I am one of those who believe in government. Possibly this is because I have very little connection with government. My main experience with government was becoming a Government Issue (that is a GI) rifleman in World War II. The second was when a catering establishment sued to collect for our backing out of a wedding celebration. The last were when I was present while Carol was testifying as her Aunt’s Executor and when an owner contested a court hearing about his eviction.
I am hazy about my rights and the role of government in its ability to make me do things I do not want to do or want any part of. Government seems to flow on inexorably as do bodily functions. It seems best not to mess with either one.
I have just made contact with FEMA. It is the maligned agency held responsible for dilatory and inept response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. These ladies were responsible for a lot of damage to people’s lives and property and I am about to see what its human telephone operators are able to do on my behalf and on behalf of the Condominium of which I still am President. By the way, I have been opportuned and pressured by family and friends here at 7th Moorings to run again and have engineered the replacement of several old members and found younger ones to take their place. I still am of the belief that I will do most of the work as I am now doing in filing for help for the Building from FEMA.
There are no promises here. I have made application for FEMA assistance to replace windows the wind forced open and which our handyman tried manfully to force back into position. This metal is unforgiving and responded to Wilma, not to Clifton our redoubtable handyman. If there is relief offered by FEMA I shall certainly take it and put it to good use. The memory of the wind thrusting fingers making a space where it could force its way in and wrestle metal frames of glass windows away from their locked positions was and is frightening. I would like to replace those windows and would gratefully accept any help FEMA can or will give.
One thing I must mention is that I am literate, have a telephone and this computer and can make myself understood to FEMA functionaries whose job it is to take information from people calling them. I am lucky. Others have no idea how to seek help and need much more assistance than I do.
As a people and as a government, the United States has a long way to go before it gives to its own people that kind of help it is so eager to give other countries that are special friends or to countries that are critical to our security. FEMA should really be Emergency ready and be there when needed by Americans.