Tragedy and Triumph
Today is the fourth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States. It was the worst failure of Big-Government to protect us since 1941.
And what was the response? Yet bigger government, more intrusive government, costlier government. We were promised that the government was now ready for any emergency.
And what were the results? Are we safer, more secure now? Obviously not.
The destruction and chaos caused by Hurricane Katrina showed, quite glaringly, that Big-Government is completely unprepared for any civil emergency. Amidst the governmental inaction, all we see is finger-pointing and blame-passing. And all the would-be terrorists out there can now see where our weaknesses are -- all they have to do is figure out how to exploit them. They will.
Meanwhile, private organizations and individuals from all over the country have stepped up to take on the daunting task of helping perhaps hundreds of thousands of people who've lost homes, livelihoods, even families. (For details on how various individuals are making a difference, go here.) This generosity and willingness to help those less-fortunate is one hallmark of the American Spirit. On this anniversary of national tragedy, let's not forget that. Let's not let the terrorists, and Big-Government, win.
Fair Winds & Blue Skies to all.
And what was the response? Yet bigger government, more intrusive government, costlier government. We were promised that the government was now ready for any emergency.
And what were the results? Are we safer, more secure now? Obviously not.
The destruction and chaos caused by Hurricane Katrina showed, quite glaringly, that Big-Government is completely unprepared for any civil emergency. Amidst the governmental inaction, all we see is finger-pointing and blame-passing. And all the would-be terrorists out there can now see where our weaknesses are -- all they have to do is figure out how to exploit them. They will.
Meanwhile, private organizations and individuals from all over the country have stepped up to take on the daunting task of helping perhaps hundreds of thousands of people who've lost homes, livelihoods, even families. (For details on how various individuals are making a difference, go here.) This generosity and willingness to help those less-fortunate is one hallmark of the American Spirit. On this anniversary of national tragedy, let's not forget that. Let's not let the terrorists, and Big-Government, win.
Fair Winds & Blue Skies to all.
posted by Don at 4:44 PM
7 Comments:
There will always be some calamity that will bring out the blame-passing finger pointing that has gone on. But there also will always be the heart warming helping and giving that most people show in these times. From my perspective I like to dwell on the heros rather than the other kind. S
I've been amazed at the helping that some of the big celebrities have been doing in respect of Katrina. I shouldn't be though...from what I've seen in the past, it appears that the celebs are the ones that are doing as much as possible to help. Them and the hard workers/helpers in the community have been marvelous in doing what they can. The support from people has been tremendous.
It's difficult to ignore how slugish the government were in helping out but like Schotzy, I'd prefer to applaud those that do.
I can add nothing more other than, Amen.
I'm not sure it's totally fair to harp on big government here when the mayor and governor had a very weak plan to combat this sort of natural disaster. The government is only interested in political matters, on both sides, so I would expect them to take care of me if this ever happens here in pensacola . I think every person should be accountable for themselves if they expect to survive in any environment and not rely on any government unless absolutely necessary.
Mike,
Thanks for your comment. I certainly agree that each individual should be accountable for his own life and actions, rather than expecting the government (that is, the taxpayers!) to bail him out every time he gets into trouble.
You do make a good point because it certainly is NOT the responsibility of the federal government to solve the problems caused by hurricane Katrina, other than where interstate commerce is involved. This should primarily be a concern of local and state governments, if any government at all.
But when I used the phrase "Big-Government" I meant big government at all levels -- federal, state and local. It just so happens that our Federal Big-Government is the biggest and worst at governing.
I can't believe Mike was here. He's my roommate! Man, small web. Mike's also just sour-grapes because he didn't get any FEMA money after IVAN.
Oh, but he is right. The rest of the country shouldn't be responcible for paying insurence money to those who want to live in areas prone to natural disasters. Still, after Ivan I was glad to have medical supplies, food and ice. That I do think is worthy of the tax payers.
Mark,
As a taxpayer, I demand a refund! Sorry, no checks.
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