Hurricane Katrina: America Is The Shelter From The Storm

Reports are bleak and a certain panic has set in - that's to be expected. Everything from the price of fuel to rampant looting and growing damage and loss of life accompanied by a long road to recovery with concerns for health issues and stresses on our National Guard are making their way into the coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

That's to be expected - it is the nature of the news. But it is not the nature of America.

From a turbulent founding, through a destructive civil war, on up through two World Wars and any number of International, as well as National conflicts and calamities - America has always and will always show her true heart, strength and compassion.

Just as she rose most recently from the ashes of 9/11 to take a commanding role within the world through the Global War on Terror - she will now care for, protect and mend her own ... She always has.

As is so often true of the individual and has always been true for America and Americans in general, it is always the worst of times that bring out our best. Not once in our history have the forces of light failed to outshine any force of darkness - and it will be no different this time. We, as Americans, must take heart in that and know its simple truth.

Sometimes disparaged for her arrogance, even sometimes rightfully so, perhaps - She has never failed to light the light of, not only freedom, but comfort from the storm for so many around the world over so many bleak tragedies, they are too many to number or fully recall. And She has always been capable of looking inward when needed to provide the same relief and solace for her own - time after time after time.

That will be the end of this, it is already assured. Yes, doubt, confusion, fear and a certain skepticism will undoubtedly surface along the way ... so, let it be. But let America simply be herself and she'll reach down and find whatever it is that's needed and also provide as much as She can of what is wanted - and in the end, lightness will prevail.

It's been that way for two-hundred and twenty-nine years - it will be that way now. Take stock, dig deep - whether with your hands, your money, or simply your hope - for we are Americans. As overly-bold as it may seem to say to some, or as premature to others, and albeit not immediately comforting to the many now suffering ... in the end, simply being ourselves will be enough.

It always has been. It always will be. Let the naysayers stand aside and watch ... and we will get it done. God Bless America.

   

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Comments

[Kathleen]

beautiful, Dan.

[MarlboroGal]

Well said, Dan. God Bless America. :)

[TexasGal]

Very touching piece Dan. Amen.

[!]

It will be a long long road back but we will prevail in the end.
We always have and we always will.
God Bless everyone that was touched by this horrific event.

[jolari]

God Bless our USA

[GrannyToad]

If I knew how to say it, I'd have said what you said, Dan.

[!]

http://www.alighthouse.com/candle.php?Count=3874

Light a candle for these people.

God bless and watch over them all.

[Hydrangea]

Spoken like a True American, Thank-you Dan.

[leel]

just printed that out and will bring it to work tomorrow.......great thoughts and IMO....absolutely true...

Stick together, Americans....

[clintcarter]

Uh, Dan, do you think just this once you could have the flag Not blowing in the wind?

[Sunny]

Dan, you said it so well. God Bless America, and God bless you!

[Kay]

Dan that was so beautifuly written! I sit here in a hotel room due to being out of power at my home and me being asthmatic I needed power for a breathing machine since I have walking pneumonia but I think how lucky I am at this moment compared to these poor people. I am in Central Alabama and the wind was so powerful and scary and I think what it must have been like for these closer to the storm and how scared they must have been and still are! I lost my home 3 years ago totally to a fire and know the fear of starting over and losing everything but it can be done and if we will all pray for these people and stick together and help them they too will make it and be ok! It will take time and pictures and stuff can't be brought back but if you have your loved ones and life you can go on! God Bless them and lets all pray for them tonight and for the time needed for them to recover! God Bless America and Thank You DAn for all the beautifully writen post and concern I hear in your writting! Kay

[Alee]

Wow......
I'd never been to Dan's site before Natalee went missing. After searching for a few days I realized this was the best place to find all the latest news. Soon I was addicted. This morning is the first time I've been able to sign on since the storm came through and what did I see? "America Is The Shelter From The Storm". PERFECT! That means a lot to us down here in Mississippi.
THANKS DAN!

[Joanne]

Dan, that was absolutely beautiful, uplifting and yet it made me cry. It makes us all thankfull and filled with hope, what we sow we will reap. The first thing that popped in my mind was the "Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran.

[Roy]

Great, Dan.

[FloridaPatty]

Beautiful Dan. Thank you for that.

[just an observer]

Fantastic!! Very encouraging and uplifting, if we could just get this message across to the good people of LA,AL,MS. And to Harvery Jackson of New Orleans, of all the stories told when that man came on and was interviewed, like the announcer, I totally broke down and cried.

All the stations picked up on his story, it told the story of what everyone in N/O. and the other states must be going thru.

