Finally, six days after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, US authorities at last seem to be gaining the upper hand.

In the days ahead we're going to hear the likes of Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff attempting to spin the disaster away.

But let's not be distracted.

Let's not forget the images of pitiful and desperately poor African-Americans begging for help.

Let's not forget the picture of President Bush strumming away on a guitar on August 30 - even as officials predicted Hurricane Katrina's death toll would run into the hundreds.

Let's not forget the impassioned interview by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin as he blasted the slow pace of the relief effort.

Let's not forget the divide between rich and poor in the most prosperous nation on earth that has been exposed in the most shocking way over the last week.

And let's not forget how the world's only remaining superpower failed its own people in their hour of need.