Editorial by Chris Kovatch

A lot has happened since my last article. So many lives were changed overnight. Homes were destroyed. Belongings were lost. Worlds were turned upside down. Situations that I could once not fathom became reality. Even in what was the darkest hour for many, a light cut through and became a beacon of hope.

In my last article, I shared my thoughts on society and the concept of being nice. It seemed like that notion was becoming a thing of the past. My train of thought was highly influenced by the media. All we see. all we hear; and sometimes all we experience makes one sense that society is failing. But the things the media presents to us are for ratings. It is rare for me to not sense a bias of some sort in most reporting. I tend to think the days of actual journalism are becoming a thing of the past.

This storm and its aftermath have taught me many things, but one rises above the rest. We may have our differences on a variety of levels, but when someone is need the desire to reach out and help quickly trumps our differences. The quick reaction and support from across our great Nation was evident. From rescues to demolition to providing shelter and everything in between the support was undeniable. A world that was perceived as so decisive and a terrible place began to chip away at that image.

We have a long way to go both on recovery and truly realizing the magnitude of what it means to be a citizen of the United States. We should all reach out and lend a hand when possible. We should also realize that we will always have differences and that is what makes our country so great. It is how we communicate and express these differences that is paramount. When you see something that incites a feeling of anger within you, take that feeling and turn it into something positive. We can all be part of the problem or part of the solution. The decision is up to us.

I would like to end this week’s story with lyrics from one of my favorite songs written by the great John Lennon.

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people sharing all the world

 

You may say that I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope some day you’ll join us

And the world will be as one