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08/29/2006: "The Real Tragedy"

It was one year ago today that Hurricane Katrina roared into New Orleans, overwhelming the aging levee system and drowning much of the town. Many lives were lost, and many more were disrupted forever. At the time, there was a lot of political fingerpointing and media handwringing, much of it occurring while residents still waited on their roofs for rescue. It was not a shining moment in American history.

Now, as we love to do with tragic anniversaries, there will once again be a lot of attention paid to the Gulf Coast and the progress – or lack thereof – made towards the lofty recovery goals voiced in those first chaotic days. Fingers will once again be pointed, and hands wrung, and the media will have an orgasmic field day. As this happens, though, there is one thing we should all keep in mind.

No matter your personal beliefs, one thing must ring true for us all – this tragedy is not about politics or levees or weather, it’s about people – people whose lives were lost, people whose lives were displaced. They must remain the most important part of the story.

At the time, many participated in relief efforts. Here at SCMO, we were able to raise over $6,500 for Katrina Relief; elsewhere far more was raised. But the need remains great, and this is a good time to dig deep in the pockets once again.

The first hurricane of the Atlantic season is currently over Cuba and is expected in Florida later today. This might be a good time for a few silent prayers …

Later this week, we’ll talk about where the real blame lies in the wake of Katrina.