Some thoughts about the journalists, thier response, and their responsibility.
Katrina in Black and White: "Jay Rosen does an energetic job of rounding up recent pieces, including my column , contending that journalists have turned more aggressive on the Katrina story and that, in my view at least, this is a welcome development. In fact, I say that journalism has dredged up its reason for being in the storm's wake. Here's Rosen's analysis from NYU:"

Spine is always good, outrage is sometimes needed, and empathy can often reveal the story. But there is no substitute for being able to think , and act journalistically on your conclusions. What is the difference between a "blame game" and real accountability? If you have no idea because you've never really thought it about it, then your outrage can easily misfire. . . .

"What is it realistic to expect in a chaotic situation like New Orleans faced in the week after the hurricane? It's not an easy question. An intelligent and nuanced answer to that is worth a lot more to journalists than righteous indignation, because if your rage overcomes your realism you will eventually sound ridiculous even to those who share the feeling. . . .

"If you can think with the situation it doesn't matter (for your journalism) if you break down and emote. If you can't think, and can't draw conclusions that influence your reporting, then bringing passion to the table isn't going to change a damn thing. And I don't believe Katrina has 'saved' the news media from itself, either, although I agree that nola.com , by turning itself into an online forum, has been an inspiration.