To the editor:

Sadly, government shares blame for the actions of some of New Orleans’ citizens after Hurricane Katrina.

Government’s great society-like programs destroyed the self-reliance and hope of too many of the poor of New Orleans. In the habit of demanding handouts, they forgot the importance of character and the opportunities America offers.

Government failed the people by hiring low-life police officers who steal from the very people they promised to protect. But that’s what corrupt city governments do.

Government failed New Orleans by encouraging gambling, strip bars, brothels and drunkenness. With an economy corrupt at its foundations, it is no wonder that so many citizens of that city have no character.

Government failed to protect the city by not pre-positioning the Louisiana State National Guard. The governor and adjutant general of Louisiana know what hurricanes can do. They live there, after all.

Please notice, while cataloging government failures, I didn’t once mention President Bush. No president, not even a Democrat, could overcome these massive failures.

David Upchurch,

Lawrence