Thursday, September 4, 2008

Hurricane Gustav


We have all been aware of the devastation that is continuing to occur in Mississippi once again with the hurricanes. There has been many articles written on these subjects, delivering information to those not directly effected by the hurricanes. I found this article particularly more interesting than the others because it addresses something different; " What should we do next?"

The article discussed whether or not it was worth it to rebuild their homes. Most of the homeowners interviewed said that at this point it isn't worth it to rebuild it, but at the same time they can't sell their property because it isn't worth anything.

I think the government should intervene and help those in need, like they have done in past years. Many people have lost everything, and it is hard to rebuilt a life and a lifestyle from nothing. At the same time others might protest that they should use their natural resources, and fight for themselves. This related back to the ongoing battle between two philosophers; John Locke, who believed the government should take care of its people, and Thomas Hobbes, who believed in natural rights and than each person should use their own personal powers to fight for themselves.

In a time of need, people need help from those who are not suffering from the same devastation. If you are constantly around those in need of assistance and help to rebuild their lives, it is harder to regain strength and control over your life again.



Article;
To Rebuild or to leave? Damien Cave, September 2, 2008, The New York Times

1 comment:

Kevin said...

This article struck me because it showed me there that is still a major conflict between the concepts of a Hobbs style Society and a Locke style society.

The fact that we have the money, resources, and laws necessary in order to help people in their time of need, and yet we hesitate to take advantage of it is shocking.