The past weeks were an idyllic scene, full of smiling families and festivity. Christmas lights bathed everything in a soft, electric glow which tinged hearts with good cheer.
"What a lovely holiday season," the American People sighed contentedly, and they settled down to watch reruns of "It's a Wonderful Life."
But somewhere in between the Christmas ham and the New Year's champagne, our joy and warmth was, quite literally, washed away.
Like the rest of the world community, I too was shocked and horrified at the disaster that claimed more than 150,000 lives, a number which I'm sure will continue to increase. Woe to the heart which cannot be touched by front-page photos of parents holding their dead children's bodies to their bosoms.
But shock can only last so long, and the world has accordingly turned to the relief effort, which will undoubtedly fall short of what is needed. In the typical democratic fashion, there will be much discussion as to what would be the proper course of action.
While listening to a program on Bloomberg Radio, I heard the host discussing the recent tsunami and followed as the conversation inexplicably turned to President Bush's upcoming inauguration ceremony.
The host mentioned how W's public relations team had been planning their boss's January "coronation" -- a Freudian slip if ever I heard one -- an event that they proposed would be rather low-key. In light of the recent tragedy, the radio host said, an opulent celebration would send the wrong message to the world community.
At that point, I nearly drove off the Throgs Neck Bridge.
The host then went on to say how this catastrophe could be used to gain back the world's respect. It was really a "wonderful way to start off a second term." Yes, mass genocide caused by natural disaster is the perfect kickoff, isn't it?
To his credit, President Bush has allocated $350 million to the relief effort, an amount that unfortunately will be vastly insufficient to cope with the horror in Southeast Asia.
Not surprisingly, the President also announced plans for a nationwide fundraiser, the proceeds of which will go directly to large, reputable charities like the American Red Cross.
Well, it's a start.
Of course, the government could just write a check for more relief funds. This administration has never had a problem with doling out money before. What could a few million more possibly matter in our gaping wound of a deficit?
Let's play a little game, shall we? Say -- hypothetically, of course -- that there exists a bottomless pit of trouble. Into this black hole is poured endless amounts of money, resources and human lives. There is almost no forward progress. There is no end in sight.
It would make sense, of course, to stop wasting capital and supplies in a place where they are of no use, and put them somewhere else, somewhere they are desperately needed.
The moral of the story: Helping those who resist it is a losing battle.
The truth is, aid works best when people want it, and the fortunate (or unfortunate, as the case may be) survivors in Southeast Asia are in desperate need. The effects of the waves were deadly, but a quick death is nothing compared to the slow suffering that the survivors face. Dysentery, infections, starvation and a hundred other hardships are the only future for these innocent victims.
As David Brooks of The New York Times succinctly put it, "this is a moment to feel deeply bad." Each one of us grieves for the loss of human life. We cannot explain it, and we cannot change it. This is a sorrowful start to a new year.
But it is more than that. This is a time for us -- all of us -- to do whatever we can. Every cent helps. If you have not done so already, I urge you to make a donation to the American Red Cross, which accepts any amount starting from a modest $5. You can even donate your spare change at most Coinstar machines.
Let us not divide ourselves, but rather come together in the spirit of giving and in the face of this inexplicable tragedy.
Donations can be made by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or online at www.redcross.org.
