In what can best be described as a terrible airport experience, I was sitting on the floor in Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport last night, wallowing in my own self-pity and extremely perturbed at Delta Airlines for making me miss my connection, when all of a sudden, Jesse Jackson walks by me. Even in my disgruntledness, I just had to laugh. I won't tell you what word jumped into my head the minute I saw his face, but I'd be lying if I didn't say the thought entered my mind to try to stage some sort of racial uprising in protest of Delta's incompetence with Jesse at my side.

Too bad Delta's bankrupt.

I'm on a plane back to Seattle now (finally). Regular poting to resume tomorrow.

Navel-gazing therein.

I am living proof that even the most quick-tongued individuals take lots of time to think. I sometimes think I'm too pensive for my own earthly good. So when I disappear for a few weeks, it's not because I've fallen into a hole somewhere as some emails have suggested (although the drama of that is rather appealing in some sick, twisted, Aubrey Seiler-type way); it's due to a number of reasons. These reasons could include but are not limited to: bread-winning, mental exhaustion, having nothing nice to say and therefore not saying it at all, distaste for certain commenters, disgruntledness with people who would rather worship political position rhetoric than think or act like Christians, time spent thinking, and most importantly, having a life. Personally, I have never had a problem with the "having something to say" part. In fact, I have written lists upon lists of topics that I may never ever get a chance to address in this forum. My problem is not a bad one to have, I suppose, but it generally consists of me having so much to say that sometimes, it's just easier not to say it. Does that make sense? Probably not.

Read on.

I sometimes think life would be better if I just didn't care so much about all this. Don't be fooled by my fashion rants and penchant for making fun of rappers who can't rap. As many a reader has reminded me, this blogging thing is a very serious endeavor. I've taken on the burden to ensure this joint runs in the spirit of excellence I'd like to be attached to my name. While that yoke should be easy, I am a procrastinating perfectionist, which is the worst kind of procrastinator. Simply put: I'm not out to shoot blanks.

Do you ever wish you had a secretary for your life? Nothing fancy, just someone who can call in sick to meetings, organize my closet, read the books I wish I had to time to read, remember all the birthdays of everyone who will hate me when I forget, tell me where to show up every day, allocate my time, and organize and answer email. In fact, I would pay big money just for that last one. The condition of my inbox(es) are is horrendous. Note to self: cancel all NAACP Google news alerts.

I've found the hardest part of adulthood not to be paying bills or buying property, but instead managing time and the lack thereof. This is code for learning how to effectively say "no."

In about three days I will be 24 years-old and I'm feeling just a little bit anxious about the whole thing. I can't imagine how I'll feel when I turn 50. One of my best and worst qualities is that I set ridiculous standards for myself every year. Don't get me wrong, as a fan of life, you'd be hard-pressed to convince me that the number 24 isn't about to be made "the new black" because I'm associated with it. Don't hate. You should love your number too. And despite what Sir Robert "doesn't have the sense his momma gave him" Kelly may say, age is more than a number. So around this time every year, I get very pensive and retreat into my pathetic shell, only to emerge a few weeks later with the mantra, "Get yourself together, Ambra."

In an unexpected turn of events, the publishers have come knocking and I really never thought I'd say it, but I think it's time to write a book. As terrifying as that sounds, I think I am going to explode if I don't. Five years ago, as a timid college drop-out, the thought first struck me and I began writing what has to be one my most horrible pieces of literature. Back then, I wasn't even close to being ready. Today, I am, and now my mind is just spinning.

Why I am sharing this here, I do not know. I sat down at my laptop and this is what came out. I guess I thought you should be the first to know. No; this doesn't mean I'm giving up my weblog. That would just be too easy.

I guess I say all this to say: Thanks for getting me to this point. You simply have no idea.

I'm lifting this idea from another blogger whose name escapes me right now because I am a lazy websurfer and I don't write things down, nor do I discipline myself to use "favorites," or any of the great web tools out there for keeping track of the blogs you read.

