Confusion in the aftermath

By Dr. Sterling Lands, II

Katrina, bless her heart, has laid bare the soul of the United States of America. As the floodwaters start to recede we find that the wicked are always attempting to cover their backs even before they are found out. Watch how the professional political spin artist rewrites the episodes of August 28, 2005. Beware of the power of deliberate manipulated media. This is the time that the godly must be as bold as lions. Don’t believe the headlines of the major media. King Solomon said, “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.” You can be sure that the system in power today will find Black preachers to rally around their cause and blame the victims for their victimization. When a poor person oppresses the poor it is like a pounding rain that destroys everything in its path. Many of us will start to question what we observed before the pictures and stories were sanitized. Don’t forget that to reject the truth is to praise the lie and to accept the truth is to fight the lie. It appears that we have already forgotten that evil people don't understand justice. International corporations will make millions during the reconstruction of New Orleans and other areas hit hard by Katrina. Poor people will continue to be disenfranchised, although they will be made to feel better about their status as refugees. The driving force behind all future actions by these corporations will be greed not need. I agree with the Proverb that states, “It is better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.” Yes, there have been crime and acts of violence in the midst of tragedy. However the real crime is the governmental neglect of thousands of poor Black people by a nation that presents itself as the reigning super power in the world. Crimes committed in the Super Dome cannot compare to the crimes that have been committed against the inhabitants of the Super Dome. The higher law is the law of decency and justice. A person who makes money by exploiting the poor commits the real crime. The prayers of preachers who ignore the basic needs of their people are despised. Those preachers who lead their people into sin will fall into their own trap. Rich people picture themselves as wise, but their real poverty is evident to the poor. When the good leaders succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked leaders take charge, people go into hiding. The question of who is to blame for the tragedy in New Orleans following the storm is still in the process of scripting. I read where a wicked leader is as dangerous to the poor as a lion or bear attacking them. Only a stupid leader will neglect and oppress the people. Preachers don't protect incompetent leaders! We know that to show partiality is never good, yet some preachers will agree with incompetent leaders for breadcrumbs. The character-centered leader will leave a great legacy if he hates dishonesty and bribes. In the end, our people appreciate and respect frankness more than flattery. Greed is the primary cause of conflict. Self indulgence and trusting oneself is foolish. A curse will come upon those who close their eyes to the conditions that have been exposed by Katrina. We are not a nation united. The haves want more at the expense of anyone and anything. When the haves are in charge, the have-nots are in trouble. Why is there confusion in the aftermath?