Burnt Orange Report

A Part of America Once Again

By Karl-Thomas Musselman

The following is an Op-Ed written by Alexander Hunt, President of the University Democrats and TYD College Caucus Chair. -KT

One week ago, Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury on Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Initially, citizens of the vulnerable city of New Orleans breathed a sigh of relief; the storm predictably hooked right at the last minute and spared New Orleans a direct hit. However, as more time passed, the storm proved to be more powerful than the New Orleans levees could handle and the local government’s numerous flood warnings became reality. The storm left thousands stranded and pleading for help.

It is always amazing to see how Americans come together to help their fellow man in times of need. Millions around our nation donated to the Red Cross and other charities. Here in Austin volunteers were actually turned away because of the massive outpouring of those trying to help. However, for every heartwarming picture I saw of people coming together, I saw a plethora more of people suffering needlessly. I saw people who followed the instructions of their government and trusted in the system, and were left behind.

The question that I, and other frustrated citizens asked was Where was our federal government? Where was our government supposedly led by the ideals of “compassionate conservatism” and “the culture of life”? As I watched people on the ground doing the best they could and desperately pleading for more help, I saw Senate leadership leisurely coming back from break. I couldn’t help questioning the priorities of Congressional leadership who were able to vote in less than 24 hours on Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube, but took 4 times the amount of time to provide nourishment to thousands in the Superdome in New Orleans, where people watched their loved ones die from starvation and dehydration in their arms. Surely nothing could have prevented Hurricane Katrina from disrupting and uprooting the lives of thousands in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, but something could have been done to curtail the misery of the masses.

After much needed help arrived in the storm ravaged areas, numerous evacuees have expressed that they “once again feel they are a part of America.” Once again? How could we have let them become third-world foreigners in their own land? This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. This is not a white or black issue. This is an American issue and this is a time for all Americans to come together and demand more from their government.

Our government officials didn’t live up to their promise. However, there is still so much that we can all do NOW to make life better for the people whose lives have been affected.

First, write to your Congressperson and demand that this never happens again. Ask that they do everything in their power to make Katrina’s victims lives’ as normal as possible. Get the survivors the funding to get back on their feet, get their children school supplies, and get them day-to-day necessities.

Secondly, stop by the West Mall this Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to see how you can help here in Austin. The University Democrats have asked the College Republicans to join us in a three-day rally to obtain donations and provide information about how students can volunteer in the Austin area. Even if you can’t donate money or supplies, your time will make a world of difference for those affected.

Let’s make sure Katrina’s victims know that they are a part of America. Let’s make sure that every person that survived the torture of the past week finds shelter and the supplies needed for daily living. Let’s make sure all children have adequate school supplies. Join us this week on the West Mall to find out how you can help.

Thank you,
Alexander Hunt
President, University Democrats