After the reading of the Minute from
York Friends, Roanoke Friends composed and sent the following and attached
letter about hurricane Katrina to their legislators and other leaders.
Roanoke Friends encourage other Meetings to consider a similar
response.
What a timely coincidence
that on the day that disaster struck New Orleans, the annual census report was
released revealing that for the fourth consecutive year the number of persons
living in poverty increased in America. The vivid images from the
desolation of
It is perhaps
understandable that fingers are pointing in all directions seeking whom to
accuse and blame for the bungled response to this disaster. While finger-pointing
may be a very human response, it is not a particularly productive one unless we
are able to move forward with lessons learned. So we call upon you, our
leaders, to examine not only what went wrong in the response but also to look
to ways to correct the inequities that exist.
We ask that an independent
commission be formed to investigate why the disaster response was inadequate.
It is paramount to the integrity of such an investigation that this is an independent commission, not a congressional one nor
should it be under the aegis of the executive branch. Partisan politics would
only impugn the legitimacy of its findings and recommendations.
We ask also that
appropriate controls be in place as FEMA begins to award contracts for
reconstruction. Will an inspector general be named to oversee the payment
of large amounts of money that FEMA will be dispersing to contractors? What
policies will be put in place ensuring that competition for contracts will be
fair and equal?
Certainly there are many
other issues impacted by this disaster that cry for unblinking scrutiny,
environmental as well as social and political, but none more pressing than
poverty itself. This catastrophe has brought the realities of poverty
into light and national awareness.
We strongly urge a renewed
effort on the behalf of this nation’s leaders to address the issue of poverty.
The response to Hurricane Katrina was disgrace enough to a powerful nation. Not
acting to remedy the inequities that exist would be an even greater disgrace.
As members of The Religious
Society of Friends (Quakers), we believe that all are equally precious in the
sight of God. We are reminded of the words of Isaac Pennington, who stated, ”Our
life is love and peace, and tenderness; and bearing one with another, and
forgiving one another, and not laying accusations one against another; but
praying for one another, and helping one another up with a tender
hand.” Now is the time to extend that tender hand, as we
witness an unprecedented outpouring of compassion and relief efforts.
It is our hope and request
that you, our leaders, will offer a tender and uplifting hand as well with the
powers invested in you: by thoroughly investigating our disaster response and
implementing policies and legislation that will guarantee the well-being of
everyone living in this great country.