Katrina

Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that at times I can be very opinionated. I try and cover it up with making pretty quilts and reading good books but under the surface it’s there, rearing it’s ugly opinionated head. I have purposely kept this blog very light and friendly – very pink. Of course there hasn’t been a presidential election since the initiation of filledetulipe – luckily. It has taken all I can do to not say anything about the recent devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina and I can’t keep it inside any longer. The instantaneous finger pointing and never ending blame game has made me absolutely ill. My feelings on this matter are very strong and not very nice. I have been apprehensive to say anything for fear of being considered a racist of sorts.

Via my brother’s blog I came across this article that says everything I have been thinking.

Yes – there are certain governmental agencies that weren’t as effective as they should have been and I do believe that their level of effectiveness would be different in a different city – although I do not believe that it has anything to do strictly with race.

I live in a city that is way past due for a GINORMOUS earthquake. The state capital has recently gone through a major renovation to make it earthquake proof and another historic building owned by the church I belong to is currently going through similar renovation (when the church leaders announced the Tabernacle renovation I saw a red flag go up). When this disaster does strike, if I am lucky enough to make it through, I expect that it will take some time for any kind of help to get to me which is why I keep a 72 hour kit in my trunk with a gallon of water. I feel very fortunate to live in a community that realizes that help and preparedness needs to come from within and I feel very blessed to be a member of a church that makes being prepared one of their primary focuses. The church has taken up the charge to appoint certain individuals to go through a certification program sponsored by the government. Those who complete this certification are taught how to respond and step up as a leader during and after a disaster – natural or otherwise. They are issued bright green vests and are identified in their individual communities as being CERT certified.

Throughout all the coverage of Katrina over the last week I didn’t see a single green vest.