Dumb thoughts on government and crises
I've been caught out saying some dumb things, as have we all.
My first response to the Katrina (while it was still raging) was "I gave to Red Cross after the Tsunami, but that was Indonesia... I don't feel like helping this time, this is America, they can recover themselves."
There were several things wrong with that, but in my defense, I did say it off the top of my head. If I'd written it down, I would never have hit the "publish" button.
1) Red Cross goes in, regardless. They spend money. They need to refill the coffers for the next disaster. Even if one disaster doesn't pull your heartstrings, the next one might.
2) Regardless of the wealth of a nation, individuals need help. They need clothing, food, and medical supplies immediately. NGO's supply that first, not government. And they afford it through private donations.
3) We can't rely on a Republican government to be ready, on the ball, and prepared to do the right thing. They are giving our government resources away to corporations and the military industrial complex, leaving little in place for disasters. Maybe that will change, but really we just need to not elect conservatives who always cut advance planning, infrastructure, and social safety net in favor of short term gains and the promise of tax cuts. If they promise cuts every election, soon there's not enough left for our government to function.
4) Poor states, counties and cities are the first to suffer from (3). Such is the case with the Gulf Coast.
5) Poor people often cut insurance first. They have no choice. So they can't recover after a disaster. They end up homeless or displaced. The least we can do is get them food and clothing. Many cities across America are setting up to receive them as we received boat people in the '70s. Lodging, employment, and support will be available to many, if not all.
My first response to the Katrina (while it was still raging) was "I gave to Red Cross after the Tsunami, but that was Indonesia... I don't feel like helping this time, this is America, they can recover themselves."
There were several things wrong with that, but in my defense, I did say it off the top of my head. If I'd written it down, I would never have hit the "publish" button.
1) Red Cross goes in, regardless. They spend money. They need to refill the coffers for the next disaster. Even if one disaster doesn't pull your heartstrings, the next one might.
2) Regardless of the wealth of a nation, individuals need help. They need clothing, food, and medical supplies immediately. NGO's supply that first, not government. And they afford it through private donations.
3) We can't rely on a Republican government to be ready, on the ball, and prepared to do the right thing. They are giving our government resources away to corporations and the military industrial complex, leaving little in place for disasters. Maybe that will change, but really we just need to not elect conservatives who always cut advance planning, infrastructure, and social safety net in favor of short term gains and the promise of tax cuts. If they promise cuts every election, soon there's not enough left for our government to function.
4) Poor states, counties and cities are the first to suffer from (3). Such is the case with the Gulf Coast.
5) Poor people often cut insurance first. They have no choice. So they can't recover after a disaster. They end up homeless or displaced. The least we can do is get them food and clothing. Many cities across America are setting up to receive them as we received boat people in the '70s. Lodging, employment, and support will be available to many, if not all.
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