The empty box above is dedicated to the victims of the recent hurricanes. Many people were displaced and forced to evacuate on short notice. These Americans have lost their homes, belongings, jobs, and, worst of all, their lives. There are no words that can truly fill the void left by the loss of a loved one. The names of the hundreds of people who were lost would be written in the box above, but with so many still missing, the emptiness remains, just like the emptiness their families and friends will feel for a lifetime. Sadly, these tragic events are often used as political theater by politicians seeking to score points. Let’s be loud and clear: these victims are not to be used for your own political agenda.
Where is the dignity and respect?
The 2024 hurricane season has been devastating for the southeastern United States. In late September, Hurricane Helene struck Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, becoming the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 [1]. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but over 300 people are confirmed dead, with more than a thousand still missing [2]. Shortly after, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida in October, and while over a thousand people have been rescued, the death toll stands at around 35 [3]. When all is said and done, these hurricanes will have caused billions in damage.
In no surprise, the hurricane has become political. In response to Kamala Harris’s claims that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not answer her calls as Hurricane Milton approached, DeSantis said: "I've had storms under both President Trump and President Biden, and I've worked well with both of them. [Kamala Harris] is the first one who's trying to politicize the storm, and she's doing that just because of her campaign. I don't have time for political games." [4]
It’s unfortunate that such conflicts arise, especially during an election year when many politicians from both sides of the aisle exploit crises. America has seen this frustrating history before with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in during the 2012 election.
Where is the dignity and respect?
Why shouldn’t politicians and elected leaders use these natural disasters to score political points? It takes advantage of people who are in great suffering, which is obviously morally wrong, but it also undermines the stories of victims.
Take the heartbreaking story of Nora and Michael Drye. There is a picture showing these grandparents and their 7-year-old grandson, Micah, stranded on their roof before floodwaters swept them away in North Carolina. Listen on Youtube to the heartbreaking interview with Micah’s mother, Jessica, who reported that “the last thing Micah yelled before he was taken was, ‘Jesus! Please help me!’”. The words of Jessica who lost her little boy and her parents’ left even the news reporter emotional [5]. The political theater has gotten more news coverage than a story like this.
Or consider the story of Marcia and Jerry Savage, found by their grandson still embracing each other under the tree that claimed their lives [6]. Then there's Hap Hopkins, a Florida man who was cleaning up after Hurricane Milton and tragically stepped on a downed power line [7]. These are just a few of the thousands of victims whose lives mattered.
Where is the dignity and respect?
Hurricanes and other natural disasters are no respecters of life. Hurricanes and other natural disasters do not discriminate by race, gender, class, or zip code. At a time of great division, shame on those politicians who exploit these tragedies for personal gain. In these dark moments, we must remember that the victims are just like us, human beings deserving of compassion and respect. Manmade politics that always will be outdated should never take priority over having empathy for another human being. There is a time to debate and disagree on our opinions, but never to let tragedy advance optics. Let us be different from these politicians. Let us be the example to the world and show how we treat others who are suffering. Let us remember that we are all part of God’s family. Let us not fill the emptiness of the box above with hatred and hurtful words, but with support and love for those that are grieving.
That’s where we find dignity and respect for the hurricane victims.
