But have times changed? Have we become so entranced by our own ideologies and cultural division that we are turning our backs on each other? Let me explain.
This weekend, we all watched as Hurricane Harvey hit the coast of Texas with a vengeance. The damage has been so severe and the flooding so widespread that this storm has now been dubbed the “flood of a lifetime.”
Currently, Hurricane Harvey has dumped massive amounts of rainfall in many towns inside and on the outskirts of Houston and affected about a quarter of the Texas population or 6.8 million people in 18 counties. To make matters worse, incessant tornado warnings are keeping Houstonians in a perpetual state of fear.
As well, everyone that I know living in this area prepared as best as they could with the limited warning they received. What I can tell you, is as prepared as many were, the storm this size was no match for their efforts and this can happen. The latest rainfall totals should give you some perspective.
Here are some comments from an article at the Washington Post:
…
And in another Washington Post article, comments said
In this Yahoo article
This isn’t hitting close to home, it’s hitting home
In response to those who are making the above comments, please keep in mind that Texans pay taxes to help with assistance in national disasters so when these types of disasters happen, they have every right to request assistance. If national disaster assistance wouldn’t be available, what do you think would happen? Widespread disease, looting, and devastation would occur. Do you really want that for someone? Moreover, many of these comments have political overtones. It’s obvious that our country is very divided and there is a lot of bitterness. But political lines cannot be drawn in this type of emergency. By doing so we lose track of what’s important to mankind.
Despite these mean-spirited comments on social media, in true Texas fashion, the communities have bound together. For days I have watched my friends checking on each other through Facebook and social media and making sure everyone was safe, people are taking boats through flooded neighborhoods and risking their lives trying to rescue those in need and take them to safety, as well, people are offering up their homes and businesses for those who are displaced. They are offering food and water to anyone who needs it. It doesn’t matter what nationality, creed, color, political affiliation you have. If you need help, there are people who want to give it. Simply put, it’s because they care and want to best for their fellow-man.
Moreover, the emergency responders should be commended for their fast acting response. Many haven’t slept in days because of the overwhelming need for assistance. As well, because the city cannot keep up with the need for emergency assistance, good Samaritan are coming from near and far to help those in need.
Don’t let anyone tell you that this nation is divided.#HoustonStrong #Houston #HoustonFlood #HurricaneHarvery #Harvey #rescue pic.twitter.com/5CicswWr18
— Joshua Reynolds (@joshjreynolds) August 28, 2017
Those of you who are sitting in the convenience of your homes away from any danger of Hurricane Harvey and are making off-handed remarks should instead consider being more proactive in helping another human being. I ask all of you, what has happened to humanity? Instead of doing what we can to help we sit and make comments about how they don’t deserve help? We are better than that.
To sum this up, folks, please be sensitive and mindful of what others are going through. Some people are losing everything they have from this storm. Let’s all have open and caring hearts and remember that during these times we need to bind together and help our countrymen, not turn our back on them.