Let's think back to Operation: Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. We prepared for the war, fought the war, won the war against the regimes, however, we didn't have an plan for the peace and the result - reports show we've lost 1,900 military men and women.

It seems that America and former boxer Mike Tyson have something in common: We hope our muscle will intimidate and shake the competition, however, after the third round we start getting wobbly.

Now here we are again.

This time, no war, but a hurricane. FEMA - not in place, National Guard - not dispatched in time. Poor people left on a whim. I guess people said, "Well, they were ordered to leave, and they didn't"

Let's see ... Poor usually means ... oh yeah, close to nothing.

Hurricane Katrina swept over that state and when the waters began to recede, it uncovered a lot about America.

One fact was that "looters" are not all black, and shame on the media for portraying a stigma when EVERYONE WAS TRYING TO SURVIVE, BOTH BLACK AND WHITE. That was embarrassing.

Our administration took it's time to come off vacation and finally, after a few days, went to the scene. How fast did it take for the President to get to New York?

By time we realized the head of FEMA was "slow on the draw" people were already starving and homeless. Better yet, they're still trying to figure out if they're going to rebuild New Orleans in the same spot. If this was Malibu under the surf, or somewhere in Colorado under the ski slopes, would this even be an issue?

So now we're sitting here watching this tragedy play out on TV, and I can't help but say, three's a charm.

It took us three times to understand that you can't only prepare for the event in question, but the aftermath must be thought about as well.

Now we have yet another hurricane threat. Will we have a number four?

The end result of this will be the same as 9/11: Inquires, investigations, documentaries on A&E, and a billion book deals from people who survived the worst.

Sen. Hillary Clinton already tried to get an inquiry started last week, but that was shot down.

This is our country: More worried about pointing the finger than just taking care of the American people first.

I'm glad to say that we, unlike our leadership have not stood by and just watched. Many are giving precious time and effort to help our comrades. A big thanks to those who have given to the cause. Let's keep it going.

I am not bitter, are you interested? email me at navjoallen@yahoo.com with your thoughts and I'll be sure to post and respond to them in my next column. Good or bad, it doesn't matter.