Habits of Highly Effective People,

¶ … Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey stresses the importance of empathic behavior -- listening to what other people have to say about their personal thoughts and concerns. The irony of writing this paper about the need for empathy during one of the most distressing times in the United States cannot be ignored. Americans, of all ages and backgrounds, are doing what they can to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. The question: How long will this empathy last?

On a daily basis, most Americans go about their business and show little care about others outside their immediate circle of friends and family. They rush to school, to work, to sports and other activities, concerned about paying the bills and getting some personal enjoyment away from life's stressors. They cannot be faulted. With the steadily increasing pace of life and costs -- $3.00 a gallon for fuel -- it is not easy fending for oneself let alone a family. Yet, many of these same people will find the time to assist others when something traumatic occurs. They walk or race for a cause, help raise funds for a local child with a life threatening disease, and donate to a family who lost their house in a fire.

What happened after 9-11, for example, was a wonderful example. People from throughout the country did what they could to be supportive. Unfortunately, the prayers and good will did not last long. Before long, most were overwhelmed once again with their daily schedules. Now the yellow ribbons are fading as both 9-11 and the war take a back seat to recent events.

The reaction to Katrina once again has engendered care and compassion from everyone -- even more so than September 11, it seems. Perhaps this is because it is easier to conceive of the devastation of a natural event such as a violent storm than it is to the idea of humanity destroying humanity. So many people pitched in as soon as the footage of the horrible Louisiana scenes were shown on the news. Scores of Americans put a hold on their lives and went to the nearest place to be of help. The lines at the Red Cross offices of people wanting to volunteer lined the streets.

Churches, schools, social services, firefighters, paramedics, medical personnel, and private homes either went on site or opened their doors to those in need. Even animal humane societies worked together to do their part for the four-footed victims. Others said they wished they could do more, but had too many obligations on their own doorsteps. This outpouring came in concert with words of admonishment to both political parties for being so slow to act.

The fundraising and assistance directly to the survivors of Katrina -- and Rita-- continues. At this point, the Salvation Army and Red Cross are still handling major collection and distribution of goods. Soon, smaller grassroot efforts will be needed to cook and serve meals, collect clothes, and transport people. It is expected that help will be required well into next year. The news stories coming out of this effort read like a "who's who" of caring organizations. Headlines read: "Elementary School raises money for Katrina," "Church holds fundraiser for survivors," "Sports team aids victims," "Fortune 500 lends aide to cause," "local residents help Katrina victims."

Of course, in any situation such as this, nothing is truly black and white. There are many groups that are helping out not only due to their concern for the storm victims, but their own interests as well. The media, such as programs like "Good Morning America," that have offered a great deal of help also love the PR. Also, there are many places where the needy in their own communities are now being overlooked or playing second fiddle to Katrina. Unfortunately, there are only so many resources to go around and allocation is not always perfect.

September 11 stirred up a lot of initial care that did not last relatively long, as horrible a tragedy as it was. Similarly, the War in Iraq is now actually beginning to cause more anger than support. This is another undeserved strike against the soldiers who are continuing to be psychologically and physically injured and killed in large numbers. Americans are quick to heat up and just as quick to cool down on their interests.

Then how long will the concern for Katrina last? Some say that this may be a different story and instead result in long-term involvement by the American people. Guilt is part of the reason. People question how such a rich, powerful and supposedly democratic country could have acted so poorly against the poor. Everyone agrees that the government bungled. Also, there is truly a feeling of "There but for the grace of God..." Further, how can the devastation of Katrina be forgotten when numerous homeless and jobless will be added to the ranks of other states for a very long time to come?