It's easy to judge people when you are not in their shoes, so to speak. So easy, I find myself doing it. I just can't help myself. So here I go again...
I have been looking a the images on the television and internet of the devastation that Katrina has caused. And one thing I can't help but think about. Why don't these people try to help themselves? I don't mean help themselves to a t.v. or whatever else they can loot. I mean help themselves with the terrible conditions that they are forced to live in due to forces they cannot control?
What they can control is the garbage. They complain about living amongst filth. They need to start acting as if they are living in a newborn city. Which is pretty much what it is, when they are stuck in these "shelters". It seems that they are just waiting for someone to do everything for them. Why not try to get organized? There has got to be some people with some kind of leadership skills. Designate areas for trash. Areas for the sick and injured, instead of everyone just sitting around, waiting for someone to help them. And unfortunately an area for the dead. People see the dead bodies and think to themselves, "somebody should do something." Why not you!
I'm not saying these people don't need help. Help in all ways, food, clothing, personal hygiene products, whatever. But it doesn't take money or donations to pick yourself up by the bootstraps, and take care of the area around you. Turn to the person next to you and see if there is anything you can do for them. Part of the squalor that these people are "forced" to live in, is of their own making.
I have heard of the rapes, beatings, and thefts happening in and around these shelters. With so many people shoved into a tiny area, how is it that these things are going on unnoticed, until the deed is already done? If I walked around a corner and saw someone raping or beating someone else, I would definitely do my best to make sure the culprit felt the heel of my boot upside his head. We need to protect each other. How can they expect the authorities to protect them, when they are being shot at? I'm still not sure about the reasoning behind those acts.
Ok, I just had to put my two cents in, and I'm sure there will be more to come.
its frustrating listening to people complain and point fingers at everyone isnt it? All I hear is we need help, the government isn't doing anything. I love the line, someone has to do something, why not you!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand it myself.
ReplyDeleteWell said. I care as much about people as you do, BUT I have little tolerance for the people that have the attitude of "Me and My Own", where is the contribution? Ugh, I think that if one thing good that has come of this is that we get reminded of how really ugly people can be-hopefully the rest of America takes a good look in the mirror and asks what they are contributing. We are all neighbors to someone.
ReplyDelete