So you have to leave your house. The situation is pretty serious and you're not quite sure the house will be there when you return. Let's just say hypothetically, you have about 15 minutes to decide what to take. You may be leaving on foot, loading up your car or even hopping on a plane. Either way,

What must absolutely come with you?

Last week was a tough week for Americans. Not for "refugees" but for American citizens. I need to take the time to apologize for using that word even if it was just once in this forum. There are many conversations going on about the racial implications of such a word and quite frankly, that's not my beef. At face value, the word is reserved for those "seeking refuge," and could easily be appropriated to any displaced citizens of the gulf coast. However today in our society, the relative connotations of that word carry with them a stigma. It is a stigma that I feel ultimately tints our view towards our own brethren and separates us from responsibility to those people as human beings. They are not just "Citizens of New Orleans." They are not refugees. They are Americans and they need to be treated, addressed, and valued as such.

The devastation of last week proved to be an un-wanted magnifying glass for America and Americans. Like the dirty clothes we used to push under our beds as children in haste to get our rooms cleaned--so has America done with the problems and people that have been deemed "less than" by society. See, I knew early on that something was awry when we began getting early reports that Antoine "Fats" Domino was missing and then later "rescued," much to the joy and relief of many fans. No offense to Mr. Domino, his family, or his fans, but just because he is famous and has written many songs doesn't make his life any more valuable than the thousands who ended up shelterless that night because MSNBC, CNN, and Reuters didn't broadcast a missing persons emergency search-and-rescue report throughout news stations coast-to-coast. In fact, the better part of me is inclined to think that had Mr. Domino been forced to remain a few days with the other people waiting to be rescued, certain media outlets would have had a field day with the backlash.

Value--An interesting word with much power. It's amazing what's brought into the light once tragedy strikes.

Without a doubt, the value on human life has come into question this week. There have been a deluge of hefty accusations flung about as of late, so I don't say that lightly. For the most part, those accusations have centered on race, racism, and the neglect of black people, specifically by President Bush. Some of it has been said with civility, but most of it has been said with disdain. As the front man, our President has taken a beating for such sentiment, but to be honest, considering the real issue at hand, I'm not entirely convinced that Kerry, Clinton or Gore would have handled things much differently. For the record, the reality stands: institutionalized racism currently exists. It's not some socialized problem. It is a stronghold that needs to be broken. This is not a deep revelation. The heavens are not parting. Nothing there has changed. What has however, changed are the stakes. This past week, the stakes were high and everything good and bad. about America came forth in all its glory.

When it comes to the question of what part the victims' race played in rescue and relief efforts, I find it disingenuous for people (specifically conservatives) to use phrases like "race-baiting" and "shut up." I'll be the first to admit black people in particular have not exactly established a reputable track-record when it comes to pointing out discrepancies in this country's ability to interpret such principled phrases as "We the people" and "all men are created equal." Moreover, the NAACP seems intent on making certain we will never gain that credibility back. Poor leadership aside, it needs to be said that America has not healed or reconciled itself from many racial wounds. I am black and I live in this country. I know this to be true. Therefore, I cannot stand in agreement with those who proclaim that the race of the un-aided American citizens in hurricane Katrina was irrelevant in this matter. On even the most visual level of detail such as reporting angles and the number of times certain citizens' misery was exploited for the sake of a good story, the lop-sidedness is evident. This however, should not be the primary concern.

No. When I looked at pictures of the victims, I didn't just see black people; I saw poor people. And poor people come in every color and hue and package you can imagine.

The main issue at hand is class. And for those like me who don't like that word, let's just call it the underlying belief or subconscious attitude that certain peoples' lives are more valuable than others. I am not one of those people who believes in a socialist society. The poor will always be among us. As for terms like "class," well the reality stands that we have attached our own earthly system of stacking human success and whether we want to admit it or not, that system has levels and unwritten rules. What I am specifically addressing is a mentality found within humanity towards other humanity.

