As a country we catch a lot of flack for how fast we are to respond to a crisis here or abroad. We were flamed for not contributing enough, or fast enough when the tsumani hit. What doesnt get broadcasted are the John Q Publics that donate time and money right away, on both counts.

From what I have seen, the response for the aftermath of Katrina has been incredible. Now, I am sure if I were a victim, I would disagree only because my level of discomfort would be so high that even a day would seem like a eternity. The fact is that as soon as it was safe, our Red Cross had legions of trucks on the way to the effected areas. That just about everyone I know, in my small little world, has contributed in some way..be it money, food or time. The President has even commened our counrty for banding together to help these poor people who have been displaced, hurt or worse. I know that scores of trucks filled wtih water, dry goods and medications were on the road the day after Katrina hit. Before the hurricane, many of these Samaratian groups were already loading up trucks. Large companies (like the one my husband works for) are matching dollars contributed by their employees. My company is footing the bill for almost 1000 employees and there families to stay at surrounding hotels and donating huge amounts of product to help out. I could go on and on, and I am sure that most Americans reading this know of many other efforts too, but I think you get the gist.

Why was there no discussion thread directly afterwards? I have to think of this much like 9/11. I think a lot of the country mourns for what has happened and it is difficult to escape it, even for a moment. It is everywhere we look in the newspapers, TV, magazines, and basic dicussion. I also have to agree that the media does turn it into a political thing and it does get jammed down our throats.

Doesn't matter who gets blamed for this. That isn't really important. Rosuav is right, it is easier to blame than fix. Thankfully I am seeing more "Fixers". Whether the damage could have been lessened by fortifying levy's is moot now, anyway.

My point is the interest is there, it is just better spent acting on it or helping out than writing about it or blaming the government on what wasn't done, before hand.

I, personally, am proud of my country for its response to crisis. When the going gets tough for us, that is when we shine.