Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own
breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an
appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is
raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican
as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us
to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry
our successes and zest for living to future generations.
Physicians Obstructed in Katrina Relief Effort
This is a too familiar story. I also got down to Ground Zero the Saturday following 9/11, knowing the city well enough to navigate a multiplicity of road
blocks and security barriers to volunteer at what I ultimately came to understand was an "unauthorized" site (the basement of the Independence Elementary
School) where I found myself with one other doc who had done likewise (sadly, there were only a few bruises and eye irritations to minister to on other
volunteer emergency workers and construction personnel working to clear rubble); the next day, we were told FEMA had come in and shut down our operation.
This Katrina round: I called the red cross who told me all medical volunteers were being referred to register online at the site
www.disasterhelp.net :
you just gotta see this site; it's got the ring of a business enterprise selling its disaster services.
As an example, and I quote (I printed this out for my own reference because I wanted to follow up and find out just who the parent company
[EAI Corporation: A GEO-Centers INC. Company] represents) from the site's "Enhanced Features" description of what it has to offer those who might find
themselves in need of disaster services management:
"The Disaster Help Network system provides all the expertise, planning, technology and support to build a comprehensive, cost-effective, volunteer respnse
system...."
And further, under "EAI Corporate Background" it states:
"The Disaster Help Network system is a project of EAI Corporation, a leader in Emergency Services for over 20 years...EAI Corporation has an exclusive
contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP)..."
So who are these guys who apparently obstructed physicians on the ground in Nawlens and led me to understand when I attempted to offer my services by
calling the Red Cross who referred me to this site that I needed to register on this site before I could volunteer?
By the way, when I attempted to register, the site advised me I wasn't authorized to enter the site!
Some one's got to pursue this story.
Keep the faith.
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