Katrina – Thoughts From The Middle of Nowhere

What can I say about Hurricane Katrina. Devastating is the best I can do. There are numerous stories in the Gazette <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com//index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/08/31/build/nation/30-katrina_v.inc">here</a>, <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com//index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/08/31/build/nation/50-new-orleans_v.inc">here</a>, <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com//index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/08/31/build/nation/52-replace-neworleans.inc">here</a>, <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com//index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/08/31/build/nation/55-building.inc">here<a>, and <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com//index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/08/31/build/nation/65-surge_v.inc">here. Also in the paper is a <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?display=/newgallery/20050829katrina/index1.php">photo gallery</a> of some pictures coming out of the area showing the devestation. n nThis tragedy is going to affect all of us for a long time whether it's at a personal level of family being displaced or higher energy prices since 30% of US oil production comes through the New Orleans area. What I don't understand about people's reaction to this event is the number of people using this tragedy to try to boost their political agenda. I see a lot of , "it's Bush's fault, it's the Republican's fault, it's the war in Iraq's fault." Let's get real, it's a natural disaster that is god/mother nature's fault and we need to deal with the consequences with out all the finger pointing. n nMy advice is to donate money to whatever relief organization you are most comfortable with that will help the victims of this tragedy. Most people use the Red Cross for this. Right <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp">online</a> you can make a contribution (credit card) to the Hurricane fund to help people. One thing to remember, small farmers and ranchers were affected in the area too and will need help. Most people don't think about the people in the country in these tragedies but they are affected too and need help. I at this point don't know a way to donate for them but I will try to find something. n nHelp and pray, that's what Americans are known for and what is needed now. n nTo help, to continually help and share, that is the sum of all knowledge; that is the meaning of art. Eleonora Duse