Almost exactly four years ago, this country banded together and showed tremendous courage in the face of another national tragedy. When two towers, two symbols of our financial strength and capital came tumbling down, we never moved so fast with aid. Many of those among the injured were working people--businessmen, and women. Executives. Movers-and-shakers. Plainly put: suits. And yes the rescue circumstances were different, as was the behavior of the victims involved, but the attitude of those in authority to help was take-charge, get in, and get them out. Not so much the same in the gulf coast I observed.

Does a person's ability or inability to make financial contributions to society determine the value of life?

What struck me the most however, wasn't the destruction, the late aid, or the deaths. It was that suddenly, in a matter of hours, this entire nation was forced to deal with the poverty, the devastation, and the lawless that have been in New Orleans for countless years. Rapes? Rapes have always been taking place in New Orleans. Thefts and robberies? Nothing new. Violence and lawlessness? Same story. Chaos, confusion, and debauchery? Two words: Mardi Gras. Gang activity? Check. Starving people? Check. Neglected elderly citizens? Check. Homeless people? Check. Parentless children? Double check. In fact, run down the list of all the chaos that was being reported in New Orleans and it sounds like a regular day at the precinct. I venture to say that the frequency with which many of the above events occurred probably wasn't too far from the normal day-to-day realities of the city. The difference this time being the hovering presence of a national magnifying glass.

Therein lies the problem. Too little time spent observing in magnification.

There were many tragedies that occurred last week. The evident ones have tugged at our hearts and we as Americans have responded to the call with our time, our resources, our finances, prayer, and encouragement. It is certain we will be called upon again as the entire gulf region begins the difficult process of evaluating what comes next. But we also have another responsibility--one that has been swept under the rug over the last couple of days.

Now that we have observed just a taste of what's been taking place in New Orleans for years, we cannot allow that city to ever be the same again. In a city where the vast majority of people are either below the poverty level or what's called the "working poor" (those who literally live paycheck-to-paycheck), New Orleans cannot be rebuilt with the same mentality or re-inherit the same sins that have been familiar for generations. Something has to give. Every citizen of this country matters to the future of America and we cannot sit back casually as communities are given over to squander themselves as local leaders are not held accountable.

The theme of tomorrow should not consist of pointing fingers. Our President will be our President for three more years. More than us putting our mouth on him, he needs our prayers. We cannot begin to fathom what things (good and bad) lay ahead for this country. For today, there is much responsibility assigned to many at different levels of authority (e.g. spiritual, civil, governmental) for what's taken place. But at the heart of it all, our human frailty has been shown. So it turns out we don't have everything under control. We just. Weren't. Prepared. No matter how many dollars, politicians, workers, or fancy words we initially threw at the wreckage, it has proved to be much bigger than anyone could have expected. We were relying on a contingency plan that we never thought we'd use. Suddenly our failures, shortcomings, oversights, and neglect were exposed.

I say "our" because we must all own up to this. The etymology of the word "nation" is "that which has been born." Whether we agree or not, we are brethren in bearing the standard of America. As we discuss what's taking place in this nation with family, co-workers, and friends, we may find that people are emotional, enraged, confused, empathetic, and sometimes even irrational. Such frustration is to be understood, but not all expressions of it are to be endorsed.

I sense in the air that we are somewhat disappointed with ourselves as a nation. Taking stock in the events that have transpired, in some ways we should be. Leaders were depleted of leadership. Troops couldn't organize themselves fast enough. Resources weren't sent in quick enough. I venture to say that even some prayers weren't sent up earlier enough. Lives were lost, families disconnected, and important possessions destroyed.

But (the word that negates what was just said before it) today is the day of restoration. Where we have fallen short thus far in our responsibility to the quality of life of humanity within our own country can be made up in the days, weeks, months and years to come. Let's restore to people their dignity and empower them to see vision beyond tomorrow. It's time for beauty instead of ashes, gladness instead mourning, and praise instead despair. This too shall pass. Life is precious.

