|
Remains of the Crescent City California Harbor
I was hit with such sorrow today as I read through several articles in Oregon
and Northern California newspapers referring the tsunami destruction and
devastation that has been felt in these areas. Multiple harbors have been
destroyed and are in ruins, yet we have seen so little of this covered in the news.
If I had not gone looking for it I would not be aware of the destruction that took
place in the United States.
Crescent City, CA., was hit the hardest by the March 11th Tsunami here in the
states. There were 16 boats that were sunk and 47 damaged and possibly still
sinking. The entire dock system and much of the harbor was destroyed. Not to
mention the fact that 4 people were pulled into the sea-one of which has never
returned.
Next, if you move north a few miles into Oregon, you will find the same kind of
destruction in Brookings harbor. 80 percent of the dock structure was destroyed,
seven boats were swept out to sea, multiple boats damaged and several sunk.
This is certainly minor in comparison to Japan, but it is devastating for those living
there.
These are small fishing communities that depend on these boats and harbors for their livelihood and without them they have nothing. While many fishermen were
able to escape the damage early Friday morning in both Brookings and Crescent
City by taking their boats out to sea, now they have no harbor in which to keep
their boat.
And what about Hawaii, particularly the Big Island which was hit the hardest.
There were multiple beach-front homes that were significantly damaged. In fact,
one home was completely swept away into the ocean. Many hotels and local
businesses suffered severe property losses and now are struggling to get things
cleaned up and repaired so that they may return to business.
So here is my question, completely understanding and agreeing that the massive
amount of destruction in Japan demands our attention and help. Are those
affected largely (although on a smaller scale in comparison, but just as devastating
to them personally) not deserving of our help? Or at least deserving of more news
coverage?
I am just in shock that I see "Japan Tsunami Relief" signs everywhere I go
whether I'm out shopping or on the internet. Yet nowhere have I seen any sign
of anyone asking for help for those in California, Oregon and Hawaii.
Maybe some of you have helped those in need locally but to be honest I have
not seen the out pour of help for these people like I have seen for those in Japan.
Again, I am not saying that helping the Japanese in their time of need is wrong.
In fact I absolutely believe what they have experienced and are continuing to
experience is horrific. However, I am asking why can't we help those close to us
as well?
Click Here for Full Article
| 
March 20th, 2011 | 
Author: 
Vacation Substitute for Port Chaplains