We needed what Dan posted, thanks for that!! I already donated to Red Cross, what about you??
God Bless America!

[DennisAOK]

My check is in the mail.

[WI Mom]

Thanks for that uplifting message! It certainly helps when things are looking so bleak.

[rolltideroll]

beautiful dan.

[gagal_05]

Very touching and very well written. God Bless those in need and God Bless the USA.

[mom]

Dan,
....this is truly beautiful....after the images all day....having such heavy hearts....thanks for the hope...you truly made a huge differende....
God Bless American and God Bless the American people and their invincible spirit..

[tracker]

Dan:

Thanks & Well Done! Let the flag wave! God Bless Our America and Confusion and Misery to Our detractors!

tracker

[Daniela]

Dan, those comments are so beautiful and the pictures are so devastating, I want to help! Besides donating money, maybe a clothing drive, toys for children, food etc... Somehow it doesn't seem enough! I want to go and help... I really have to look into this today and see how much time I can afford. My heart goes out to them and my thoughts and prayers are with them every day! I am looking at a picture of a police man holding a little girl crying on the NY Post Front cover... It just tears me apart!

[!]

NOTE: DANS POST

Calcasieu Parish Needs Food For Evacuees
Email from a known reader - I have complete contact information for the individual below - if anyone can offer any help with food -email me, or contact the parish offices directly.

The temperature in Louisiana today was 97 degrees and the heat index was 117, with more of the same expected tomorrow. This means bodies and refuse in the water will quickly begin to rot. Thus, the next crisis the city will likely face is disease and pestilence.
Electricity can not be restored until after the water is removed, and no one seems to know for sure how long this will take, but it could be quite awhile. In the meantime, tens of thousands--or perhaps even hundreds of thousands--of evacuees will need to be housed elsewhere for weeks or even months.
Most of the evacuees have gone through this exercise before and were expecting to return to their homes in a day or two after the storm had passed. Many left with little more than the clothes on their backs. They desperately need help.
Lake Charles is 200 miles west of New Orleans and suffered no effects from the storm, but we are now trying to shelter and feed the evacuees as best we can. I just received this email from a friend of mine, Richard Cole:
If you can help we need your help.... Several groups have been cooking for the last two days at the Lake Charles Civic Center for 2200+ people... They are serving 3 hot meals a day for the people from the New Orleans area... God bless their safety... If you would like to help with food, money or man power, these people would greatly appreciate it... If you have food you can bring to civic center kitchen on the back side and we will cook it... It is empty the freezer time.

Richard J. Cole, Jr, CLA
Calcasieu Parish Assessor

% Richard J. Cole, Jr, CLA
Calcasieu Parish Assessor
LAKE CHARLES CIVIC CENTER
900 LAKESHORE DRIVE
LAKE CHARLES , LA 70602
337-491-1256
DELIVER TO KITCHEN ON BACK SIDE OF BUILDING.
This is what I am putting on the label.

I am shipping a bog out fedex today. I have amny nice clothes and many many ready to eat meals (MRE'S) I can send. I know its not much but I know that anything will help.

Would love to just go there and help serve the food or something.

PLEASE everyone do what you can do.

[Memphisbelle]

A way we could all help is email the White House, your congressman, etc. requesting assistance from our military and other gov. departments. This crisis on the Gulf Coast is just too big for the National Guard, governor's, representatives, and our charitable organizations. It's time for our President to get heavily involved - people are dying. Also, please donate money - no matter what amount.

[annie]

Amen Dan! Thanks for the beautiful post.

[Alee]

Another thing that I notice, but that must be 'unspeakable' in the US is the skin colour of the looters, did I see that correctly ??

Posted by: Tante Bet | Aug 31, 2005 9:57:08 AM

I think it must be a taboo to mention that on the news. But remember, the law enforcement are also in this disaster. They have families too that need to be taken care of first. Everyone is being stretched to their limit.

[Alee]

I heard this morning that our president is on his way.

[new2blogging]

Beautiful, Dan!

The silence of our "allies and friends" is deafening. Now we will take care of our own as we have always taken care of others. We will come out of this latest tragedy stronger and prouder, as we always do.
God Bless America.

[*flo*]

@mike_1

Sorry, but am I to understand that disregarding the law is OK, as well as looting, in case of a storm or flood ??

Or is it a case of civilization ?

Posted by: Tante Bet | Aug 31, 2005 10:13:56 AM

Tante Bet, honey, it is reported, its ok to feed the hungry any other part of looting is outlawed..

[!]

