I don’t often make political commentary in my missives unless it specifically relates to the financial markets. However, today I want to make an exception and tell you what I’ve witnessed.
As you are probably aware, I live in Houston where we are currently being hit by the worst hurricane/storm since 1986. Currently, I am one of the lucky ones. As of this writing, the rising waters have not yet reached the house, the power is still on and the family is safe. For all of this, I am thankful.
For thousands in the Houston area, they were not so lucky. I have dear friends, clients and colleagues reaching out to me with tales of complete loss. It’s a heartbreaking tragedy.
I do want to say one thing.
Since the election, the daily headlines have been filled with nothing but the ongoing political divide in this country between the extreme right and left. “Hate” has filled our airways, headlines, and social commentary. It is unfortunate that for many, it seems as if this is representative of the nation as a whole.
Let me assure you it isn’t.
If you want proof, all you have to do is turn on the television and watch the multitude of individuals that have leapt into action to help their neighbors and complete strangers. They have opened their homes, shared their food and helped in any way they can. They are raising money, making donations, and providing services where ever, and to whomever, they can.
There have been no debates over race, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, religion, political affiliation or wealth. It doesn’t matter. It has been nothing more than one human being reaching out to help others in need.
THIS is who we REALLY are.
In times of need, we have always come together to help others. To reach out and lift them up. It is the very essence of our “human spirit,” the same spirit which has defined the very core our nation.
As President Harry S. Truman once said:
“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