Life is precious.

Americans, be encouraged.

**(These will be my last words on hurricane Katrina. I feel the best battle can be fought via kneeology (the act of bending your knees). Please continue in fundraising efforts, but please give to organizations other than the Red Cross. If you are interested in a unique way you can help restore dignity to the women specifically affected by the hurricane, please email me as I can pass on information that allows you to direct specific goods to a direct contact at an accountable tax-reporting non-profit organization in Louisiana that will give you specific confirmation that your donation was received by someone who needs it.)

Update (09/06): My goodness. In a striking turn of events, Rush Limbaugh is both insightful and accurate in his discussion of race in America. I just linked to Rush Limbaugh? Jesus must be coming soon.

It's official. I'm a James Blake fan. Please add me to the "J-Block."

I grew up in a tennis-watching household so I developed a love for the game early. My father played a bit, and my mother--a former actress--always did a spot on John McEnroe fury impersonation (minus the bad language). Cracks me up every time. I am a horrible beyond horrible tennis player, but I love observing the finesse of the game. To this day, I still wake up at 5:00 am to catch Wimbledon in real-time because I can't stand to find out the results without first seeing the match. When Serena Williams plays, I get so nervous that I hide under my pillow. More than anything however, I love that tennis is a sport that gives me lots of opportunities to root for the United States. What can I say? I love my country.

Unlike basketball, however, I've always preferred watching women play. When the Monica Seles era (i.e. female grunting) was ushered in, the female competitive edge always seemed more intense. There are a few men I enjoy watching, among them Agassi, Hewitt, Roddick, and Sampras (before retirement). With James Blake back on the scene, having officially ditched the Tarzan-look (Andre Agassi re-lived) for a clean-shaven head, I just might change sides.

Go USA.

Justice William Rehnquist's time on earth is up. God give strength to his family and friends in their time of grief and loss.

As far as I am concerned, the best way to honor the Rehnquist legacy is to ensure that a person who will stand for truth is seated in Rehnquist's place. And now two positions are open. Trust, these appointments will be fought with the sincerest vigilance because of what they represent. Certain parties are already in fear of what it might mean if favored appointee as the new Chief Justice, Antonin Scalia is indeed given the honor. What a seriously large burden of leadership our president must bear amidst a national disaster. Pray for this country and its citizens. There is much shifting going on with lots of people looking for someone to blame. This window of opportunity will make President Bush hated all the more.

(Comments Closed)

It was my hope to avoid publicly discussing this angle, but I am compelled by responsibility. I will attempt to keep as much of my opinion out of this post as possible.

I am linking to something I believe needs to be read by all. I know there are believers and non-believers alike who grace this site. Here I have often discussed the flippancy with which this country treats the voice of God. The danger in a sin-filled society is that among all our issues, we numb ourselves to truth and outside of God's order and covering, we open the door for chaos.

If there is one thing that must ring true in the days, weeks, and months to come, it's that God is not behind this, but he certainly has allowed it. As a mere human being, I cannot begin to understand why God allows what he does. On a personal note, I too wrestle with understanding the ways of this world like why innocent people are forced to suffer; or why the poor often die because of the sins of the rich; or why my 6-month-old brother had to die so tragically. And why so young? And why did I have to be there to watch it? Nevertheless, not once have my own life-tragedies shaken my faith in God.

One thing I know: God has never promised He'd be fair, but He has always promised to be just. Justice will prevail on this earth in all things. This I know.

For those of you who don't believe that God is still speaking to His people, or those who have never even considered that He does, please know, insight and foresight is available to those who have an ear to hear. Please read and hear the prophetic word God spoke through Kim Clement on July 22nd, at Christian Life Center in Humble, TX in warning and admonition of the events to come in New Orleans:

I don't want to get into debates about the prophetic and if it's still in operation or why didn't God this or why didn't God that. I don't want to hear about what you do and don't think of Kim Clement. God uses who He wants, when He wants, and how He wants, and He doesn't need our opinion. I want us to take heed and recognize that this issue of getting humanity in order is very serious.

