September 07, 2005
Reflections on Katrina
Everyone in the world has been horrified at the pictures shown by the media following the Katrina disaster. What seems to be missed by many about this storm is that for years democrats and republicans alike have been remiss in funding the Army Corps of Engineers so that the levees could be fixed.
Further, what is wrong with so many people on the Gulf Coast who chose to stay and ride out the storm? For weeks, they were told it was going to be bad. Satellite images portrayed a monster storm. I understand that frail and elderly people should have been better taken care of, there is no dispute about that. Our government should help those who cannot help themselves.
But why does the whole nation have to be held accountable when so many people made conscious decisions to stay? Why are they so mad that it took the government so long to respond? Where is the personal fortitude and initiative that made America great?
Fox News O'Reilly said it well the other night: "If you expect your government to take care of you, then you will be disappointed. Since when did the government owe you a living?"
Now all the finger pointing has started.
You have celebrities such as Sean Penn rescuing people but bringing his personal photographer so his heroic efforts can be recorded and no doubt used to further his career.
There is enough blame to go around. But mostly, those who chose to stay and had the means to leave have to think twice about their actions as well. Human suffering could have been reduced if many people had heeded the warnings.
Further, what is wrong with so many people on the Gulf Coast who chose to stay and ride out the storm? For weeks, they were told it was going to be bad. Satellite images portrayed a monster storm. I understand that frail and elderly people should have been better taken care of, there is no dispute about that. Our government should help those who cannot help themselves.
But why does the whole nation have to be held accountable when so many people made conscious decisions to stay? Why are they so mad that it took the government so long to respond? Where is the personal fortitude and initiative that made America great?
Fox News O'Reilly said it well the other night: "If you expect your government to take care of you, then you will be disappointed. Since when did the government owe you a living?"
Now all the finger pointing has started.
You have celebrities such as Sean Penn rescuing people but bringing his personal photographer so his heroic efforts can be recorded and no doubt used to further his career.
There is enough blame to go around. But mostly, those who chose to stay and had the means to leave have to think twice about their actions as well. Human suffering could have been reduced if many people had heeded the warnings.
