Katrina should be model for D.C. snow emergencies Re: “Gridlock highlights Washington’s vulnerability,” Local Editorial, Jan. 27
In the aftermath of last Wednesday’s storm, I recalled August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina was bearing down on the Gulf Coast. It’s common to hear what went wrong, but no one ever talks about what went right: 2 million people evacuated in 48 hours.
This was accomplished through inter-government cooperation, public awareness, staged evacuation and contraflow. Staged evacuation simply means that those who need to travel farthest leave first. Contraflow makes all major roadways one-way out of the threatened area.
What might have been the situation last week if predesignated zones had begun an evacuation on all lanes of Interstates 66, 395 and 295 before ice covered the roads?
Katrina did not involve snow. But when evacuation had to work, it did. The greater Washington area faces weather and other potential disasters. Now is the time to design a staged evacuation and contraflow plan so that when it has to work, it will.
Pat Walsh
Fairfax
Reagan’s legacy only improves with age
Re: “Ronald Reagan at 100: A true believer who caught destiny’s eye,” Jan. 27
Mr. Barone’s impressive tribute to President Ronald Reagan begs one key question: What determines a great president? Ideologically based revisionism masquerading as “historical assessment” is a formidable obstacle to fair-minded analysis. Yet, facts provide clarity.
Reagan ended the Cold War. His economic policies triggered 25-plus years of unprecedented prosperity. He restored national confidence and “American exceptionalism” internationally and transformed U.S. polemics. He defines an era in history on levels comparable to FDR and Andrew Jackson. And he continues to impact policy discussion today.
Imperfection is inescapable for all presidents — including Reagan. Yet, after 22 years it has become clear: Ronald Reagan was a great president.
Mark E. Quartullo
Bowie
Protection of unborn, family is foundational for GOP
Re: “Old rules won’t determine GOP presidential candidate,” Jan. 25
It would seem that Michael Barone, an otherwise perspicacious commentator, does not realize how crucial the protection of human life and the natural family based on marriage between man and woman is for the future of both the GOP and this country. Denying that Rudy Giuliani’s pro-choice stand sank his presidential aspirations is closing his eyes on reality.
Can Republicans really be credible when advocating sound financial policies and governmental restraint if they do not base their advocacy on sound moral values, starting precisely from respect of life and family? The success of strongly motivated pro-lifers in the past few elections speaks for itself and shows the way ahead.
Grazia Mangano Ragazzi
Washington
