I've heard some remarks on the news about how the US is always expected to cough up humanitarian aid when national disasters happen abroad, but when they happen here other countries don't step up with a few billion dollars to help us out. I've heard some ridiculous reasons for this, like the idea that the hurricane was caused by President Bush's failure to sign the Kyoto treaty. I've also heard that the US, being an exceedingly wealthy country, can take care of itself.
And you know what? I think that's true. The people down in New Orleans aren't wealthy, but if we take care of each other we can get through anything.
You know, when I started this article I was going to say something patriotic and arrogant like "They need us, but we don't need them," but now that just sounds to me like I'm being an asshole. So now I'm just going to say this: If you have more money than you need to live, and most people in this country do, consider giving some of it to someone with more pressing needs than a new DVD. There sure are enough of them this week, especially.