Isaac Being Compared to Hurricane Katrina

Tropical Storm Isaac spared the Florida Keys, but some forecasters are wondering if it will soon match Katrina in its ferocity.

Katrina, remember, was just a Category 1 hurricane when it passed over south Florida, and didn't rise to the Cat 4 level until it was out in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite what forecasters claim, meteorology is a very imprecise science, and these guys seem like they're just guessing half of the time.

Nevertheless, it's always advisable to err on the side of safety, so residents of the Gulf Coast, and of New Orleans particularly, should take these warnings to heart. Hopefully, people have learned from past mistakes, and are taking necessary precautions to protect their families and property.

Aside from the human toll, if Isaac morphs into a Katrina-style storm, it may have a deleterious impact on American energy concerns.

As of Sunday, gasoline cost an average of about $3.75 a gallon for regular unleaded. If these prices spike, it will kill the American consumer, and even have political implications. Generally, the party in power is blamed for gas prices, although the politicians have very little to do with setting the rates.

Tropical Storm Isaac prompted the GOP to make slight schedule changes at its Tampa convention.

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