SILENCE IS NOT SO GOLDEN

This is my letter to the Editor of The Sun Herald - Biloxi, MS - sent Feb. 1, 2007 -- as of today, unpublished
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Silence is not so golden –

I am writing in reference to the Editorial – "The president's silence on Katrina speaks volumes."

FINALLY, I thought, someone spoke out on the president's flagrant snubbing of Katrina and to all people affected by her. However, after reading and digesting the piece, I don't see much that was offered by that writer at all.

The editorial mentioned several specifics concerning New Orleans and their legitimate and tremendous problems which seem to be mounting even higher.

Mississippi Gulf Coast communities also have legitimate problems and issues, but the writer gave us the mentioning of only ONE – insurance, and with that, the news about State Farm settling and insurance costs being a reason that businesses (he only names Oreck) are departing our state. He could have Googled two words, Katrina Mississippi, and written a truly beneficial editorial.

Beyond what I've just said, though, is the FACT that Bush did not mention Katrina issues . . . I watched and waited for the words, Katrina Mississippi. That didn't happen and I was infuriated to say the least!

Bush’s so-called State of the Union "speech" was nothing but air. His smirky face and his "doing good" talk made me want to hurl. I was and still am appalled that he left out Katrina and ALL of those affected by her. We ARE a part of “the Union.” Perhaps he feels everyone down here is just fine and dandy since casinos are operating and condo developers are flocking like vultures to every nook and coastal cranny they can sink their greedy claws into.

We have enough problems with people forgetting that individuals and communites STILL NEED volunteers and HELP to rebuild. His failure to talk about Katrina at this time most likely gave those who were listening and didn’t know any better the idea that we are doing fine. His silence on Katrina issues is a huge disservice and an insult.

Bush needs to take a trip to Pearlington. I dare him to flash that smirky smile.

"No man is an island . . ." The passing of Raymond Diaz

Pearlington Recovery & Resource Center: No Man is an Island

Canada Jon White -- working for recovery in Pearlington writes a beautiful piece on the loss of his friend Raymond Diaz.

He begins with the quote: "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee." – John Donne

If only the masses could understand the depth of what John Donne wrote and how it is reflected in what Jon, himself, has so eloquently expressed in his words concerning Mr. Diaz' passing and what WE must do in response.

The larger picture. The greater good. The needs of so many needing to be met. Justice for all in this country doesn't JUST equate to matters of The Law.

Justice means Equality and Fairness for ALL in everyday matters. Pearlington and the coast deserve Justice. Justice involves the respect and understanding of Individual Dignity and Rights.

Please go to the following link and read this incredible essay by Brigitte Frase:
Justice or Charity?

God Bless The Diaz family, all of Pearlington, and all of those who've gone there to help, all who plan on going to help, and all who remain there to help.

PEARLINGTON IN DIRE NEED SINCE KATRINA

Pearlington –

* * * My trip to Pearlington during Katrina Anniversary week - Aug. 27-31, 2006 ---- http://www.mississippijournal.net/Pearlington.html

::: http://www.pearlingtonms.com/

::: http://www.pearlingtonrelief.blogspot.com/

::: http://pearlington.blogspot.com/2006/08/quiet-in-pearlington.html

::: http://operationeden.blogspot.com/2006/08/restart.html

::: http://www.onehouseatatime.com/ ---- To volunteer to work on a home in Hancock County, contact Glenn Locklin at moonlightpaint@hotmail.com or call 615-496-6981.

::: http://www.pearlingtonreportcard.blogspot.com/ ---- Updated Jan. 4, 2007 - check the list of upcoming trips.