Rita and my Texas Read-ahs.

I had no idea so many Anchoress readers hailed from Texas, but my email box is crammed with missives from Texans who are bugging out in the face of Rita, shutting down their computers, loading their cars and evacuating. All are asking for prayers.

You guys didn’t have to ask. I’m praying for everyone in this storm’s path…and praying that by some miracle, its strength may lessen. Actually, tomorrow I will be starting a fasting/prayer day for everyone concerned.

Meanwhile, Michelle Malkin has a pithy, two-picture essay that says everything you need to know about how the state and local governments of Texas and Louisana are very, very different governments. She also has many, many links.

I heard on the radio that Democrats are already “calling for an investigation” as to why the state and local governments seem so “better prepared” for Rita than for Katrina.

The STUPID answer is – because the government – even the local government headed by a black man hates black people.

The more astute answer would be because a) the state and local government of Texas is actually following the evacuation plans it has put in effect and b) the federal government – hamstrung by a Lousiana Governor who wouldn’t let them in and then a tremendous flood – is not going to allow themselves to be put in that position again.

Guess which answer the STUCK ON STUPID people will choose to bray???

For the folks not stuck on stupid, the Wall Street Journal has a really good continually updated site on Rita.

Confederate Yankee has a chilling picture of Rita. Gives me goosebumples.

An aside: There is a suggestion here – probably tongue in cheek, but it kinda sounds good to me – to put the head of Wal-mart in charge of Katrina Rebuilding