I got an email from my oldest sister, which sparked a debate between her and my brother. For his part, I’m very proud. He’s refuted every point in her emails (the first a copy of a letter Michael Moore, that egotistical, pompous fountain of misinformation and propaganda, wrote and mass-distributed) — very eloquently, calmly and considerately. I would not have responded so well. Which is why I chose not to respond at all.

I’m so sick of all the negativity and blame-gaming political crap going on now. Doesn’t anyone realize that while they are busy pointing fingers, people need help???? Don’t they realize that wasting their time on that right now won’t help anyone?

I saw a report on the local news about some shelters going up in both Williamson and Davidson counties for the expected evacuees from the Gulf Coast, and how people all over Middle Tennessee are reaching out and giving of themselves to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. No company contacted by the new shelters said no to anything they requested.

I think it really comes down to this: What do you see? Do you see only the negative, or can you open your eyes, and your heart and mind, to the positive? To the lives being saved, the people who are alive and grateful for it, to the amazing response of the American Public.

That is what I find most redeeming and humbling; the response of Americans all over the country, donating money and supplies, volunteering their time to serve those affected by this natural disaster through clean-up, medical, social, economic and spiritual help. Those offering their own homes, opening their doors and offering hospitality to their fellow Americans. Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that worth celebrating, worth announcing across the news?

If you feel so strongly that someone must be blamed for what happened, and so compelled to be the one pointing the finger of blame, please, for the sake of all who are suffering, please wait. Wait till the cities of the gulf coast are in better condition, till the clean up in well on its way, till all those displaced by this natural disaster have found places to live other than a shelter, and are well on their way to rebuilding their lives. Wait that long.

Please. Wait. Let this be their time. Let this be about them. Give honor and deference to those who suffered most from all this.

Then, if you feel you must, go back to your political games of pointing fingers of blame.

But until then, please put your personal political agendas aside and help those who’ve lost so much.

    Love must be sincere… Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves… Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
    Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. — Romans 12:9-16