The human toll and misery of disasters remind us of the fragile values of life; the dynamics of nature, and how even in this age of scientific genius, the commonality and uncertainty of all men and women remain our companions with each wakening day.
Disasters come in many forms and they do not select their victims by faith, color, ethnic, or personal status; nature adheres to its own rules and its own behavior pattern. We are powerless to alter these; the recent devastating tsunami is now joined by the anger of other hostile waters continents away; New Orleans, the American city with a French culture and amazing jazz is all but vanished.
The death toll is estimated to be in five figures, hundreds of thousands of lives are ruined, businesses totally destroyed and the culture of this region is now part of history. New Orleans is lost but like the Phoenix bird, it may rise once again but it can never be the same.
Americans are very appreciative of caring prayers, thoughtful wishes and offers for assistance from all over the world. The dichotomy is that it is America that is usually one of the first nations to respond when others are struck by similar and other disasters effecting human welfare and survival. I have heard from friends in Saudi Arabia; their words and sincerity is a reminder that even with social and political differences, we have respect and important values in common. The thread of humanity is worldwide; when will we learn from the words of the Prophet? We must care for all people and all species; this is the duty of our humble existence and partnership in the human race?
My government was unable to respond with the immediate emergency needs demanded by this tragic challenge; all of our money and planning spent on security and the consequences of potential terrorism seems now in question and indeed, the scope and depth of this hurricane was greater than historical experiences. The threat was known to our Army Corps of Engineers and the FEMA team assured the public that they were on the scene in advance of the storm and that they could handle anything that came along. Obviously, their intentions were the best; their ability and support were far short of the urgencies as were quickly demonstrated.
My president seemed stunned and slow in responding; a void in leadership is suggested but in fairness, he relied upon staff and the responsible departments and agencies. Yes, the buck stops with him and his political dynamics.
Perhaps the size of Hurricane Katrina exceeded even the “worst” fears; regardless, it brings into question the matters of homeland security and our ability to meet threats and other potentials that may yet be headed our way. What is the way of men is subject to a greater authority and the whims of nature are not to be taken as casual and accommodating. This is also a reminder that wars and killing are inhuman and are against the principles of all major religions and faiths.
Yet, this goes on and as with nature, we seem to be unable to cope and to understand the simple message that all men are brothers and that we share in a common destiny in partnership with our planet. How many disasters will it take to wake up our world community?
