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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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RIGHT HERE IN THE USA
When disasters hit around the world, Americans are sympathetic and generous. We watch the news. We write checks. We support our government sending aid. We're proud when volunteers go to assist other countries. Generally, however, we remain unaffected. Now Hurricane Katrina has hit right here in the USA, and we are devastated by the aftermath. We observe non-stop coverage of the damage, flooding, looting, and suffering. We hear about rescue workers being shot. We watch 3,000 pound sand bags being used to repair damaged levees. We listen to stories of people dying from high heat without electricity or drinking water. We're told about bodies floating in the streets while people wait on rooftops to be rescued. How can all this be happening right here in the USA, rather than some third world country halfway around the world? We complain that rescue efforts are too slow, although roads were destroyed, gasoline inventories are low, and supply helicopters are being mobbed when they land. We point fingers at public officials and agencies, blaming them for the situation. We demand more recovery efforts. We downplay offers of aid from other countries out of misbegotten pride. We just want it all to go away so we don't have to admit it can happen right here in the USA. My sister's family lost everything when their entire subdivision in Biloxi was wiped off the face of the earth. Her reply to that news was, "Please continue to pray for everyone." My aunt whose house is only blocks from Lake Pontchartrain assumes her house is flooded, but is thankful to be with my mother in Arkansas. We still have not heard from another aunt and several cousins, but hope they made it to shelter. This time, the disaster happened right here in the USA, and we're all going to be affected. Maybe it's time to pull together, stop blaming others, and do whatever needs to be done.
© 2005 David Bentley David Bentley, M.Ed. & Personal Coach, coaches clients through the game of life, helping them find balance, clarity of direction, and purpose in an ever-changing world. You may contact him at 360.378.8436 by e-mail at david@coachbentley.com or visit his Web site: www.coachbentley.com |
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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