Criticism in Critical Times

It has been a long time since I have written in this blog. Time, circumstances and other priorities have kept me occupied. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has prompted me to think back to when I was a kid, and try to understand what is happening. My family survived Hurricane Agnes, and I clearly remember the frustration and anger associated with the recovery process. During that storm, high ground was easily attained, the water receded after twenty-four hours, and we were able to start thinking about resuming a normal life after a couple of weeks. It is easy to sit on the outside of this devestation and criticize what is happening. I can't imagine trying to survive a situation that progressed from "Rescue Me" to "Lord of the Flies" as quickly as this has. I'd imagine that after the cavalry didn't come marching to the rescue, I'd do everything that I could to help my family to survive. That would include looting for food, and arming myself to protect my own. I can't fathom or justify some of the behavior that is being reported. Why would you shoot at your rescuers? What good would it do me to steal a plasma TV amid the wreckage. From the outside, thinking rationally, this makes no sense. But, rational thought doesn't often accompany those who must fight for the most basic of human needs. The question that should be asked is not why have these people become animals; but why have they been left in a situation where they must revert to the basest of instincts to survive? We can plan months ahead to invade Iraq, but when we see a storm such as this coming, why can't we plan to have water and food ready when the storm passes? Do we really need to wait for the devastation before the local politicos officially invite the national guard and the Army to come to the rescue? Instead of worrying about whose toes are being stepped on, let's think about saving the people who are suffering. Recovery from natural disaster should not be an afterthought.