PUBLIC FORUM.

Helping on Labor Day 

While we celebrate this Labor Day weekend, on our minds will be the victims from Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it has done and the lives lost, others not knowing where their loved ones are and the loss of life and millions of victims who will never be able to go home.

When times like these occur we seem to come together and this one is no exception. Labor Day could never mean so much as it does this year. Besides giving money, the most powerful tool is prayer. Pray for the laborers, the victims, for those who perished, food for the hungry. Some are already pointing the finger. Instead, let us all show our ``Labor of Love'' by helping the victims, big or small.

- Mary Lou Holte

Van Nuys

Not prepared

Threats are threats whether man-made or natural, and New Orleans is the nation's new ground zero. Unfortunately, our government is no better prepared today to handle a national catastrophe than it was on 9-11. American citizens have become refugees in their own country, with unnecessary and unparalleled suffering witnessed real time on national television.

We do not want to hear government officials in three-piece suits reciting statistics and covering their sorry butts on television. The rest of us, in spite of our ineffective federal and state government officials, have to help our fellow citizens. Give what you can - we all have to.

- Linda Shaffer

Moorpark

Not a word

With all the news coverage about the destruction of Katrina, I do not recall any mention of disaster aid from any of our so-called friends. Nothing from Fox to the south, or Canada to the north. How about Putin in Russia, Schroeder in Germany, or Chirac in France? I have not heard or seen a single word on offers from anyone, anywhere.

At least the Saudis said they would try to increase oil output. Next time there is a disaster somewhere I am going to think long and hard before I give anyone a dime. From here on out, most of my aid money stays here to help fellow Americans.

- Gerry Sklarsky

La Tuna Canyon

Lacking good leadership

The analysis ``Plenty of Katrina blame'' (Sept. 2) says it very well: ``At every turn political leaders failed Katrina's victims.'' Why? Politicians in general do what they do because they love power and the benefits they derive from a freely giving government. Few are truly interested in making this country better but enjoy lining their own pocketbooks.

What are we doing in Iraq trying to ``teach'' this splintered nation about democracy if we do not even understand how to help our millions of poor at home? We lack good education and leadership that has vision and earns respect by truly caring for our people. There simply is too much corruption on all levels of a government that just seeks to shift blame as to why we were unprepared for the disaster in the Gulf states.

- Frank Neumeister

Sylmar

Good job

I am sick and tired of hearing people say relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina isn't coming fast enough. This is a massive undertaking. What the aid workers have done in a few short days is incredible.

Also, some people want to blame President Bush for the aid not getting to the Gulf Coast faster. I say talk to the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans. Like the Dutch, they should have been much more prepared for this kind of disaster.

- R.J. Johnson

North Hollywood

Just say no

Re ``Misdirected attacks'' (Your Opinions, Sept. 1):

I agree with Tarleton X. Garton's view that most DWP employees are dedicated to serving the people of L.A. And many are very highly educated. The problem is that all those employees work for a monopoly and that gives them the power to hold our city in their grasp. If they don't get what their greedy ``higher-up'' hands want, they can go on strike and create massive, life-threatening problems for us ``normals.''

They should not accept these excessive raise amounts ... for the good of our city.

- Dave Petterson

Sherman Oaks