This will be my second third to last post on Hurricane Katrina. I'm not beating this horse any longer. On the rare occasion of a free Saturday, I've spent much of today pondering the events of this week, considering what I personally should be doing, and trying to make sense of all the emotion flying around. While I do not believe this is the time to be assigning blame for why this country is facing such a disaster (can we please get people to safety first?), certain ignorance provokes it.

If I read one more person say that President Bush needs to be impeached because of this, I am going to be sick. Carelessly suggesting presidential impeachment is almost as ignorant an accusation as those who proclaim in front of the cameras, "I'm going to take this all the way to the Supreme Court!" It's emotional, but not founded in reality. And trust me, I am sympathetic. Chances are, if Clinton's scandalous self were in office, I'd be blaming him too. I'd be in the wrong, but I'd be doing it nonetheless. It's very easy to make the adversary the eternal enemy by default.

There are two realms within which this tragedy can be understood: the natural and the spiritual. Owning up to the spiritual reasons why humanity faces certain suffering is too controversial to discuss at this time. Let's deal in the natural.

Much blame-shifting has taken place around the question of who has responsibility for the city of New Orleans. To answer that question, fellow CB member Darmon Thornton appropriate links to a succinct comment left on the "Blogs for Bush site (I know, the site name is ironic)." I think both the commenter and Darmon effectively snap us out of our emotional haze with some painful realities:

Read the rest of the discussion (minus the one bad word) on Mayor Nagin, lack of preparedness, and the bye you get as black politician. Forget political sides. We have got to be rational about assigning accountability.

For the record, I'm endorsing World Vision which is a *cringe* para-church organization, but nevertheless, I know them well and respect what they do. I trust their integrity. I want to know where my money is going. I will also be giving through my local congregation. I encourage all to be wise stewards of finances by being educated in your giving.

To the question of "Where is the Church?," I want to take it a step further. A few people have ratted off lists of all the churches who are giving or have recently thrown up a donation button. I think that's great and I agree, the media probably isn't going around trying write stories about all the aid the church is giving. But I am more interested in where the church is physically, emotionally, and spiritually in relation to what's taking place down South.

Pastor Wendell Smith, a prominent pastor I respect greatly in the Pacific Northwest has outlined what he believes we should be doing. I endorse this. He also discusses what some churches throughout the country are doing beyond just giving monetarily. He mentions Faith Church, a large church pastored by a friend of his, and currently submerged under 14 feet of water. Local members of the body there can barely help themselves right now, let alone minister (def: to serve). Brethren in the faith, especially those in outlying areas need to step up.

I'm telling you, giving money is just one solution to a very big problem. I like hearing about people actually doing things with their money. One reader writes:

Dear God help us all.

It's not enough that he's won the "Best Gospel Song" award multiple times for "Jesus Walks," a song with cussing in it. It's not enough that his theology is bad and he had the nerve to die and resurrect himself on stage at the Grammy Awards. Now the cry-baby of hip hop is making emotional and outlandish statements and publicly bashing the president during airtime specifically set-aside for raising money for hurricane victims.

Classy.

Time Magazine's recently crowned "Smartest Man in Pop Music" displayed ultimate bad form. On last night's NBC broadcast of the Hurricane Katrina telethon and benefit concert, West had the following to say on the matter:

In many circles, Kanye will be heralded as a hero for saying what everyone else is supposedly thinking. For me this will be counted as one of those moments when you just hang your head in shame and mourn for the conversation that could have been were it not for unorderly accusations. I absolutely believe we are looking at disgraceful attitudes towards victims fueled by many things, among them race. The lop-sided media portrayal is blatant. Unfortunately, these attitudes are not new. They are simply magnified by a grave situation (more on that later). Nevertheless, Kanye doesn't speak for me (quick, somebody make a t-shirt). I am not of the belief that President Bush doesn't care about black people. I don't care if much of what West said was true, he was out of order and his credibility will suffer.

