My goodness man... where did I say that?!
Where we differ a bit is your recitation of the standard Rightist spiel that they choose to be poor, and thus deserve whatever happens to them. Yes, of course, it must be a sin to be poor, here in America, the land of abundant investment opportunities (National motto: "Let them eat dividends!"). Especially in New Orleans with its vibrant and diverse economy with so many opportunities for all in the hotel and tourism and food service industries.
Choose to be poor? Deserve whatever happens to them? Where did this come from?
I said that no matter what your circumstances YOU, YOURSELF are responsible for your own salvation. Being responsible does not mean "deserve". The poor, vehicle-less, should've walked if they were able - and abandon any possessions. Survival means knowing how to prioritize decision making to further one's continued existence. Poor, rich, young, old, black, white it makes NO difference! Yes, it's easier for the rich to drive away.
No one deserves to die in some tragedy. Pointing out that incompetent elected officials mirror a community's own values does not mean they "deserve" to die. It helps to explain "why" many more died than should have been the case in many other regions.
Here is what I'm saying: this same hurricane would have vastly different outcomes and casualty counts in various parts of the world or in the US. The casualty count - which is being laid at Bush's feet - is due to many factors beyond ANY politicians control. Native intelligence is one factor. population density, urban landscape, etcetera. Nowhere do I say anyone deserves tragedy, but it is obvious to any observer why some tragedies occur and generate higher death tolls.
When an earthquake happens in Pakistan, India or some other poor region with poorly constructed housing that crumbles and collapses almost immediately, many more thousands die than in another region with decent codes. The same level richter scale earthquake happens in CA and one person is injured. This does not mean the residents desrve it - it means one can EXPECT a higher toll.
New Orleans with its corrupt local governance, economic and educational demographics means we can EXPECT more chaos, confusion and casualties.
It's that simple. It's a tragedy. It's not deserved. But just as looters could be expected in Los Angeles during the riots, poorer communities can be expected to have folks living among them that complicate a crisis with more crime, more violence and more senseless tragedy.