Katrina aftermath

There are lot's of blog discussions about the mess down in the gulf and I've been too absorbed in all of those to put anything here. But I will say that I am so grateful that those I know (in person and in blogland) who have family in the impacted areas all received word from their loved ones. Thank God.

For those who didn't have the resources to get out, I have despaired. And yes, like many others who have articulated it so well, I am frustrated at the slow response from our federal government. For such an advanced country with the resources we have, I am simply in shock that people were not provided with food for over 4 days, that nobody came to help local law enforcement keep order, that people were locked down in hospitals for over 4 days and doctors had to decide who would live and who would die as supplies ran low, and so many other shocking details. This is America, for crying out loud! How something like that happen here? I still weep at the images of scared parents holding weeping babies and young children. Of old people tossed aside in wheelchairs. Thousands of them, herded into "safe places" and then forgotten.

It is clear now, that homeland security rules and regulations have caused aid organizations like FEMA to lose their former ability to act quickly and decisively. SBFH, Agog and Aghast, and True Jersey Girl all articulated the very frustration I feel, each in their own different way. Thank you all for saying exactly what I feel.

Now, to the bright spots - our very own fellow Americans. Where our own federal government is sluggish and inept, everyday people have stepped in and done their part. Where we live, there are efforts to get much needed donated goods to 1,000 displaced NO residents who were taken to a local city. Our local fire department has sent numerous firefighters to the worst hit areas for cleanup. My own church's pastor had family hit hard who are coming here, and many people in our town donated money to help them. And via another blog (and I apologize, I cannot even remember which one now...) this creative duo of Mommy's clearinghouse was posted: http://beenthere.typepad.com/been_there/.

And yes, Americans are donating money to the Red Cross and other groups in staggering amounts.

So thank you, my fellow bloggers, for your thoughtful posts on the good, the bad and the ugly of the Katrina aftermath. I look forward to the news getting better with each passing day, and pray that our government will learn from this, and not try to sweep it under the rug.