Well, I know I get a lot of visitors from time to time, but I never thought the Vatican read the Sandbox. Nearly a year ago, after the umpteenth time of being narrowly mowed down in what passes for traffic around here, I posted my version of Commandments for Drivers. Nothing’s changed around this area, unfortunately, and I still stand by my pronunciation and its ten distinct elements.

Now it seems the Vatican has seen fit to follow suit. I wonder if the Pope’s been traveling incognito in L.A. recently? Perhaps a visit to this humble blog? Maybe a Sunday jaunt on the Autobahn?

I have yet to make any of my cars *ahem* “occasions of sin,” and even if I did, I doubt I’d confess to any such acts publicly, here or elsewhere. I know I’ve occasionally had to resort to prayer, an act which I’m sure many driving instructors nationwide have committed many times. I’m curious as to testimonials from any such teachers as to the power of prayer, or lack of power thereof.

Although this particular set of commandments came from Cardinal Renato Martino, who holds quite a number of views I disagree with, in all seriousness, I must commend him for at least recognizing that people do commit aggressive acts and behave recklessly on the road. If this decree helps change anyone’s behavior (especially when it comes to road rage), then all the better.

As for me, I’m just wondering if I should toss a rosary in the car. Perhaps drivers everywhere could adopt a new universal sign for apologizing to others after committing errors in traffic– simply beating our chests: “Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.”

Works for me.

Faithful readers of this blog know I have Not Been Pleased the last few years with Smirk and Scowl’s behavior (not to mention their henchmen, such as Rove, Rice, Rumsfailed, and Gonzales). Quite a few people have come over here from parts known and unknown to share their political views, or to try to convince me I’m wrong, or poke holes in my arguments. Usually I don’t have a problem with it, as I believe everyone has the freedom to speak out about their views, as long as they’re respectful of me and others. Some people share some of my beliefs/views; others have very little in common with me politically. One or two are the extreme opposite of me, and we’ll probably never agree on anything.

But I think just about everyone can agree that the government’s response during and after Katrina nearly two years ago has been severely lacking. Regardless of whatever else the gummint’s done in other areas (and believe me, they’ve done *plenty*) and what you think of it, I have yet to hear anything particularly positive about Smirk, Brown, Chertoff, FEMA, or anyone else directly involved with federal agencies or support. Mayor Nagin and Governor Blanco shouldn’t escape some blame, either.

What’s really appalling, though, is that despite the criticism leveled at the time and afterwards, no one in our gummint seems to have learned any lessons, or tried to make up (even if belatedly) for shafting New Orleans and the surrounding region. It’s nearly two years later, and the lack of funds has led the city of New Orleans to appeal to the international community. The city government says they are “talking with more than five countries.” Say what? For all the talk about taking care of our own and protecting American citizens, an American city is having to go with hat in hand outside the country.

Our leaders need to have a serious discussion, with immediate reform, about how to arrange for funding and support services in times of crisis. Regardless of whether it’s a hurricane or just bad storms, this isn’t the first time the Mississippi has overflowed its banks, and 2005 won’t be the last. Many of you may remember the 1993 floods, and a few oldtimers among you may recall the devastating 1927 deluge. There were changes made in the wake of 1927, but not enough. There were calls for changes in 1993, but apparently it wasn’t good enough. There were numerous cries for reform after 2005, but here it is, the beginning of a new hurricane season, and we are still lagging behind.

New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were shafted by Katrina, and that’s unfortunate. Sometimes things are out of our control, and we can only hope that Mother Nature is merciful at the end. But to be shafted by the U.S.? That’s something that shouldn’t be happening.