The Face of Tragedy

Hurricane Katrina provided a myriad of valuable lessons for a vast cross-section of America. The discussion could easily revolve around the blatant disregard of forewarnings with respect to the integrity of levees in New Orleans. The discussion might focus upon appointing qualified professionals in vital Government posts. Instead, the forum will be examining the impact of placing a face on tragedy.

Undoubtedly, when a face is associated with a tragedy the impact takes on monumental proportions. The magnitude of such an event has a tendency to migrate from empathy to fear. Conventional wisdom being, if that happened to them it could happen to me. The danger of this attitude is its future ramifications with respect to credibility and confidence. The possibility exists of far reaching effects having exponential consequences upon specific segments of society.
U2 and Green Day "The Saints Are Coming"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seGhTWE98DU


What did it for me was watching CNN coverage during the early stages of the unfathomable scenario unfolding right before America’s eyes. If I’m not mistaken Anderson Cooper was providing an overview of the overwhelming devastation he presently was witnessing. At some point a man, I believe his name to be Hardy Jackson, wandering on screen obviously in shock.

Mr. Jackson, while trying to convey his personal tragedy to America revealed the senselessness of terror he recently experienced. Mr. Cooper, recognizing the man was in shock, transformed from a detached newscaster to a compassionate humanitarian instantaneously. The moment elicited intense emotion thereby placing a face on a tragedy as America watched in disbelief.

Hardy Jackson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S68ksghDNg4

Sorry; unable to find cnn coverage...or just wrong!

Mr. Jackson’s heartbreaking nightmare was relived in America’s living rooms throughout the land. As the water rose, he and his wife ascended within their home, until they could go no higher. After literally hanging on for dear life for hours, she finally let go of her husband’s hand. When Anderson asked, “where is she now” with a tentative hesitation in his voice, Hardy simply said “she gone”. The face of tragedy will never be removed from New Orleans and she’ll be forever known as Katrina…gjf