May I ask what the hell you want our President to do. He is only one man. What the hell do you mean where is he. You know where he is. He is on the way back to the White house. Many things are in place and are going on behind the scenes. If it is nto fast enough for you then may i suggest you go down to all these places and take care of it yourself. This is something we have never seen before in this country.
Lighten up. Get a damn grip.

[new2blogging]

Mike 1:

He is mobilizing - I know the Nat'l Guard here on the East Coast left yesterday. The president has already approved requested aid, he is traveling back to the White House and is said to be scheduling a visit to the areas this week. There are (at least some) things going on behind the scenes.

We ALL care and want to do whatever we can. I totally understand your concern and frustration, though.

[*flo*]

Where the hell is our President???? Do we have any military left that can be sent to help? I understand that the bulk of our military is occupying a third world country. unbelievable. Maybe we should ask for foreign aid.

Posted by: Mike 1 | Aug 31, 2005 10:14:08 AM

My sentiments are with you,

Mr President our country needs to hear from you! This is a national disaster which has effected our country and ecomony. What happen to the catastrophe plans of corporate america? No freak'n communications in the disaster areas....A loving sister of Mississippi victims.

[*flo*]

This is something we have never seen before in this country.
Lighten up. Get a damn grip.

Posted by: ! | Aug 31, 2005 10:41:23 AM

! maybe this is something you may have never seen before in this country, its considered a National Disaster.

[*flo*]

This crisis on the Gulf Coast is just too big for the National Guard, governor's, representatives, and our charitable organizations. It's time for our President to get heavily involved - people are dying. Also, please donate money - no matter what amount.

Posted by: Memphisbelle | Aug 31, 2005 9:45:44 AM

Damn, call in some freak'n support! GOD BLESS AMERICA! UNITED WE STAND!

[new2blogging]

OK, Mike 1, I certainly know I cannot change your opinion, and you are entitled to it - I won't try to.

You choose one sentence of my post. FACT: The Nat'l Guard left here yesterday to help. No comment on that.

[George T.]

Dan,
Brilliant work.
Thank you.

[new2blogging]

Mike 1 -

Yes, of course those available. You talk in extremes. You said he is doing NOTHING. I said he is doing SOMETHING.

Of course, it's a fact we are at war, thus most of our servicemen/women are not here to help right now. Or, is your argument really about the war??

[Hydrangea]

MIKE 1

Usually I have a lot of patience with people like you. People that just can't wait to turn ANYTHING into a political war. D**KHEAD...THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS. THIS IS ABOUT AMERICAN HUMAN BEINGS. To SHUT YOU UP READ THIS http://www.drudgereport.com/flash4.htm. I'm sure the president will talk to the nation, he did yesterday. Just perhaps he's a little busy right now,working to mobilize help for the region.
WHAT ARE YOU DOIN TO HELP THESE PEOPLE??????????

AND TANTE BET

I have seen the crap you have written on here and other blogs. YOU HATE AMERICANS AND ARE ONLY TRYING TO DISRUPT THIS BLOG.
I am sending a few of your "choice" comments to Dan so that he can see what you are up.

DON'T BOTHER EITHER OF YOU TO REASPOND TO THIS POST I WILL NOT FURTHER ENGAGE YOU!

[new2blogging]

THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS. THIS IS ABOUT AMERICAN HUMAN BEINGS.

Posted by: Hydrangea | Aug 31, 2005 11:37:48 AM

Voice of reason... thanks. ;)

[*flo*]

Wouldn't it be nice to have 3 or 4 Army divisions in reserve? Not to mention some National Guard. The bulk of those resources are deployed in Iraq.

Posted by: Mike 1 | Aug 31, 2005 11:17:20 AM

Iraq is the Presidents primary agenda, an agenda which of course, should not go ignored. He and his administrations primary agenda, right now, should be focus'd on this country and its people/corp america, and the countries allies.

[Hydrangea]

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/08/31/D8CAS7SO0.html

The links keep changing.

However you can check out the drudge report.

[new2blogging]

Dan, is there a forum here to discuss the war??? Looks like there should be...

[Dan]

The hate Bush first and America second crowd will be leaving now. How unfortunate. Wrong thread ... wrong time.

[clintcarter]

This is not about Politics? How so?

Distribution of manpower, money, response to emergencies, etc.
Essential forces tied up in a poorly planned military action?
President making a habit of being segregated from the citizens?

Sorry, but it's all politics.

[clintcarter]

America second??

[new2blogging]

Thanks, Dan.

What a shame they have to "sully" such a beautiful tribute.

God Bless America.

[Amy]

Nice post Dan.

I'd loot to feed my children if I had to, but the plasma screens and buggies of Reeboks are a bit ridiculous.

[Hydrangea]

thanks Dan.