Katrina Was Not So Bad

Katrina Was Not So Bad
By Shaun Pierce

As I write this another major storm is churning in the gulf. 3 weeks beyond the devastation of Katrina we can look back with clearer eyes and ponder a few things.

First, do you recall all the news reports right after the storm passed? I recall New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin saying "We dodged a bullet". Of course he said that before the levies broke and flooded the city that was exhaling that latest sigh of relief.

That fact that everyone seems to be forgetting, is that Katrina did not make a direct hit on New Orleans. It makes for a great news story with an entire major American city underwater, but lets deal with facts here.

New Orelans did in fact dodge that bullet, but look at what happened anyway. Can you imagine what would happen if a Category 5 storm ever does make a direct hit on the big easy?

I don't believe the entire city should be abandoned. But I do think there needs to be some major changes made before we send people back with a bucket, a mop and a few bucks. For the Mayor to call for anyone to return right now is irresponsible. I'm glad he changed his mind, but I see a power struggle developing down south that is not helpful to anyone.

Mayor Nagin and Gov. Blanco are part of the problem, not the solution. I don't live there so I can not vote them out of office. Yet with so many of my tax dollars and donated dollars going into the region, I do have an interest.

Here is the real infastructure problem. When folks with little or no education rely on a welfare system to survive, that system will fail them every time. The mindset becomes what you can get, not what you can earn. Pride and self esteem fade as the scraps of productivity are tossed their way. You surrender your destiny to others who draw their own power and relevance from those who are dependent upon them.

I have always said that all things happen for a reason. Katrina exposed much more then just a few weak levies. She tore back the covering on a system of welfare and organized poverty that for generations has ill served all but of few.

It is time that the taxpayers of this country demand more from our government and our fellow citizens. (Warning: This is where it get really politically incorrect). We must be compassionate people. We should provide a helping hand to those in need. However, every outstretched hand is not worthy. In some cases, assistance enables one to continue in a non-productive life. If you are physically able, you should be expected to contribute to this nation.

There is no reason why a person who is not truly disabled should continue or be allowed to continue on public assistance for more then a brief period of time. I am tired of seeing the big screen TV in the living room and the brand new Escalade parked in front of a housing project. Have some pride, get yourself educated in something and work to better yourself.

It is my hope that we as a nation use this opportunity to break the cycle of poverty in America. It can't be done by another program or handout. It's done by people who are willing to work to better themselves. There is no lack of opportunity. That excuse is no longer available. It is more possible here, then in any other country in the world. Let's help the storm victims get back on their feet, but let's also expect them to walk on their own once they do.