Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Hurricane Harvey and the Unification of America

It's sad that it takes a natural disaster of this magnitude to bring the American people together, but it seems to be happening. This week, the category four Hurricane Harvey has destroyed many cities and countrysides in the state of Texas. The aftermath of the hurricane has seen families torn from their homes and many buildings, churches, highways and almost anything in its path destroyed. Thankfully, many powerful opinion leaders and charitable organizations and businesses have donated millions of dollars and significant hours of volunteering to help.

With the current state of the US, on the heels of a nuclear war with North Korea, in turmoil with racial and homophobic issues, and the President of the United States being one of the most hated people of all time, it is great to see a country come together for a greater cause. People of all colors and of all backgrounds are sacrificing their own lives to go into the floods in Houston and the surrounding areas to look for victims, animals and anyone still in need of help. Celebrities have also started campaigns to raise money for the hurricane relief. Probably the most successful of those campaigns has been J.J. Watt, player for Houston Texans who raised $6 million at this moment and has a goal of $10 million. He has used social media and his powerful videos of pleading to his fan base and anyone who will listen to help the survivors. Rival teams in the NFL, MLB and NBA have also been donating to the cause.

It is awful what has happened to the state of Texas and it does not seem to be getting better. Although, this disaster has ruined the lives of many, it has made some realize that our petty differences are not of relevance. What is relevant is realizing we are the same species and are in the life together. We all have our own struggle, pain, ambitions, dreams and lives. Coming together as one is more important than fighting our own people. Hopefully this storm can help people realize that life is short and we are in this together.