Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Katrina...
It has been over a week since hurricane Katrina devastated some of the states along the Gulf of Mexico. People in southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama will never be the same, and their cities will take many years to rebuild. The thoughts, prayers and finances of many Canadians are focused on survivors in those ravaged areas.
It is difficult to comprehend the incredible change of life that took place for hundreds of thousands of people over a mere 24 hours. Imagine Vancouver and the Fraser Valley flooded by meters of water; people driving boats between high rise office buildings down the city streets; not having a job to go to or a residence to return to; your 1975 Ford is undrivable because it's flooded - really flooded; 7-11's closed!
And just because we have strict firearms laws in Canada, I don't think we would be immune to the looting and the violence. Desperate people will do desperate acts and many will take advantage of a disasterous situation for their own gain. The hearts of people don't change just because a political-geographic border is crossed.
I would encourage you to give. Even if you are skeptical about where the funding is going and how your contribution could possibly help. Katrina is a reminder of our frailty, and giving to others in need is a selfless act that softens one's heart and life. Don't harden yourself. Find a reputable organization and give something towards disaster relief.
In other news, it is the first day of kindergarten for my 5 year old daughter. She was so excited! A 15 minute sign-up in the classroom and brief hello with her teacher (Mrs. Morgan), wasn't enough to satiate Jayce's burning desire to learn and play. I'm also pretty sure she's looking forward to using her attitude and verbal charm to rule over the kids in kindergarten and have them bend to her every whim. Or at least let her do 'show and tell' first....
It is difficult to comprehend the incredible change of life that took place for hundreds of thousands of people over a mere 24 hours. Imagine Vancouver and the Fraser Valley flooded by meters of water; people driving boats between high rise office buildings down the city streets; not having a job to go to or a residence to return to; your 1975 Ford is undrivable because it's flooded - really flooded; 7-11's closed!
And just because we have strict firearms laws in Canada, I don't think we would be immune to the looting and the violence. Desperate people will do desperate acts and many will take advantage of a disasterous situation for their own gain. The hearts of people don't change just because a political-geographic border is crossed.
I would encourage you to give. Even if you are skeptical about where the funding is going and how your contribution could possibly help. Katrina is a reminder of our frailty, and giving to others in need is a selfless act that softens one's heart and life. Don't harden yourself. Find a reputable organization and give something towards disaster relief.
In other news, it is the first day of kindergarten for my 5 year old daughter. She was so excited! A 15 minute sign-up in the classroom and brief hello with her teacher (Mrs. Morgan), wasn't enough to satiate Jayce's burning desire to learn and play. I'm also pretty sure she's looking forward to using her attitude and verbal charm to rule over the kids in kindergarten and have them bend to her every whim. Or at least let her do 'show and tell' first....
# posted by Dairn @ 10:30 AM 
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In regards to Katrina...
If you keep watching CNN. which I have been doing almost non-stop for 10 days or so, you can see the politicians jockying for position on this one. Listen to the politicians speak. Look for the little (D) or (R) beside their names, and then note who supports the Federal Government's relief effort, and who trashes the President and calls for his immediate execution. Also, watch as the federal politicains try to turn people away from blame and to helping, while the state and municipal governments point the finger sat anybody but themselves.
The States is sssoooooo politically driven. It's ridiculous. Politicians fight, while citizens die. How sad.
And I agree - it is high time we, as Canadians, got off our duffs and show that we actually care, that we are not apathetic, and that we will give of our time, our money, and our prayers.
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If you keep watching CNN. which I have been doing almost non-stop for 10 days or so, you can see the politicians jockying for position on this one. Listen to the politicians speak. Look for the little (D) or (R) beside their names, and then note who supports the Federal Government's relief effort, and who trashes the President and calls for his immediate execution. Also, watch as the federal politicains try to turn people away from blame and to helping, while the state and municipal governments point the finger sat anybody but themselves.
The States is sssoooooo politically driven. It's ridiculous. Politicians fight, while citizens die. How sad.
And I agree - it is high time we, as Canadians, got off our duffs and show that we actually care, that we are not apathetic, and that we will give of our time, our money, and our prayers.
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