Overall, I'm very happy with the response of our federal and state governments to this natural disaster. Sure, there are questions and concerns. But, a whole lot has been done in advance, during, and after the storm to prepare, warn, evacuate, rescue, secure, relocate, etc. It's a tremendous undertaking involving a lot of stressful work. I praise all those involved from the top to the bottom and that, friends, includes the White House!
I know many people blame and criticize nearly everyone in a position of authority. We should conduct a review with the goal of constructive learning when everyone can reflect back on things, review them events factually in full context - not just the news media's instant selected drama, and consider the possible alternatives that might have been taken. That process should also include some serious "soul searching" among the people of some the areas effected as they reflect upon the conduct of their friends and neighbors in addition to those who've come to help them.
The rush to blame seems to be the way things go these days. Everything is always someone's - someone else's - fault even natural disasters. Nothing is ever our fault or, more correctly, our primary responsibility. Someone just has to "pay" when something goes wrong and the problem isn't immediately fixed. The excess of this attitude hurts our country. It puts everyone in a defensive mode. It drives up the cost and time of getting things done because people have to cover their behinds with legal protection and excessive caution or political positioning.
Some, caught up in their own arrogance, even believe they could do a better job in such complex chaotic matter as the. Maybe they could but given that a lot of well qualified and experienced people are leading the efforts - both government and private - I seriously doubt that. Perhaps some of these complainers will get a chance some day in their own home town to show what they can do. We could even let those they've criticized critique that response. That would give them a realistic sense of how it feels.
None of the complainers have come forth to specifically define when, where, and how the next natural or man-made disaster will strike nor, more importantly, to give their detailed response plan that would, by their own standards, immediately address all concerns, prevent any human suffering, fix any broken systems, maintain normal law and order, restore power and communications, house all the displaced persons, provide all the transportation necessary even on blocked roads, etc. If you know, tell us now so we can all be saved from any hardship.
I think I'll just keep giving thanks that we live in a nation that has the ability, resources, and will to help. I'm grateful for the work coordinated by FEMA and done by many agencies including the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard as well as a host of private agencies. It's wonderful that our governments - through our tax payer money - can help those in dire need at times like this.
It's great what's happening now in many places where displaced persons are being taken in and helped by complete strangers. We should be proud of our nation - top to bottom - and not critical that every problem wasn't solved on the first, second, or whatever day. American really sets the world example for this.
Local employers are giving employees paid time off to provide volunteer help in addressing the many needs of the displaced persons. Financial contributions are needed by many churches and private organizations like the American Red Cross. It's a time to give in whatever way we can to help our fellow citizens who are done for a while. The governments will send us a tax bill for the part their doing on our behalf. The rest - the special touch - is up to us individually.
