Hurricanes and Unicorns

                It feels a little callous to see very many positives in a tragedy the scope of Hurricane Harvey, but I can’t help but have some faith restored in humanity and our ability to come together again in what unites us as Americans.

                The very fact something as loosely organized as the “Cajun Navy”—named in 2005 during Katrina--materializes whenever there are hurricane or flood victims in need of rescue and aid speaks volumes about the human instinct to help his fellow man. No officers, no rank no orders, no real game plan. Just good ol’ boys and girls in their bass boats rescuing people off rooftops in a scenario that is next to impossible for most of us to even imagine.

                White people rescuing black people. Hispanics rescuing white people. Blacks rescuing Hispanics. Whites rescuing Hispanics. Hispanics rescuing blacks. Blacks rescuing whites and nobody seeming to notice what color anybody is or where they stand on the preservation or destruction of Confederate monuments.

                So many heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories, from mothers being reunited with their children, people in the midst of drowning being saved and resuscitated, to those who didn’t make it or whose whereabouts may have to wait for the waters to recede.

                One man said he met more of his neighbors in 24 hours than he had in the previous 20 years.

                There is nothing quite like a tragedy to make Americans shine like the proverbial beacon on a hill.

                Social media—for once—became a positive force, being used to communicate needs, locations, resources, desperation and salvation. We stopped listening to the mainstream media long enough to remember at a level that goes so much deeper than (D) or (R), the common bond that links us all together and responding with compassion and courage to help fellow human beings simply because they needed it.

                “…We have to come together as Americans with love for our nation and true affection for each other…Above all else we must remember this truth: No matter our color, creed, religion or political party we are all Americans first.”

                C’mon, you know who said it.

                “…Our citizens must restore the bonds of trust and loyalty between each other. We must love each other, respect each other and cherish our history and our future together.”

                C’mon, same guy.

                That’s right, that horrible racist pig, President Donald Trump, the Saturday of the violence in Charlottesville. The President who showed up in Houston waving a Texas flag, offering assistance, encouragement and reassurance. The one who gave $1 million of his own money and was criticized by the media for not showing enough empathy in the opinion of one really hard news CNN reporter whose insignificant name I have forgotten and hope that I never have cause to ever remember.

                At least it gave the media something to “report” during the worst national tragedy of the year other than Melania Trump’s choice of footwear. (What is proper fashion to attend devastation and mayhem, anyway?) Good grief.

                It leaves one to wonder where are the donations from the Clintons (What the hell did happen, Hillary?), the Obama’s, Al “Is It Hot In Here” Gore, or that roly-poly blob of mirth, Michael Moore. What did happen to all that money in the Clinton Foundation when they dismantled it anyway? I’m guessing it didn’t go to any Haitian families. How’s your Uranium One stock doing, Hilly?

                In fairness, Sandra Bullock and Leo DiCaprio stepped up and each gave $1 million to the Houston relief effort. I like to think they were following our President’s example although Leo would probably take his back if he knew anyone really thought that.

                I like Sandra because I don’t know her politics which either means she keeps her mouth shut or I just missed it. I hate Leo’s politics but I have to give credit where credit is due and my hat is off in deference to his generosity and contribution to this tragedy when most of the loudmouths in Hollywood remain merely loudmouths. ‘Sup Whoopi?

                One thing in all this seems crystal clear to me: When we can stop listening to the media for a minute it isn’t nearly as hard to remember that we are all Americans.

                When CNN isn’t in our ear wanting us to believe that the President really needs to court the votes of all 200,000 registered KKK members like 2020 depended on it and when Breitbart isn’t doing the same thing making us wonder where the #onlyblacklivesmatter pontoon boat is in the wake of Harvey, we seem to get along just fine.

                I wonder what might happen if CNN just tried reporting some facts (you know, not stuff about empathy) about the economy or international crises. I wonder if we might pull together and row the boat, so to speak, in the same general direction for awhile.

                The human response to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey might indicate that at least it’s a possibility.