To the editor:

The American people have seen a tragedy, not the Gulf Coast or New Orleans. Yes, these are tragedies, but a greater tragedy has occurred. President Bush needs to step forward and take responsibility for his actions. His performance will rank as one of the worst ever by a president during a national emergency.

Over very vocal objections, Bush and his unqualified political appointees gutted FEMA and cut needed repairs to this nation’s infrastructure. He deployed the National Guard and their equipment that was needed to respond to this state and national emergency so he could fight his needless war.

The real tragedy is the incompetence and indifference to human suffering this president has shown to the American people.

Bruce W. Johanning,

Lawrence