Aftermath

I was avoiding doing a post on Hurricane Katrina. I've read so many blog entries and news stories and seen so much on the television about the storm and the aftermath. I'm not trying to diminish the enormity of this storm - but after awhile the coverage becomes overwhelming.

Sometimes you have to change the channel, watch a cartoon, and relax for a moment. I think it's only human. I recommend Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

But I felt the need to write this post because I realized over the past few days, after reading countless entries on the hurricane, that two of the most original and interesting points came not from the huge commercial or political blogs, but from two personal ones.

I would say it reflects my good taste in blogs, but I think it's a better indication of their writing and critical thinking.

Rhodent! has an excellent post on hurricanes. She includes personal information and experiences not just about this hurricane, but about all hurricanes and the readiness of people, communities, cities, counties, and the nation.

Here's one excellent point:

Many people get worked up over the presidential elections. Perhaps they should pay as much attention to their local elections. Local governments need to take more initiative for mitigation and preparation. They need to change some of their stupid policies about building codes and zoning. And the citizens of their communities need to take a stand and make their elected officials accountable for these issues.

I haven't seen this talked about anywhere else, and she's absolutely correct. I urge you to read the whole post.

The other blog that caught my eye - as it usually does - is Happy and Blue 2. Happy's always got something interesting to say, but his recent post about the hurricane was excellent.

The United States of America is the most powerful nation in the entire world. It can and does spend billions of dollars annually on the Gulf War. Over $400 billion annually is allocated to your defense department. You leveled an entire country in a matter of weeks. An entire country..

But when its own citizens need something as simple as buses to get them out of a dangerous area and into safety it asks for donations. And it takes forever to send help.

It made me wonder. Why is it that the U.S. spends billions weekly on the war but when we face a natural disaster, the citizens are asked to donate money. Naturally, Americans are ready to donate money, who couldn't after seeing some of the coverage from New Orleans or Biloxi.

But wouldn't it make more sense for the WAR to be fully funded by donations, and the hurricane relief to be fully funded by the government? All Americans believe that we should help out the people of the Gulf Coast. Not everyone (most people?) don't agree with the current situation in Iraq.

It reminds me of that old saying (which was always on doors of teachers in High School): "What if schools had all the money they needed and the Pentagon had to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber?"