We humbly request your assistance... Okay, my friends know that I keep my nose out of politics and the like. Well, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it has been hard to flip through the channels and not see images from Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama and the devastation that has been caused. It has also been hard to ignore comments made by TV or radio personalities regarding the crisis the deep South now faces with restoration.

Last night on CNN, Jack Cafferty made some comments about that other countries should be helping us out with aid, that we have helped everybody else in the world through the years. And I then heard this sentiment expressed again this morning on the radio on my way into work.

I have one issue with this.

Yes, we have assisted other countries in their time of need, throughout the course of history. But that does not mean that we have the right to demand the assistance to be returned. Our arrogance has already cost us the good image that we had before; countries are less likely assist those who toss their weight around and insist on taking things into their own hands. (Much like the current war we are fighting overseas). And when one decides that they are going to "demand" something, it really doesn't go over well. It sounds like the spoiled child who wants everything done his or her way and then cries bloody murder when it doesn't happen that way. Not a good impression.

The statement that should be presented to our allies is this: "In the past, we were able to provide assistance to those in desperate need. While we were not faced with great disasters in the past, one has befallen us now. We now place before you a plea for your assistance in our time of need. Whatever help you are able to present would be most appreciated."

Now, I am not stating that those higher up are not able to handle things very well, or at least have the aides to assist and direct. Most of the time. But I do think that we should adjust our image to the rest of the world and stop making so many enemies with our "spoken-before-thinking" comments, both by our leaders and by the news media who seems to be able to control our opinions.

Sorry, but I like to make my own opinion.  ¶ 9/01/2005 10:15:00 AM