This is America

Katrina has passed. And what she left is nothing
but devastation. Even miles away, as we were, there
is damage. However, nothing like the rest of the
gulf. To bad the media concentration is only on
New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulfport.

I ache for the people in New Orleans, I hurt for
the people in Biloxi and Gulfport, but I'm beginning
to resent the blame game. Okay, some people didn't
do their jobs, but that's not the point. The point
is that we must assess and begin again. Our
ancestors climbed mountains, endured floods, disease,
hostile attacks from the natives who didn't want us
there, yet we survived.

If people will quit bellyaching and start looking at
the good that is being done, then we can look forward.
I want to see New Orleans rebuilt in my life time. I
want to visit the casinos in Biloxi. I can if people
stop trying to make somebody take the blame and get on
telling the good stories.

Which reminds me - The head of the casino group operating
Beau Rivage in Biloxi intends to continue to pay
all their employees and there are instructions on the Rivage
web site about what employees or people who know the employees
should do to continue to receive their paychecks. I found out
about it when I started to delete my casino links. You have to
agree that's fabulous.

Then there are the families taking in refugees, sight unseen,
people who no longer have a home, clothing, even medicines.
I was at the doctor's Friday and a local church member was
there with someone from a destoryed area. She was paying for
the shots and exams for that stranger.

This is America, folks. We are strong. We are good, We care.
Now, tell the naysayers to shut up about who should have
done what when and lets roll up our sleeves and get started.
There is a lot to do.

Allison
'Simon's Brides' to be
released from Wings-Press
May 2006