Katrina

 

Editorial

We hear criticism of our reaction to the dreadful plight of New Orleans and the coastlines of Mississippi and Alabama. Reflection on what we did and did not do can be helpful, but the blame game is nasty, negative, and political. Bush is blamed, of course. Local authorities are blamed. Federal agencies are blamed. The army is blamed. Katrina proved that we are a racist nation, it was said.

A few days notice was available but none imagined the overwhelming facts. Different leaders at the local, state, and federal levels would probably have committed as many mistakes as those who were in charge this time. The bitterness of the blame game will do no good and will cause lasting harm.

The outpouring of affection for those hurt was an illustration of the kindness of the average American, but we have to take note of the criminal element. When would-be helpers brought boats, they were fired on. Helicopters were fired on. Those working on the levees were fired on. So were those trying to repair downed power lines. Policemen were shot, many quit in disgust, two committed suicide. Shooters surrounded a house containing fire-fighters and their families, preventing them from being helped. Violence was brought under control by professional soldiers who had experience in Baghdad and Afghanistan.

There was criminality: theft, rape, murder. A little girl of ten was raped but the rapist was seized and killed. There is a code of honor even among criminals, so they make judgments of what is beyond the pale, and act on them.

A small group of men and women from Vietnam separated themselves from the mob in the Super Dome ($100 million estimated cost of repair), disgusted with the dreadful behavior around them, waiting patiently without complaining until they were rescued. They were as civilized at the end of their ordeal as they were at the beginning.

After the event the Senate should have called a special session to condemn God for his incompetence. The continents float and they could be pushed around so the weather would not be so violent. Hundreds of fanatics who think they are geniuses could easily instruct God on an improved location of the continents.

My reflections on Katrina concern what they reveal about American character. Of course we are sympathetic and generous. We wish the best for all who have suffered and we will suffer more in the months and years to come. But what of our stability under pressure? Shall we crack when the pressure grows? Do we still have moral standards? Do we honor the traditions of our fathers that have been constant for many generations and centuries, and gave them strength? Have we succumbed to the professors and the media that sneer at traditions, encourage us to violate what our elders hold dear, to do our own thing, and evolve modern standards? When I hear the noise young people think is music, in which soloists don't even know how to sing, I tremble for their future. Music should pursue beauty with grace and elegance. How will they grow if their delight is in rhythmic noise? Character is revealed in our reaction to what we see and hear.

Moving a mountain is difficult. Moving mountains of food and medicine in a few days, and an army to suppress violence, was one of the miracles of our day. The federal response was faster that for Hugo, Andrew, Iniki, Francine, and Jeanane. It was five days before National Guard troops arrived in Homestead, Florida, for Andrew. For Katrina, it took three days. Said Jack Kelly, in his article “No Shame” (Post-Gazette.com):

Journalists who are long on opinions and short on knowledge have no idea what is involved in moving hundreds of tons of relief supplies into an area the size of England in which power lines are down, telecommunications are out, no gasoline available, bridges are damaged, road and airports are covered with debris. . . . So they libel as a “national disgrace” the most monumental and successful disaster. relief operation in world history.

I have difficulty respecting politicians with their blame game.     *

“The self-sufficient man is the richest among humans.” –Menander

* The quotes following each article have been gathered by The Federalist Patriot at: http://FederalistPatriot.US/services.asp.