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by Georgie Márquez-André September 12, 2005
PARANOIA, n. a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
(Definitions from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
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My local newspaper ran an article on the money homeland security give states to be prepared in case of emergency. I thought that the first line of response, in case of any and all emergencies, had to be the local community, then the state, then and only then, the federal government. Now, mind you, I believe that the federal government has a huge role to play but do we really want ALL the federal government's resources focused on one part of the country?
Let's think about it. The country suffers a huge disaster, and several states are greatly affected. Production at refineries, supply pipelines, major ports are disrupted... on top of that, we are at war with an enemy that is hard to pin down, and that we suspect resides in our midst. In the midst of this scenario, what do politicians do? They scream bloody murder because the federal government does not stop everything and go gather buses to get the poor people out of New Orleans. Now, there are plenty of public buses sitting in parking lots in the area. And the reason these buses are just sitting there, has to do with the fact that they are surrounded by water. And the reason they are surrounded by water is that the local, neighborhood, community and city leaders, did not utilize their resources to assist their citizens.
This weekend we commemorated the fourth anniversary of 9-11. Our world is not the same. The rules are not the same. The response to emergency cannot be the same. I grieve with the people of Mississippi and of Louisiana, but I realize that in this day and age, I expect the federal government to protect the WHOLE country, not just one region. What an amazing opportunity for those who would destroy us. What a time of vulnerability. I cry with those in the south who have lost everything. But I want my government, the federal government, to protect the rest of us from opportunistic attacks. I want the federal government to keep our borders tight, to watch over suspected terrorists here and abroad, to continue fighting the war on terror in Iraq. And I don't want the monies set aside for other communities and states to be used up.
The lesson learned is this... if we are to survive the demons of this age, we need to become more not less self-sufficient. We need to encourage citizens to take responsibility, to care for themselves and each other. We need to prepare the first line of defense at the most basic, communal level. Yes, the federal government has a role in helping the weakest and the afflicted. And yes, it has much greater resources than any other agency, but, please, let the federal officials do their job, and don't become so provincial, or so preoccupied with making political points, that you jeopardize the security of an entire country.
In the meantime, do your part, help your fellow citizens: The Salvation Army, Operation Blessing, American Red Cross.
Have a blessed week.
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