The story on the front page of the Sept. 11 Perspective section provided a chilling comparison between the federal response to the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 and to Hurricane Katrina.

One might think that astonishing advances in transportation and communication would improve speed and efficiency, but evidently the old idea that government was there to help its people live safe and productive lives counted for more than technological advances.

The response of the Bush administration to Katrina should be investigated in detail and unsparingly. The changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency since Sept. 11 should be a chief point of inquiry. So should the appointment of unqualified cronies to life-and-death positions in the government.

The Bush administration has agreed to an investigation, but it is to be run by a “bipartisan” congressional group, with Republicans in the majority. How likely is it that they will hold the administration accountable for diverting resources to anti-terrorism – the concern that has kept Bush in office? How probable is it that the systematic weakening of FEMA and the underfunding of large-scale environmental and engineering projects that could have minimized the effects of Katrina will actually be exposed?

Who among the Republicans is willing to stand up and accuse this administration of criminal cronyism?

The country desperately needs an independent commission, with no obligation to the Republicans, to examine both the immediate response after and the long-range preparations for Katrina.

Mary Hunter, Lewiston

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