Thursday, September 01, 2005

Sadness

This past week, we have all had the misfortune of witnessing one of the most terrible disasters ever to hit our country. This storm caught me by surprise, and apparently it either caught people by surprise in New Orleans or they did not think it would be this bad. I knew a hurricane was coming, but I had no idea of its magnitude. The scenes I have seen on TV over the past few days are sobering at best. I hear people talk about feet of water, people with no food or shelter, the inhumantiy of man as he loots the city, taking advantage of the lawlessness, and even of people dying in the streets. Luckily, my girlfriend, Delia, and her family have all survived this storm. They live just outside of Jackson, Miss. and it was also hit very hard. Their house is still without power, but they have been able to stay at her grandmother's house because she does have power. Thank the Lord. As I watched TV the other night, I realized how petty my frustration at my loss of power was compared to what these people have had to endure and are enduring. What they wouldn't give to be in a dry house with no power?!
This situation has brought me to tears. It is so disturbing and heart-wrenching to hear that not only are people still stranded with no resources, but that people are resorting to animalism, stealing things totally unnecessary such as tvs, guns, etc. It is appalling. I know that the government is doing everything they can, but, does it seem to anyone else that NOTHING is happening? I know that it is hard to start, but doesn't the military have boats they can use to navigate the city? At least get the people to dry land...ALL of them. People seem to have just been left for dead. I actually saw that rescue efforts had to be halted because it was too dangerous. Too dangerous? Something has to be done, I know people were shooting at them, but non-lethal weapons can be used against them. Send boats up the river from the gulf, do SOMETHING. I wish I had a boat, I would go down myself if I could get there and start transporting people. I want to do something. I will donate money, but it seems that that only does so much good. These people need a hand, they need PEOPLE to help them.
My thoughts
charles