NEW AMERICAN TRUTH: November 2007

UN-Common Sense:
Examining Common Absurdity Everywhere
By: Chuck Bennett

This month’s Un-Common Sense article is going in a slightly different direction. Rather than point out some dereliction of the use of brain function, I would like to bring to your attention the spectacular job and incredible attitude of some of our fire-fighters and home owners in Southern California.

I am sure you’ve already heard about the “wildfires” in Orange and San Diego Counties last month. The news (Fox, CNN and local affiliates) has done an excellent job of covering the fires as well the people stories behind the fires. The fires were so bad that the crew on the USS Bonhomme Richard was well aware of the details and they’re steaming home, currently somewhere in the Pacific. Let’s hope the fires are all out by the time those Marines get home to San Diego.

What I find truly remarkable with these fires was the attitude and general tone from all those involved: from the home-owners in San Diego with the “Finally, no more termites” and the “After Fire Sale” signs to the countless signs of “Firemen, we love you. Thanks.” People in Southern California pulled together to make the best of a terrible tragedy. Those of you who may not know the facts, well... it ain’t pretty.

368,526 acres burned.
1,621 homes and commercial buildings destroyed.
2,018 vehicles gone.
Seven people died, either in the fire or because of it.

More than 250,000 households were evacuated in the San Diego area alone. Many of these families sought refuge in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. The scene there was somber but not bleak. Many of these people had no idea if their houses were still intact. They could only wait to be given the word that it was safe to go back to whatever home they still had left. Yet, even with all this, the sense of community within Qualcomm was incredible. There were children playing and neighbors watching T.V. for the latest news and information. Most were glad to get out of the fire’s path without injury. Marines and others brought food and supplies and even FEMA seemed to get it all together during this emergency, except for their “News Conference” that had no news agencies attending... but that’s another story.

So, my question to you is this: What happened differently during these fires and Hurricane Katrina? I know the loss of lives and cost is nowhere near as high ($81.2 billion for Katrina) but why the huge difference in attitude, response and community?

I’m really asking here. I want to know what you think happened differently.

Write me with your thoughts (if any) to: uncommonsense@newamericantruth.com
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