Hurricane Katrina made landfall nearly three weeks ago, causing more than $200 billion worth of damage, but for President George W. Bush and his administration, the impact could be much worse.
Bush has received harsh criticism for the government's response to Gulf Coast victims, in particular, those in New Orleans. Some prominent black leaders attribute it to race.
In addition to dealing with high gasoline prices and the Iraq War, the president must now repair race relations in a country split over the issue.
The question is whether it's fair to blame the slothful response on skin color.
Aram Goudsouzian, a U of M assistant professor of history, said it isn't. He said that there is not a single issue, but a combination of race and class.
Goudsouzian said that he does not believe that the government intentionally targets blacks or other minorities.
"Essentially, this comes down to who has power. I don't think they were out to get blacks," he said. "They respond to those with power and unfortunately the victims don't have any."
Some would say it's a shame that it took a disaster with the magnitude of Katrina to spur governmental action in dealing with race and poverty, but Goudsouzian said the nation must focus its attention on finding a solution.
"The question is how we can pull blacks and other minorities out of poverty," he said.
The president's approval ratings are at an all-time low, and his administration is working to repair the damage. In his speech to the nation last Thursday, he addressed the need for both racial and social equality.
"As all of us saw on television, there is also some deep, persistent poverty in this region," the president said. "That poverty has roots in a history of racial discrimination."
Although the storm was devastating, it could yield positive affects for the nation as a whole. Goudsouzian said politicians don't address race and poverty too often because some feel it would not get them elected into office.
"There isn't a national platform on poverty and race because the majority of Americans don't focus on those issues," he said.
In an effort to ease racial tension, the president outlined his plans for rebuilding the hurricane region, both economically and socially. He called for the creation of a Gulf Opportunity Zone, a government program that would help victims with housing, job training and education.
Dan Wilkerson, a sophomore music business major, said that no matter what Bush does, he cannot repair the damage that has been done.
"I don't think there is anything he can do," he said. "No matter what he does in New Orleans, people will still blame him for the past."
Lauren Stout, a junior African-American studies major, said the president must be true to his word.
"He just has to follow through on his promises," she said.
