Theater of the Soul

I’m still beyond speechless about the lack of response on the Gulf Coast. People dying where they sit and no one noticing…no food and water for the survivors…a total breakdown of society. I simply can’t believe my eyes and ears.

I’m stunned that we’re on Day 5 and basic human needs are still not being met. I hope that each and every single American is taking a good hard look at what we’re experiencing right now and asking themselves, “What would *I* do in a similar situation?”. And I hope every one is getting the message loud and clear:

You can’t depend on the government to bail your ass out in a crisis. The only thing you can count on is yourself.

My house burned down about 10 years ago and I lost everything I owned. Since then, I’ve had the attitude of “Well, my children and I escaped with our lives and that’s all that truly matters”. And it is. But it lulled me into a false sense of security because, when the house burned down, the Red Cross was there before the fire was even under control with money, clothing, food, water and rented hotel rooms. I, like many other people, just assume that if/when something bad happens, the local, state and federal governments and agencies will be RIGHT THERE to pick up the pieces.

WRONG.

I live in the Northeast and have always made sure that I was prepared for things like blizzards and extended power outages. The government tells us to be prepared with 3 days worth of food and water, and it’s just natural for us northerners to go to the stores on the day before a Nor’easter is expected to hit and clear the shelves of bottled water, bread and canned goods.

After 9/11, the newly formed Department of Homeland Security launched the Ready.gov website in an effort to get all Americans to prepare themselves and their families for terrorist attacks. The website is full of excellent general advice, but it doesn’t cover one of the more important things to consider in a large disaster: personal protection.

As has been displayed in NOLA, you’ve got about 48 hours after a disaster of this scale before people start getting restless and angry. Looting and criminal acts will start any time after that first 48 hours. How are you going to protect your family and property when people start getting REALLY desperate after 72 or 96 hours?

I don’t have a gun in my possession right now. The Ex bought me a gun many moons ago, but I left it with him when we split because I’ve never felt the need to have one in the house. You can bet your ass that THAT is going to change very soon.

I, for one, NEVER expected to see a complete breakdown of a civilized society in the United States unfold before my eyes.