The part that really kills me is that I know Kanye's intentions were genuine, but unfortunately, very ignorant. That's what made it such a train wreck of emotion and pretension. I'll talk more on Kanye and his new album next week. I'm certain sales will go up for these comments. I guess he really is the smartest man in pop music. As far as I'm concerned, he's feelin' himself a little too much right now.

Associated parties have been rapidly releasing disclaimers to cover West's mess. The Red Cross reminds us they are a nonpartisan effort. NBC asks that West's remarks not overshadow the fundraising efforts. The AP reminds us that West has been prone to outbursts as of late.

(Update 9/3): Journalist and blogger, Chris Nolan suggests, "It's not a color thing. It's a privilege thing." Now that's an entirely different post.

Video of Kanye's remarks can be found here. You'll notice that Mike Meyers (West's co-presenter) looks like he wants to crawl inside a hole and die. You'll also notice that West may want to look into Dale Carnegie or Toastmasters. Painful.

Other bloggers report:
Michelle Malkin, Slowplay, and about 100,000 more people. Kanye West currently ranks as the #2 search on Technorati with "Katrina" being #1.

It has become quite clear that the general understanding of I mean by "Sensationalist Media" is mis-interpreted. However, being that certain individuals have postured themselves to always be in direct disagreement with every word I will every write, this comes as no surprise.

So for the record, let me be direct: accusing the media of sensationalizing this disaster isn't suggesting that it's not as dramatic as its being portrayed. In all your getting, get an understanding. Or at least get a clue.

My working definition of the word "sensationalism" is best explained by Google's compilation of online definitions:

My disgust is also in regard to the number of Americans willing to subject themselves to repetitive images of human despair as a psychological means of feeling better about themselves. It truly is the highway bottle-nose effect and it speaks volumes to how far we have fallen from our Maker.

It's amazing to see how much more diverse and insightful the blogosphere is in comparison to the echo chamber of mainstream media.

Amid the morbid reports, heroism is rising up among those who are properly taking matters in their own hands. A prime of example of when there's a place for illegality, 20-year-old Jabbar Gibson (although I heard he was really 17) comandeered a school bus to rescue citzens and drive them to the Astrodome.

Oklahoma City University is offering free tuition to any hurricane affected college students.

The Anchoress takes a big picture perspective of where have come thus far.

Blogger Eddie Butler asks "Where is the church?" Good bloody question. My best guess? Running emotionally-charged whop-fest telethons with no tangible fruit and raising money to keep themselves on the air.

The harvest is ripe, but people never seem to be prepared. Churches in South Texas are forming a list of resources. I'm certain there are many more that don't have websites because like in all things, the church is behind.

Blogger Michelle Malkin linked to an article on a vivid personal account of a tourist caught in the chaos. I read it and stumbled on some interesting information. It reads:

I quit.

For the life of me, I cannot comprehend why the American solution to everything is money.

Currency is both fake and temporal. In a matter of days, our entire system of currency could be wiped out before our very eyes. Money is only as valuable as we decide. A community of people could easily come together and decide on a different form of currency. Airlines do it every day. They are called frequent flyer miles. I am bothered if not perplexed by the extreme amount of attention being placed on the need to give finances towards the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. I trust this will be an unpopular opinion.

Long-time readers of this site know that I am not a huge fan of large fundraising organizations with high overhead and little financial accountability. Today is no different. I have never been one to give out of manipulation, compulsion, or guilt. That is not the true spirit of giving. I give because I feel led, feel a responsibility, or see a need. And boy is there a need! At this time, I am not entirely convinced money is what New Orleans needs. Not right now. Right now they need relief. They need resources, but they don't need money. Resources and money are not interchangeable realities. I know this may not seem time-appropriate, but it needs to be said. Where an abundance of un-allocated money is present, evil usually follows. And in case there is any doubt about the inherent nature of unredeemed humanity, let's just examine the events that have transpired over the last 48 hours in our dear Creole city down South.

