Nice op-ed (from my local paper) about Katrina: the moral blame game

[gauguin57]

Lancaster County, PA, column responding to right-wing goofuses who blame hurricanes on abortion, gays and gambling.

http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/17199

(registration is quick and easy -- and you can lie about the personal info)

"... This catastrophe was, indeed, a sobering reminder of forces that are far beyond human control. And its demands on humanity have been great, forcing those who’ve lost and, many who haven’t, to take stock of all that they have to share.

"We’ve seen countless numbers of people respond to the devastation with time, money, talent and compassion. Conversely, we’ve heard stories of victims who’ve freely given what little they have — a piece of food, a sip of water — to volunteers who are helping to rebuild lives in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

"The moral blame game is hateful and divisive. Those who’ve embraced victims of Hurricane Katrina know that it’s a lot more gratifying to pick up a shovel, write a check or cuddle a frightened child than it is to shoot off one’s holier-than-thou mouth.

"I’m no theologian, but I believe that God weeps and grieves with us. It just might be that God’s gift, not punishment, is the strength, hope and sustenance that can be found in the human face of understanding."