The so-called “toxic gumbo” in the streets of New Orleans is earning more media attention. An article on CNN.com today quotes Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mike McDaniel: “Everywhere we look there’s [an oil] spill … there’s almost a solid sheen over the area right now.” The story also describes destroyed sewage plants, natural gas leaks, and oozing vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is, as McDaniel says, “almost unimaginable.” Almost.

We’ll have much more on this in the days (and weeks, months, probably years) to come. For the moment, an interesting question comes to mind. How will a southern state not generally known for its high regard for the environment, or for its interest in outside meddling, respond to this crisis?

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