human behavior in times of adversity

It is a natural human tendency to fear what we do not know and not bother to find out about it. Also, humans like to feel good about themselves and not want to face reality when it faces them. Such complacency has resulted in the confusion and mayhem that has besieged New Orleans currently. Even in adversity, many of the residents did not see the need to evacuate when ordered by the Governor. This has resulted in many of them being left stranded. The lucky ones could escape to the roof and await rescue, the unlucky ones drowned in their homes. Such reliance for rescue has also shown overdependence on governmental aid, which currently is really more of a downside for the residents. Their refusal to leave even when rescue arrives has required the order of forced eviction. Sentimental reason for some of losing their homes but for others, it is their obsession of accumulating material wealth and the sudden loss of it that has resulted in them making judgements which are adverse to their well-being. The immediate task at hand of rescuing the residents has been overshadowed by the politicians squabbling over minute details such as who should lead a commission to pinpoint responsibility, resulting in delays of aid reaching the victims. Even a superpower like USA, requires the aid of other countries when the wrath of Mother Nature strikes. No man is an island and no country is too. Aid from various countries has poured in. Singapore has sent in the aid of its Chinook detachment in Texas. Sri Lanka, a victim of the Tsunami disaster, has also pledge a sum of money to aid reconstruction efforts. However, many of such aid have been prevented from arriving in New Orleans by bureaucratic red tape. The victims are all in dire need of aid and yet due to such uncompromising behaviour from governmental agencies, more of them are going to suffer and more are going to die. This fear of dying has resulted in widespread mayhem, looting and rumour mongering all over New Orleans. With the situation fast getting out of hand, the soldiers and police have been given the order to shoot if needed. The victims are now still in a state of shock & confusion, with many of the injured not receiving any aid, more casulties are feared. Until the politicians can settle their petty differences and for the various governmental agencies to start coordinating their efforts in receiving foreign aid, the effort required to recover from Katrina will be even more monumental than from the Tsunami disaster of last year.