I am having trouble reconciling exactly how these nonprofit organizations plan on distributing said funds. When tens of thousands of people have been homeless and without food for going on four days now, scraping together a financial plan just doesn't seem paramount. True leadership needs to rise up and start calling shots. That isn't to say I won't give. I will. But I am of the belief that money does not solve all problems.

Christians attempt use Ecclesiastes 10:19 as a foundation for the "money solves everything" philosophy. The scripture reads:

In true American conscience-appeasing fashion, we are all able to throw a few hundred dollars each at the hurricane victims on a hope that in some way we've done our part. During the aftermath of 9/11 it manifested as ridiculous amounts of blood-drives resulting in pints of unusable blood. After which time, we can then sit back and watch the soap-operatic like media coverage, feeling glad we helped and just a little bit relieved it wasn't our brother working at the World Trade Center, or our house under water.

I submit that within America, we have all the resources we need to accommodate this disaster, but there is no desire among American citizens to sacrifice. It is my very best estimation that Americans are giving finances out of their abundance, and not from a place of sacrifice. (It is important to note that abundance and sacrifice are relative words) We live in the land of abundance. There are plenty of people with unoccupied buildings and massive amounts of space to house displaced victims. There are stadiums, there are gyms, there are football fields. There are factories, businesses, and restaurants that have food that can be given away. There are excessive amounts of unused clothing collecting moth holes in warehouses. There are businesses that can offer their services free of charge if they were willing to sacrifice. But somehow, giving money is the easy way out.

Does the government have a responsibility to put in a plan of action to accommodate its tax-paying citizens? Absolutely. But in the absence of true leadership, there should be some burden of responsibility felt by those who are in a position to do more than just throw dollars. It is a sad commentary on what suckers of government teats we are when all we can scrap together is some eloquent whining about what the government is not doing to help. And I agree they are not effevtively helping the situation. AT ALL. But there is an element of personal responsibility and accountability that is being glossed over for the sake of making excuses.

I admire and appreciate all that Wal-Mart is doing especially in light of their own victimhood to looters, but it is very easy for Wal-Mart to pledge 15 million dollars. That is no skin off their gigantic backs. That is a check that can be written by one Walton family member alone. Do not hear me wrong, we need corporate donations. But I am thoroughly convinced that giving money is the easy way out.

I received an instant message from my sister a few moments ago. She is a student at the Honor Academy in Garden Valley, Texas which is just outside Dallas and six hours from New Orleans. She mentioned that their 500 acre campus is considering opening itself up to Hurricane refugees. That is what I'm talking about. It didn't take 400 donations to the Salvation Army for them to decide they could do that. It just took an attitude of sacrifice for the sake of others in need. Supermarkets and grocery stores can come alongside them and donate food and personal hygiene items for housed victims. We do not have time to be doling out dollars right now. Save that for later.

It's not just about money. It's about shifting resources folks.

I'm going to be blunt here. If you believe everything the television and the news sources tell you from the exact angle at which they are telling it, you are incredibly dense. I mean that. The amount of bias present in post-hurricane coverage is just sickening.
One of the tendencies of media is to get entirely too caught up in voyeuristic commentary and theorizing. I watched last night as Ted Koppel argued with the Director of FEMA over whether or not they mis-represented the number of people the Astrodome could accommodate and if they should have sent in more buses. I am certain the debate is worthwhile and I am certain there are plenty valid places at which to point fingers, but right now, people are dying. For the love of God (and I mean it), forget trying to get a good story topic and focus on the task at hand.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article "Desperation, death make compelling television" says it beautifully:

"But for the grace of God, there go I."

