The Way I See It
By Joseph C. Phillips

The Other Story of Katrina

As the floodwaters begin to recede and the nation begins the arduous task of assessing the economic and human toll of Hurricane Katrina, the finger pointing begins in earnest. I suppose it's to be expected. Americans are not used to witnessing the suffering of their fellow citizens nor are they comfortable seeing their government appear so impotent and ineffectual. In the midst of so much shock and anger, a certain amount of scapegoating and jockeying for political advantage seems natural. There are, however, three things that seem worth considering.

First of all, there is more than enough blame to go around. There was an appalling lack of planning, leadership and initiative displayed at all levels of government. From timid local and state authorities that failed to provide provisions, means of evacuation and protection for its citizens to a cumbersome federal bureaucracy that was clearly slow to respond once its initial response proved insufficient, there is as much guilt to spread around as there is mud on the streets of New Orleans.

Secondly, Americans have responded with the courage, faith, compassion, and can-do spirit that make this nation great.

Thirdly, it is to our detriment that we concentrate on the former rather than celebrate the latter. To say there are a number of things we could have done better is an understatement. Partisan bickering, however, and race and class politics only serve to divide us when we should be coming together; they only fuel our cynicism when what we need is to be filled with hope and inspiration. It also misses the bigger story of Katrina.

The other day as I made my way to the local grocery store, two eight-year-old girls raising money for hurricane relief with a bucket and a hand-painted sign greeted me. Similar scenes have played out all across the country. Americans of all ages have reached into their pockets and ponied up more than half a billion dollars towards relief efforts. Rescue teams from all over the country have streamed into the area to lend their expertise. Along with law enforcement experts and fire fighters and engineers, hundreds of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have all put their personal lives on hold in order to be where they are needed most.

The religious community (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, B'hai, etc.) is coordinating their efforts to bring physical and spiritual nourishment to those who have lost everything. Colleges and universities have responded by opening their classrooms enabling students to continue their educations and not lose academic credits.

Property owners from across the nation have offered up their vacant rental properties or spare rooms in their own homes in order to provide shelter for the newly homeless. Corporations like McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wal-Mart and many others have donated food, clothing and toiletries. There are hundreds of stories of Americans responding with full hearts and strong arms. There are many stories of Katrina but this is the one we should tell: neighbors helping neighbors! Stories of people -- regardless of race or class -- doing the noble work Americans are known for and this time doing it on their home soil.

Send me your ways of seeing it at Josephcp@netlistings.com