This past week has been devastating. I don't think the United States have
ever lost a major city before, the way we've lost New Orleans.
Although the Dutch scoff at us for being so unprepared, I doubt they've faced
a natural storm of the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina. (The Netherlands, also
lying below sea level, has had a major sea wall since 1953.)
The world reactions to our tragedy are interesting. Australia is pledging
millions of dollars in aid, while the United Nations says the U.S. is most
able to handle her own tragedies...but perhaps she could use some help... if
anyone is willing...
The United States is the first country to step up and provide help anywhere
in the world where disaster strikes. It astonishes me that when we are devastated,
when we need help, many of those we've helped just step back and either wait
until they're asked...or just watch. And you know, next time they're in trouble...we'll
still be the first to help them.
Then, of course, you have a country that's just faced its own complete disaster
in the form of a tsunami, like Sri Lanka and has nothing - who pledges $25,000.
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/09/02/katrina.world/
On the other hand, here in the U.S., many states and many people are going
all out to provide money, aid, and supplies to the victims. Corporations, sports
teams, celebrities, and folks like you. http://go.asktaxmama.com/katrinanews
Doesn't it just make you proud to be an American?
And there's the looting.
You're going to see some debate out there over when and if looting is ever
justified.
When you're scrounging food and supplies for your survival and that of your
family - and taking things that will be destroyed, damaged or lost due to the
destruction anyway, it makes perfect sense. (Of course, fool that I am, I would
make a mental note of what stores I 'looted'. Then I'd send them payment as
soon as I could. Of course, if I did that, I'd probably get prosecuted for
theft.)
On the other hand, what IS this nonsense about people filling up trucks with
TVs, stereos, and other expensive electronics - not to save them for the shops
- but to sell them and keep the money?
And being such crazed shoppers and looters than you trample people or leave
them on the floor, hurting and harmed? There's no excuse for that kind of behavior.
It's times like these when you learn about your own character.
And today's Money Funny says it all.
More Katrina Information:
IRS Grants Tax Relief for Hurricane Katrina Victims
IRS Urges Citizens to Seek Qualified Charities for Katrina Help
