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Catastrophes and Cancer

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jmlindy422

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I was going to write about prostate cancer today as part of a world wide movement to raise awareness. I’ll do that on Monday. Instead, I’m posting about Sandy.

To say Sandy devastated parts of my country seems redundant. You can watch or listen to news of the storm and its effects on any of the myriad news outlets available to Americans. There is no question that those effects are tragic. It will take a long, long time and a lot of money to recover.

I am thankful that we have the money. Mine is a wealthy country, no matter what many of its citizens may be saying in our current political climate. We have resources on the federal, state and personal level. We will repair what we can and replace what we can’t.

Recently, my nephew, who is pretty typical of recent American college graduates, ranted about his situation. He is well-educated, having recently earned a master’s degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. He is talented. His work is amazing, whether the things he’s done for art’s sake or the things he’s done for commerce’s sake. He is in debt to a frightening extent and he is unable to find work. Just two days ago, he screamed in frustration over his situation following yet another difficult rejection. I understand; I’ve been in the same place.

I’ve said before that another’s pain, another’s frustration, do not negate our own right to feel pain and frustration. And I haven’t changed my mind. For today, though, I’m going to be thankful for my country’s stalled economy, my own indebtedness, my son’s rotten grades, my daughter’s confusion as an adoptee, my husband’s husband-ness and the fact that my East Coast family is fine.

Today, I’m looking at Haiti, suffering through yet another kick in the natural disaster teeth. Here’s a gallery of photos from the United States and Haiti.

All photos Denver Post

I decided I had $10 to spare. I donated to Unicef’s Haitian Relief Fund, established to assist in rebuilding following their most recent earthquake. I couldn’t find the relief fund for Haiti’s latest national disaster.

 

Comments

7 responses to “Catastrophes and Cancer”

  1. philosophermouseofthehedge Avatar
    philosophermouseofthehedge

    Glad you are sensitive to those who suffer.
    Please realize not everyone in the US fares as well after storms.
    Parts of New Orleans – still devastated. Overgrown war zone – rat and snake havens.
    Boliver totally leveled by Hurricane Ike – still looks pretty much like war zone.
    Galveston Island? Most of the out of place barges and boats are now rotted or removed, …many houses still boarded up or tumbling down, whole communities bull dozed but not reappearing – years later.
    Not everyone has money to rebuild.Things do not get replaced. Hurricane “relief”? – it’s a joke
    Communities are not put back together and all happy again.
    (We’ll see if it’s different when it’s homes of media, politicians – and close to the center of political power and vote counters)
    Guess it’s sort of like it being hard for Gulf Coast residents to understand how bad the winter storms, floods, and their aftermath can be in your area.
    Your heart is in the right place. We, individuals, should help those in need. Many do try.

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    1. jmlindy422 Avatar
      jmlindy422

      Didn’t mean to be insensitive to Katrina victims. I know that was devastating to so many people; the government response to it was appalling. And I’m sure there will be many who won’t recover following Sandy; certainly not the people who lost others. Interesting to bring up the lack of recovery for some in LA. Of course, being a cynic, I can wonder if there is a racial component when comparing Sandy with Katrina.

      Today, I’m just thinking a little outside the American box to others affected by the same storm we were.

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      1. philosophermouseofthehedge Avatar
        philosophermouseofthehedge

        Just being realistic. There was Katrina ( Houston pretty much took them in when others turned their back – and everyone took people into their homes, donated piles of good clothing that was gratefully received – although the Red Cross actually said “don’t bring that stuff” – Individuals did to an unofficial site where people could get what they needed immediately – not wait for gov. red tape and vouchers.
        Then Houston had Rita the same year ( Massive evacuation – and some died). Then 4 yrs ago Houston had Ike. (another massive evacuation. Storm went right over our house)
        The Gulf Coast states all know what it’s like – and immediately people reach out to help our neighbors.
        Color of skin has little importance here in emergencies – but that may be regional.
        Fed gov assistance? Rita and Ike victims got a fraction of aid compared to Katrina, but the state, private groups, and individuals stepped up to help our neighbors (and this area is one of great diversity – we all live and work together)
        If you live any where near the coast or rivers it’s not a matter of it may flood – it’s simply when…people need to prepare and use common sense.
        (Why are people surprised when they build directly on the beach? It’s simply a matter of time)
        Self reliance and neighbors helping neighbors is the way to get through this.
        You are doing that in your way.
        We all must do what we feel is best.
        (Now I worry about seniors getting scammed by groups that roam from disaster to disaster stealing and taking money without doing the work. That area may not be wise to these people.Bless those church groups and others that are going in to pull out wet carpet and tear out any sheet rock that touched water – That needs to be done immediately and flood victims are too stunned to take action in most cases. And bless the Salvation Army and others who hand out food, water, coffee and clothing without first insisting on a form. Pray for mild weather. It’s a brutal time)
        As I said, your heart is in the right place. Everyone should help those in need.

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    2. jmlindy422 Avatar
      jmlindy422

      Thinking in the shower just now….recovery from Katrina is an ongoing process, no? It can take us here in the frozen wasteland three days to “recover” from a major snowstorm. I would be surprised if recovery from Katrina doesn’t take a decade. Sandy may be quicker since it did, as you say, affect centers of political, financial and media power.

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  2. todadwithlove Avatar
    todadwithlove

    Is the value of life measured by skin colour? Yes. Or, by one’s profession and identity? Yes, that, as well. Are we not all of one common humanity? No. Definitely not. Cynicism is born out of society and its ills, no matter where you are.
    Still, let us be grateful that the press freedom and democracy in America has exposed the appalling response to Katrina. In Haiti, the tyranny and corruption of an elite few have probably silenced most dissent.

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    1. jmlindy422 Avatar
      jmlindy422

      I’ve been watching the reports on recovery in New York and it does seem quicker than Katrina. My niece has her power back, food in the grocery store and is going back to work tomorrow. Her mom went back to work today.

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      1. todadwithlove Avatar
        todadwithlove

        That’s wonderful news!

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