Thoughts on Katrina

Well, I’m so pissed off and frustrated right now that I thought I would stop in, bartend, and chit-chat a while. Over the past few days, we have been consumed with images, stories, and continuous developments on the situation in the New Orleans region. I thought it would be appropriate to post some thoughts.

First of all, I’m not really the sentimental type when it comes to situations such as these but I am truly heartbroken for the people in that area. The devastation will likely turn out to be the worst natural disaster in well over a century. And yes, we’re in the 21st century. Sometimes it takes something like this to make us wake up and realize we’re a hell of a lot smaller than we often think we are. In a short amount of time, two things leveled one of our prized cities: wind and water. And here we are, the richest country in the world, scrambling like a kid caught stealing, trying to find a way to remedy a horrible situation of vast proportions. I have a few thoughts on this.

By no means do I wish to take a situation like this and politicize it. If you feel this is the case, I do apologize. But I am so pissed off right now that I need a place to vent. New Orleans has slid into anarchy because tens of thousands of citizens, mainly those who are low-income and minorities, are without food, water, habitable shelter, and medical attention. Why? We are now approaching the fifth day since the disaster occurred and the richest country in the world with the most accessible resources has yet to find a way to provide adequate relief? And yet we’re appalled because it’s slid into chaos? Hell, if my family was living in the middle of 20,000 other desperate people with feces, urine, trash, rotting flesh from dead bodies, and God knows what else surrounding me, I’d want to start a riot too. This is America, after all. A guy in New Orleans named Daniel Edwards framed the matter succinctly. Speaking to his country, he said, “You can do everything for other countries, but you can’t do nothing for your own people...You can go overseas with the military, but you can’t get them down here.” A simple truth.

By no means am I saying that the relief effort is an easy task. But, year after year, disaster after disaster, we continue to be unprepared and caught off guard to an unreasonable degree. And yet, we’re spending a hell of a lot of money, resources, and people to transform Iraq into our brand of a democracy. Let’s not mention the oil either. Yeah, I’d love to hear now from all the arrogant bastards who bitch about our shift to hybrid cars and other alternative means of fuel and energy. Where’s your reasoning now? You think we’re really that proud country who no one can touch? Pocket your 9/11-prompted blind patriotism for a moment and use your head. Contrary to W’s Texas rhetoric, we’re not the international cowboy. Speaking of W, here are his profound thoughts as he was flying over the damage, “It's devastating. It's got to be doubly devastating on the ground.” Damn, ya think so? And let me also say that I’m so incredibly impressed with how effective our Federal Emergency Management Agency has been in this situation. I mean, hey, the director is saying that the reason so many are dying is because they ignored the evacuation order. Yeah, you’re probably right. So, tell me, how does the air conditioning feel in your Washington office right now? And uh, hey, I’ve got an idea. Do your job and don't shift the focus away from your responsibility.

I’m sorry, guys, but I’m pulling the stops because I’m pissed. Again, I’m not trying to make this a political issue (believe me, I was disgusted with our Administration long before this), but this is ridiculous. My friend E and I are trying to get together a group of people to go down and assist in the relief efforts. Somehow, being pissed off, disturbed, and hurt just doesn’t cut it for me I guess. Maybe I can go help someone rebuild their roof or carry their baby or whatever needs to be done. I hope it works out so we can go.

If nothing else, this whole situation is certainly a sign of our vulnerability and weakness as citizens of humanity. I had a lady at work tonight start complaining because her garlic bread didn’t come in time. You have no idea how bad I wanted to slap her in the face. So, yeah, next time I’m in the drive-thru at Wendy’s and I start bitching about how long it’s taking, I give you my word, I’ll slap myself. Shame on me. Shame on us...