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 New Orleans made that poverty viscerally real to Americans in a way far more than dry-worded government reports ever could. We saw intimately the anguish and misery of thousands of our fellow citizens who were abandoned to despair.
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.
Roanoke Friends Meeting
Roanoke, Virginia