There’s no disputing the fact that hurricane Katrina created a vortex of human suffering, spanning many miles and several states. While there was no way to prevent a natural disaster such as this, finger-pointing in the days following Katrina has occupied pundits and politicians alike. Much of the criticism has been directed at the federal government. While it is true that bureaucratic ineptitude during Katrina’s aftermath has been abundant, government failings have not occupied the thoughts and hands of most Americans.
Instead, ordinary citizens have taken action, moving in ways that have lifted and inspired the spirit. This week, I had the opportunity to serve others − and I mean, really serve − at the Charlotte Coliseum. Evacuees from hurricane Katrina began arriving in Charlotte by plane early Monday morning, taking buses to the Coliseum where they received hot coffee, food, clean clothes, and showers. I had the privilege of working with the youngest victims of Katrina. I played with small children on the Coliseum floor, listened to stories, changed diapers and rocked babies, while mothers rested.
These families came with little or nothing in terms of material goods, but they had stories to tell. I was holding a three-year-old, and her dad told me how they were living in the attic for days. As I read a book about cats to a precious five-year-old, she told me about the cats she had seen floating in the water back home. One older lady sat across from where I was working, talking on the phone. Dressed nicely, she looked composed (albeit tired), and had just one suitcase close by. She questioned me about the area code of the city, and then followed up by asking, “What city am I in?” Can you imagine flying through the night on an airplane until 3:30 am, only to arrive in a nameless city with the clothes on your back and one suitcase filled with all of your worldly belongings?
What has impressed me most by far is the unbelievable outpouring of goodness from everyday people. Our little children’s area received enough crayons for EVERY child in Charlotte! We had buckets of sidewalk chalk and reams of construction paper for the children − all donated by individuals or churches.
But what about the federal government and its role? Obviously, our government must improve, and Katrina has illuminated many areas of weakness and inefficiency. But as Bill O’Reilly said recently in a Talking Points Memo, government cannot protect citizens from danger or help them make a living. Instead, I believe government should be in the business of administering and dispensing resources. People, not bureaucrats, are the real caregivers.
Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, was also a great humanitarian who kept Americans and Allies fed during World War I as U.S. Food Administrator. In addition, he worked with the Committee for the Relief of Belgium, providing food for millions of Belgians during the German occupation. From the time he organized Belgian relief in 1914 until his death 50 years later, Hoover accepted no payment for his public service (including his presidential salary, which was given to charity). Even with his great successes using organizations and government to dispense and regulate food, Hoover had this to say: “We get the fundamental confusion that government, since it can correct much abuse, can also create righteousness.”
Yes, government has a role to play in disaster relief, but it cannot nurture and sustain lives. Rather, true mercy in the face of suffering comes from the hearts and hands of ordinary Americans.