There are 400 city blocks under water is Cedar Rapids, IA.  They are evacuating Des Moines.  This is the worst urban flooding this country has seen since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. 

These people need help, and I'm sure Barack Obama, who owes so much of his political success to the people of Iowa, will want to help any way he can. 

My challenge to Senator Obama is that while he is speaking of IA, use the opportunity to draw contrast to the situation in New Orleans three years ago.  When I heard about the flooding in IA, my first thought was - I bet the government won't screw this one up like the did in New Orleans.  Iowa is too important politically, too quintessentially middle American, too white for them to let Cedar Rapids drown.

I'm pissed off that that was the first thought in my head.

I'm pissed off that it's probably an accurate thought.

I don't think I'm alone in these sentiments.

Barack Obama has been willing and able to speak about issues of race and inequality more forcefully, righteously, eloquently and fairly than anyone I've ever heard in my lifetime, and I'd like to hear him on this subject. 

What is happening to the people of Iowa is a national tragedy, just like what happened to the people of New Orleans.  I hope Senator Obama takes the opportunity to show the parallels and contrasts that exist and will exist between the response to the two tragedies.  I understand that it is a touchy subject, and thats why it has to be him.  I don't this anyone else has the oratory skill, credibility with all of the groups involved, or the stage that he has right now in this country. 

Please Barack, this is not something that you necessarily have to do, but it would be remarkable if you did.