Only one step

The terrible destruction and devastation that are rampant in New Orleans is proof that most of us are only a step or two away from descending into madness and chaos - despite what we like to think about ourselves. Are we a civilized nation? Possibly. Are we immune from the madness and crazy fear-inducing behaviors of a disaster? Nope.

Those poor, poor people. What they're facing, what any disaster victims and refugees face is beyond my comprehension. It's really easy for us to pass judgement on the people who are looting, beating, raping, and committing all those horrific crimes but we need to also remember that they've been thrust into a situation so far outside their scope of reality that it's probably incomprehensible. Does this make it ok for them to act out in these ways? Absolutely not. But should we still try to have some compassion for them? Yes.

It breaks my heart that so many of these people, already so affected by their life circumstances have been dealt such an enormous and overwhelming blow. I read one man's statement that they are the "throwaway" people and I almost broke down in tears because I know that's how so much of our society views the very poor and very needy. Many of those who stayed behind didn't stay by choice. They stayed because they had no way to leave. The elderly, the handicapped, the poor, the sick - they were not provided for by their government.

If there is no other result from this horrifying disaster other than people are forced to face the terrible state our domestic relief and social & human services organizations and institutions are in, then that's something. We simply cannot continue spending money in other countries and neglecting those in our country who need our help. We cannot continue spending billions on war when we could be doing so much to help the needy here (and elsewhere).

Once again, consequences of the ill-advised decision to go to war rear their ugly heads in the form of cut funding, low levels of National Guardsmen, less money for aid, lack of necessary equipment for evacuation and rescue, lack of trained personnel to operate such equipment, and so on. The list is probably much, much longer.

Please, give what you can. You can donate through the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Daily Kos has a liberal bloggers alliance that's trying to raise money, you can offer your extra rooms as housing for refugees (through Moveon.org), and I'm sure there are many, many more things going on. The important thing to do is help.

Help now, discuss accountability later.