Mark Gottdiener Quotations

Despite multiple warnings that the levees couldn't withstand a hurricane of Katrina's magnitude; despite this administration's assurances that the federal government is capable of handling a crisis of this magnitude; despite the drum beating over the efficacy of Homeland Security; and despite Bush's assurances that things are under somehow under control down there, thousands of American citizens are without food and water, homeless, sick or dying in place, with no help in sight,

The Bush administration has never cared much for cities, and by extension, the people who live in them,

This catastrophe resulted from the coming together of many elements, but one of them certainly is the Bush administration's failure to meet the needs of urban areas and to support agencies that respond to such crises.

I'm unbelievably honored and flattered that something like this would take place. This type of thing is rarely done while the person is still alive. It happens to maybe 1 percent of academics.

In short, there's been colossal lack of preparedness and leadership.