Americans Are...

I work for a government agency which responds to presidentially declared disasters. Many times I've seen devastating destruction, loss of life and the aftermath that accompanies these conditions. Here are some important qualities I see in Americans:

1) Americans are good people. Many times by the time I get to a disaster site there are very few people homeless. They go and stay with friends and relatives, neighbors and fellow church members. And those with less devastating damage want those worse off than themselves to be served first. If you lost something, chances are that it will be returned to you if it can be identified. Crime typically goes down after a disaster. And everyone is ready to help.

2) American are cooperative. Our religious groups work together. During the Hurricane Katrina response there were so many groups of religious volunteers: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Krishnas, Mormons, Mennonites, Scientologists and variations of all of these. Everyone pitched in, everyone worked hard. It didn't matter what your beliefs were, these people were there to help anyone and everyone who needed it. And on a smaller scale it happens at every disaster I see.

3) Americans are hospitable. They open their homes. During the catastrophic evacuation of Katrina and Rita, cities and towns from all of the fifty states offered to house those who were homeless. Cities and towns opened shelters, churches set up beds and cooked. And people in these places opened their homes to families who were displaced, taking them in and helping them get their lives back together. Many evacuees stayed and became members of their new communities.

4) Americans are proud. Although emergency disaster funds are nearly always approved, many people don't "want a handout". They may have lost their home to an F5 tornado or have it wiped away in a flood. It's difficult for Americans to ask for help when we've been brought up on self-reliance. But sometimes everyone needs a hand. "It's the taxes you pay," I explain, "Your disaster savings account."

5) Americans are adaptable. When one's life disappears in a heartbeat, Americans try to look at the bright side. After losing her home and everything in it to a terrifying tornado, one woman commented, "Well, my husband wouldn't let me throw away his junk. Now I don't have to worry about it any more. IT'S GONE!"

Our people are sturdy and strong and independent, just what you'd expect an American to be. Yes, we bicker and gripe, and we have some real crazies out there. But I can tell you that when the chips are down, Americans are right there with a shovel, ready to move them out and start over.

Who needs chips anyways?
Happy Independence Day!