Got home last night in the rain – Katrina’s rain. I flipped on CNN for a few minutes, and watched what the world watched – helplessness, flooding, misery, despair and hopelessness – there in the middle of a legendary city.
Who could not have been moved by watching that man, kids at his side, who told of losing his wife in the torrent, despite holding on to her hand? He repeated her last words, “You can’t hold me. Take care of the kids.†He broke down in tears, saying “I am lost.†And the reporter cried.
Today it is said the water is rising again. Hundreds of people have been killed, untold others are trapped and thousands of cats and dogs are waiting to be drowned. It is an overwhelming situatuion, taking place at this moment in the middle of the richest country in the world.
Got a call last night from Jim Lamb, who lives in Burlington. He is a compassionate man, a retiree, who spends a fair amount of time in the United States. He was calling to see if I could help in facilitating people like him, here in Halton and across Canada, to getting relief dollars into the right hands. Making sure we did what we could, immediately.
On this web site you will find a link to local, emergency organizations in Louisiana and across the coastal area. There are groups who are out there right now, slogging through the water and the debris, rescuing people and animals. Please join me in giving what you can. I know it will be so appreciated.
Doubtlessly, some Canadians will sit back and say that if the United States can be the world’s policeman and the only superpower, then it can look after its own, even in extraordinary times. That may well be true. But this is not about politics, it’s about the helpless. It’s about a man losing his wife when their house splits open. It’s about a whole city turning into a toxic brew. It’s about animals slipping beneath the surface.
If this had happened in Toronto, do you believe our American friends would have stood by? I am reminded this morning of these words: There, but for the grace of God, go I.
Jim and I hope you can help.
1 comment so far ↓
garth,
i have been reading your articles and now your blogs 4 about 1 year. most of the time i agree with what you have to say about your views on the economy and, in particular, real estate. i have also come to enjoy your daily blogs. i used to be a card carrying Liberal. (i have an excuse – york university! anyways….) i wish u all the best in the upcoming election. i also pray that when u guys do take majority of the house that u keep your promises. i appreciate your views on the ecomomy, taxes, property ownership and (to my wife’s glee! – she still can’t beleive you’re a PC) environmental conservation.
keep up the great work and thanks 4 keeping us informed!
kk