A bad week if you're poor...

...whether in Paris or New Orleans. Read the transcript of a radio interview given by the Mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin. I think it says it all. You left if you could afford to, and if you couldn't...you tried to find higher ground, or go to the stadium. If you survived without water and food, escaped the violent assaults, and haven't been poisoned by toxic fumes from the explosion at the nearby chemical plant - then...well, then what?

Much of what bad stuff happens is often attributed to a god, e.g. comments by Islamic or Christian extremists. Thankfully, almost all people of all faiths ignore such bigotry, set aside their differences and get on with the relief effort.

If God® exists (and I keep an open mind on the matter), then he/she/they/it will be keeping a very low profile - or vastly expanding his/her/their/its customer complaints helpline - or getting a new PR agency. If he/she/they/it is smart, they'll have a 'below the radar' job - maybe as a mild-mannered janitor - like Hong-Kong Phooey.

It sucks. And it really hurts.

Reading: 'The Shadow of the Sun' by Ryszard Kapuscinski

Listening to: old skool rap, underground disco and movie soundtracks

Disposition: sunny (apart from having to work from home today)