I hardly heard anything about Katrina when it first happened, because I'm one of those priveleged, 20-somethings that doesn't read or watch the news all that often. I rely on my husband and mom to keep me up to date on the goings-on of the world. So the first thing I heard about Katrina was that 1 million people were without power, and that there was flooding. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where every time it rained after a long drought, there were flash floods. Sometimes people lost their homes. Sometimes one or two people died, and there was usually footage on the news (that Mom insisted we watch) of people being rescued from the tops of their cars. That was what I imagined New Orleans was like. Some flooding, some people in a bad situation. It wasn't until a few days later that I learned the magnitude of what took place and embarassment and guilt set in. I had no idea it was so bad out there...

Once I learned more, I was so blown away, I couldn't think of what to say. Then I concluded that everyone else on the net was more articulate than I, so why bother trying to write anything? But today, I don't know, it just all hit me. The need to talk about what I've learned and how I feel about it all. It seemed like keeping quiet would be too much like ignoring the problems our country faces, which is what I want to stop doing.

So, first of all, this is the stuff that blew my mind, that brought tears to my eyes, and made my faith in humanity wane. The stuff that made me want to hide from any other news stories. Rape and murder. Seriously?? How can people hurt each other in a time of crisis? Why wouldn't people try their hardest to help each other when everyone needs it the most?

Of course, this site says there's a possibility that many of the rape and murder stories are urban legends. I wish that were true, that they were all horrible rumors. But I don't think they are.

Is it wrong of me to feel proud of the mob that beat a man to death for raping a young girl? (It's on page 2; you may have to register to read this story, but registration is free.) Oddly enough, that was one story that made me feel like not all hope is lost, that some people out there will stand up for what's right in tough times.

In slightly more light-hearted news, this video is amazing. I love Mike Myer's reaction to Kanye West's comment at the end of the video. But seriously? The man has a point. After all, Barbara Bush is candidly harsh about her take on the Katrina victims, and she's the one who raised our President. I can only imagine what Bush thinks. As they say, action speaks louder than words, and his actions speak volumes. Thanks for disappointing us all once again, Mr. President.

Of course, as I said, I count myself among the annoyingly ignorant of our country's state of affairs. So I feel I have less of a right to point fingers than others who are more informed and articulate. Though, screw it, I'm going to anyway, damn it, because you'd think the PRESIDENT would try to stay more informed and connected with the people, since that's, you know, part of the job description. Not to mention, the right thing to do.

I feel horrible that I turned away from the news when it was too sad and scary to face. I feel embarrassed that I didn't even realize New Orleans was below sea level, or in danger of flooding. I should know more about my country and its people. That's what makes me feel like an asshole. And then there's a part of me that simultaneously feels very grateful that I have the luxury of not knowing, because I do live so far away, that I have the luxury of my city not being underwater, or suffering any other major disasters. Grocery stores are readily accessible. I have power. My family, friends, and pets are alive and well, and things are really, really good in my life. I'm so very grateful, yet I feel almost guilty for feeling grateful. Because halfway across the country, many, many people and animals are without food, clean water, power, family members, or good health. Many are suffering or have died. And my heart breaks for them. I wish there was more I could do.

One thing I know I can do is to become more informed. And share the knowledge with others. Those who know me well will not be surprised that a lot of these are animal-related links. Anyway, here you go...

Requiem for the Audobon Aquarium of the Americas by Weetabix

Info about what happened with the audobon aquarium and surrounding zoos

Emergency Animal Rescue Service

American Humane and The Humane Society of the United States, working to help the animals in disaster relief

Pictures of Animal Rescue

Link for anyone, anywhere, to foster the animal victims of Katrina

Horse rescue

This site links to The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and many other places to donate

And this is an even more comprehensive list of ways to donate

A Pagan donation organization, helping victims of Katrina

OpenYourHome.com lets you invite a displaced family to come live with you.

Crooksandliars.com has many Katrina stories, many Bush stories, lots of interesting links

And obviously, CNN has loads of stories, including some seriously touching videos of pet rescues and people taking in families and children into their homes.

I guess it's a start.