I take it all back. Earlier on, during the horrific rains that inundated Mumbai India, I was critical of the lapse in planning and infrastructure that allowed so many to perish. It would seem that the U.S. government can turn a natural disaster into an even bigger cluster. Many people have editorialized about this issue far better than I ever could. My friend, Sue Hughes, sent me an editorial by Maureen Dowd of the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/03/opinion/03dowd.html
My friend, Deana Hmoud, was in Sri Lanka for her brothers wedding when the tsunami struck and on September 2nd added this to her blog:
http://deanasworld.blogspot.com/
My brother Dave does intake and advisement stuff for the Monroe County Department of Human Services in New York. (read: a thankless job) He dashed off a very quick e-mail to me to say, “Come home we need you here.” Apparently they were inundated with folks from New Orleans that got out ahead of the storm seeking food and emergency shelter. Before the scope of the devastation reached me, I glibly wrote back, “Sure, how many pinatas do you need? We’ll get right on it.”
I apologize. I, like so many other Americans, naturally thought that in the post 9/11 world of “homeland security” we would have contingency plans in place for a disaster like this.
I don’t want to beat a dead horse, I’m sure there is 24/7 coverage of this in the U.S. (now) Oh, and just for the record, on the “refugee” debate, a refugee is someone seeking refuge. Why are we wasting our breath on nomenclature?
Just let me close by saying every average American that does anything to relieve the pain and suffering of a survivor of Katrina; Dave, for helping the IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons); Andy Johnson for going to Biloxi with his chain saw; Sue Mayne for being a gentle, sympathetic, caring voice on the phone for insurance policy holders; you are my heros.
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2 comments:
Thanks for sending me to both websites mentioned in this blog spot or-whatever-you-call-it.
Is Deana American or British? I assume British...tell her I wanted to send her a comment but couldn't because an email address is required and I couldn't find one on her blogspot.
I think Deana may have hit the nail on the head with her most recent writing. God Bless America and all that but ARE we REALLY all that?
Beau is barking at Hannah because she still has some of her evening chew left and he wants it. Must go quiet him before the neighbors call animal control and they discover that I am caring for too many dogs...XOX--Jennifer
Hi Sue!
We've not met, but might have seen a snap of me from Robin, who recently bookmarked your amazing blog on my computer. Love the journals, most especially about: elephants, beer searching marauding monkeys who invade your room, wonderful people and especially words and pix about/of amazing children. Robin and I have had many discussions about God being everywhere, and s/he is doubtlessly being channeled through you and your work.
Take Care,
Jim Miller
Minneapolis
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