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Journalism of Courage
Now that the fabled New Orleans levees have catastrophically broken, now that the first helicopter photographs of the city8217;s flooded streets have been broadcast, it has become clear that the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans compares to any of the worst natural disasters in American history8230;
As in New York after Sept. 11, 2001, New Orleans, along with the rest of the country, is also grappling with the varied aspects of human nature that come out in the wake of a great tragedy. On the one hand, the heroism of the Coast Guard workers who are still pulling people off the roofs of their homes by helicopter is remarkable. The dedication of the rescue crew members who have arrived from around the country is incredible. The gestures of politicians such as Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who has offered the use of the Houston Astrodome for refugees and Texas public schools for New Orleans children, are admirable. On the other hand, the scenes of looting 8212; not just of food, which is forgivable, but of television sets and clothing 8212; show that some people are always prepared to take advantage of the misfortune of others. A lot of attention is paid, nowadays, to the phrase 8220;moral values.8221; Over the next few days, New Orleanians may learn a good deal about what those words really mean to their fellow citizens8230;
Excerpted from an editorial in 8216;The Washington Post8217;, September 1
