I'm sorry lots of horrible stuff happened to make these people known, but at the same time relieved they exist.
I'm also surprised and relieved the media finally figured out why they exist.
Solidad O'Brien's outrage over the fact the networks had more information, sooner than Michael Brown (head of FEMA) claimed to have was true and honest and welcome.
In North Carolina, where I live, people who voted for George W. Bush are appalled, embarrassed and disgusted by his (and the government's) lack of action in helping the people of the gulf coast. This also relieves me.
I've heard and read whispers of "those people"- but that hasn't been the knee jerk majority. Another time I might try to explain my experiences and thoughts on race relations in the south (well America really)- a strange, confusing, heart breaking thing- a thing where very decent white people, people who don't run around with sheets over their heads- suddenly go animalistic and crazed and become convinced that those of darker skin deserve whatever befalls them.
What I've observed/heard in the past hasn't happened this time and that's been something that's made me want to cry.
I don't know what's different or changed, but the white people I know have watched footage of mothers and fathers and babies and old people and they have been moved to tears.
They hear stories of looting and don't roll their eyes murmuring what can you expect from "those people"?
They've heard stories of shootings and raping and think of how frightening it must be for the people trying to survive under such circumstances- they don't say "those people, look at what they do to one another". They don't say "they could have gotten out" (with 20 hours notice, no money, no transportation, no where to go). They don't say "look at those people always waiting for a government hand out".
They say "This is outrageous."
They say "I don't know who to be mad at the most."
They say (in so many words) "These are Americans. Our people!"
And because I've spent the past three years not able to join in with the day to day public opinion expressed by the people around me- people speaking comfortably, knowing that everyone around them agrees (any idiot could see/understand- type expression)- this has been moving and affirming.
Slightly off the subject: I've never felt connected to anywhere I've ever lived. I haven't found where I'm from, where I live, quite yet. I am very, very sorry for the people who have lost their homes. I am so sorry.
Also, I feel reinspired to begin weight lifting. I recall watching and listening to stories about the Tsunami and being especially impressed with the need to be able to run with two kids under each arm. I look at pictures of the folks in New Orleans, trying to survive with their kiddos and my arms get numb and tingly and exhausted just watching.
I've also found myself reading about the doctors and nurses trying to take care of patients without electricity.
Bagging- for days on end? Lordy! When would you decide to give up? At what point would one look into the face of a person who will die if you don't keep squeezing that bag and say "I'm sorry. I'm just too tired to do it any more."?
