The Big Easy? Yea, and Here’s Why

I’ve heard enough news this week to last a lifetime. I’ve seen enough grand standing and finger pointing to last even longer than that. I’ve heard the Governor and Mayor refrain from any responsibility. I’m not a brilliant man, by any means, but I found this to be so obvious, that it actually astounded me to arrive at this conclusion.

Allow me to say this, as I begin. My heart breaks for all the people in these places that have been turned into disaster zones. I ache for them and their circumstances. I feel the need to be up front about that, before I get to my rant. I figure I will be accused of many things that aren’t true, but that’s nothing new. I have thick skin, so I can handle that.

The Big Easy. Looking at those three words, what immediately comes to mind is “undue tolerance”. For centuries, places such as New Orleans has been home to the culture of anything goes. The last time I was there, I saw it up close and personal. It wasn’t a pretty sight. I’m not opposed to fun at all. But I am opposed to lawlessness. As a whole, America and her society has always been a society of benevolence, one that has an inclination to perform kind, charitable acts, and I applaud that. However, there has always been a small percentage of the dregs of society who have outlived their usefulness, and are nothing but a leech on mankind. Always has been, always will be.
When a minority of the population has the ability to set the tone of how things are going to be, thus, we have The Big Easy. And it’s not just in New Orleans. The country as a whole has become The Big Easy. We, as a nation, as a government have always thrown money and aid to all friends and foe, and always with a kind heart. Always turning the other cheek when others are having a tough time. Unaffordable, yes. But it’s never stopped us before. It’s a sad situation when we seen law enforcement officers leave their jobs, because of fear. Fear from a small minority. Our own government depends on our own government for protection. How sick is that?
I learned a long time ago that the only one who can take care of me is me. Sure, I have friends and family that will and have chipped in when I couldn’t manage, and I’m very thankful for that. However, I am not dependent upon them for my well being. In my opinion, people have become too accustomed to allowing “someone else” to make things better, and today we are seeing the results of that, failures and all. Yes, tolerance is killing America...one disaster at a time. Political Correctness run amuck. While I agree with the precept that saving lives is more important than chasing looters, there still comes a time when you must make a decision. And a decision was made. Give up the rescue and half heartedly go after the law breakers. Then, give it all up, because things are so out of hand, even the Law Enforcement people are not effective.
So now, the City and State are calling on Federal troops for help. What has happened to the planning before the disaster struck? Why weren’t the sick and afflicted in all the hospitals moved to a safer place before disaster struck? Where was the plan? There was no plan except for the thought of the leaders hoping “it will pass us by this time...again.” With the role of being a leader, comes responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required. It’s more than a cliche. It’s an absolute, else it’s a failure waiting to happen.
It’s been a sad experience to watch all these hopeless people begging for someone to help them, to get them out of the mess they’re in. I’m tired of the elites talking down about how the federal government is not doing enough for the people in need, knowing that as soon as some are plucked out of this terrible situation, they will turn back around and curse the very ones who have come to their rescue. Yea, The Big Easy alright. Ask the Mayor. I heard his profanity laced tirade on the radio. Yes, he sounds like a real leader. Telling people to give him the power and he will fix all this. Duh. No thanks, he’s done enough already. People like him, the Governor, and all the other people who have done nothing but blamed everyone else for their plight, I do not want to depend on them for well being. Neither will I depend on George Bush for my well being.
For those of you who can’t see the forest for the trees, I say to you. When you’re tired and hungry, forget about trying to help yourself. Sit down on a curb side somewhere and scream out for the government to help you and see what happens. You’ll see what the Big Easy is all about.
I hope many valuable lessons are learned from this tragedy, less we go through it time and time again. As for me, I pray that common sense and real leadership will help lead New Orleans and all the fine people out of this mess. But still, I don’t think the term Big Easy is a real badge of honor at the moment.