines call for a mandatory evacuation of the City if a strike by a Category 3 Hurricane is projected, with 72 hours advance notice to all residents, Mayor Nagin didn't order a mandatory evaluation until Sunday. Further, he only did so after Max Maxfield, the National Hurricane Director, called Nagin at his home to plead that he empty the City. (3)

Why did Nagin wait so long? He was worried about the legalities. If people want to affix blame, perhaps they can look at lawyers.

How ironic, that The Drudge Report (4) and Free Republic (5) have pictures of dozens of New Orleans' submerged and now useless school buses, buses that could have been used to transport residents out of the City prior to the storm, bring in supplies after the storm, and help evacuees escape the flooding. Meanwhile, Governor Blanco issued a request to the State of Louisiana to provide her with buses from local school districts.

Lie #2: The Bush Administration was slow in coordinating help.

Mike Brown, Under Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for Emergency Response and Preparedness, received the order from President Bush on August 27, two full days before the storm hit the region, to prepare for Katrina disaster relief. (6) The President also declared the entire region under a State of Emergency, so that FEMA could coordinate efforts at the request of the Governors. (7) Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, the Federal Government and FEMA are not allowed to interfere with local operations unless they are authorized by state and local leaders.

Blanco did not authorize this until September 1, 2005.

Further, according to an Association Press report on August 30, "The federal government began rushing baby formula, communications equipment, generators, water and ice into hard-hit areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, along with doctors, nurses and first-aid supplies. The U.S. Defense Department sent experts to help with search-and-rescue operations." (8) FEMA was there and helping, in the capacity that was allowed by local officials, but could not swing into full gear until after Blanco gave them permission.

Lie #3: The Bush Administration did nothing to control the anarchy.

The local and state governments have control over law enforcement activities in their state, and such activities could only be coordinated through the federal government with their permission. On August 26, the Bush Administration offered to do just that. "The administration sought unified control over all local police and state National Guard units reporting to the governor. Louisiana officials rejected the request after talks throughout the night, concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law." (9)

It was not until terrible reports of rapes and violence, videos of looting, and reports of shoots being fired at rescue workers did Governor Blanco relinquish any claim of control on an out-of-control city.

She did this on September 1, under Executive Order #KBB-2005-23. (10) Almost immediately thereafter, FEMA and the Bush Administration began to restore order.

Lie #4: The Bush Administration did nothing to prevent the flooding.

Predictions of wide spread devastation have been known since Hurricane Camille in 1969. Despite these, it was local officials who reportedly appropriated funds designated for levee improvements towards such necessary purchases as a casino, hotel, and other projects.

Amazing, isn't it? From the carnage inside the Superdome, to the massacre of the truth on television, this is a sad time for all of America.

Just don't forget who helped all this to happen….because despite what the media wants you to believe, it wasn't President Bush.

Linda Prussen-Razzano is frequent contributor to Enter Stage Right and a number of other online magazines.

Footnotes

1. Associated Press, "Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for New Orleans," August 28, 2005, 10:48 a.m. CT.

2. Washington Post, "Many Evacuated, but Thousands Still Waiting, White House Shifts Blame to State and Local Officials," Manuel Roig-Franzia and Spencer Hsu, Washington Post Staff Writers, Sunday, September 4, 2005; Page A01

3. Knight Ridder Newspapers, "National Hurricane Director had to call Nagin at home Saturday night to plead: "Get people out..." by Marc Caputo, David Ovalle, and Erika Bolstad, August 28, 2005

4. www.drudgereport.com

5. www.freerepublic.com

6. FEMA Press Release, "Emergency Aid Authorized For Katrina Emergency Response In LA" August 27, 2005

7. Associated Press, "Bush Declares Emergency in Louisiana," August 27, 2005

8. Associated Press, "Federal Government sent emergency supplies to Louisiana as early as Tuesday," August 30, 2005

9. Ibid, Washington Post, September 4, 2005

10. Office of the Governor Press Release, Baton Rouge, LA, "Governor Blanco Announces Executive Orders," September 1, 2005

ESR | September 5, 2005 | Closer scrutiny reveals the lies surrounding Katrina evacuation and recovery

Catholic Charities USA Hurricane Katrina Relief

While local Catholic Charities agencies along the Gulf Coast anticipate that they will be asked to provide some type of emergency assistance in their communities, Catholic Charities’ niche in disaster relief is to provide long-term recovery work. Based on past disasters, possible long-term services that our agencies may provide include temporary and permanent housing, direct assistance beyond food and water to get people back into their homes, job placement counseling, and medical and prescription drug assistance.

Commissioned by the U.S. Catholic bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, Catholic Charities USA connects the Church’s social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.

Catholic Charities is doing everything they can for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please help them to help:

Catholic Charities USA - Hurricane Katrina: Catholic Charities Responds

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy covenant, and say to the destroying Angel: Now hold thy hand, and let not the land be made desolate, and destroy not every living soul.

Introit of the Mass in Time of Pestilence (II Kings XXIV:16)

The Interdictor: Liveblogging from New Orleans

Read this blog to learn what's really going on:

The Interdictor

Hat tip to Froggy Ruminations.

How Fast is Fast?

Some much-needed common sense from The Corner on National Review Online:

HOW EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED [John Podhoretz]

So it took the federal government somewhere between 72 and 96 hours to go on full mobilization after the disasters of Katrina. At any time in history before the present moment, that would have been considered lightning-fast. Even as little as five years ago, we wouldn't have gotten the horrifying reports out of New Orleans that we got from Shep Smith and others using light cameras and videophones -- and by the time the extent of the nightmare would have become widely known, the relief operation would have been fully underway.

After all, huge naval vessels can only sail so fast; the deployment of National Guardsmen takes a bit of time; even moving helicopters and the like into place surely isn't a matter of a few moments. The thing is that America now sees these things in real time and imagines that if Fox and CNN can be there with a few people, surely the feds can be there with tens of thousands.

With the local and state governments of Louisiana collapsing both tactically and emotionally, there was nowhere for that sense of frustration to flow other than toward the federal government. And there it will remain until the president succeeds in convincing the nation that he has taken personal responsibility for the management of this unprecedented disaster. At which point the responsibility might well begin to flow back again to the local and state authorities whose negligence in the days preceding the catastrophe border on the homicidally negligent. But not until then.

Posted at 12:37 AM

Where are the Guardsmen?

Right where they ought to be.

So is the war in Iraq causing troop shortfalls for hurricane relief in New Orleans?

In a word, no.

James S. Robbins on Iraq & Katrina on National Review Online