For nearly three days, I have stared at my computer screen. Lots to say with no real way to say it. The reality has set in that no matter how beautifully you frame a situation with your words, the circumstances are so incredibly ugly and grave that you must drudge through the English language in search of adjectives that appropriately capture the grief you feel for loss, destitution and the state of Southern America.

Tragedy doesn't care how smart you are, how much money you have in the bank, or even what color you are. From the affluent to the poor, the flooding doesn't have an affirmative action plan.

To begin with, let me say I am utterly disgusted and dismayed at the current state of humanity in the wake of hurricane Katrina. The devastation and lives lost is tragic and to the human eye unfair and unnecessary. But beyond even the loss, I am disappointed with the living. Everyone. Our president. Civil government. Our citizens. Survivors. Law enforcement. Our media. Columnists. Bloggers. The whole lot. It is embarrassing on so many different levels it's difficult to even pick a starting point. But don't think I won't try. Here's one: sin.

Shooting, looting, survivors dying in wait of care, corpses outside the Superdome, rapes, relatives murdering one another over ice, people starving, people fainting from head exhaustion, babies sick, elderly people left to die in their wheel chairs. Surely this is not how God intended humanity to live.

Chaos is putting it lightly. I firmly believe that what we are seeing right now is only a glimpse into the complete and utter insanity that would be present in a lawless society.

What we are looking at isn't just a national tragedy or a natural disaster. We are looking at fallen man and the downward spiral of human nature. There is a harsh truth at work here. When put under extreme pressure, our internal belief system kicks in full force. Not what we say we believe, but what we have internally accepted as right or wrong. We are observing what happens when you mix fallen humanity with desperation. Interesting how all psycho-babble about how humans are inherently good goes out the window during times like this.

I once wrote that the most important commodity in situations of distress isn't money, but bullets. For those who thought my suggestion was off-base, I submit to you the events currently taking place in New Orleans. In situations of distress the rules of engagement change. As currency, the American dollar is only as valuable as we deem it. In fact, currency in a society can become whatever holds the most value at any given time. All this talk of restoring order is futile when dealing with people who lost everything and have nothing to fear.

In the last 48 hours we have observed blatant displays of exploitation, racism, lawlessness, poverty, thievery, anarchy, inhumanity, manipulation and sensationalism. I find myself wondering at what point we will stop showing pictures of dead bodies on national television. Is there no restraint? Not only is there chaos in the city, there's chaos in the newsroom. To capture images for journalistic purposes is one thing, to exploit people at their lowest point is quite another. At the very least, the dead deserve not to be repeats on the news clip reel.

I am frustrated and grieved. Even the coverage of the hurricane is chaotic. There are people looting out of necessity for basic hygiene and food items and then there are people running away with televisions and DVD players. There are people stealing firearms, smashing ATMs and stealing money, and then there are people grabbing pampers, Advil, and apologetically clothing their entire families off the rack.

I believe guilty parties should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but there are two ends of this spectrum folks. There are people of all colors doing the looting for basic needs, police officers included. Why are we not hearing about this on the news? Depending on where you read, some people are "just getting groceries" and others are "thieves." But guess what? The law enforcers are stealing too. Yet amid these two extremes, neither of which can be judged at face value, we have columnists demanding that looters be shot. We also have bloggers backing this up. I'll buy-in when the first police officer gets shot for stealing. I'm usually the first to suggest capital punishment, but at this point, it is difficult to decipher who is properly using their authority here.

And forgive me for saying it again, but this is not how we were designed to live.

It is a sad state of humanity. Politicians are politicizing and spending more energy saving face in front of the cameras than actually addressing the needs of the people. Someone please tell me why is Jesse Jackson is being interviewed on national television? What in tarnation could he possibly have to add here? I'm with Bill Frist on this one. This country can barely remember a true refugee challenge. It's time to step up. As Frist stated on Larry King last night, "don't politicize it." Get busy.

I challenge us all to pray that order be restored to New Orleans as soon as possible.

(Photo courtesy of Reuters)