<p>It feels as though hurricane Katrina is somehow moving the United States towards the liberal side of politics. Anyone else think so?</p>
<p>Do you mean liberal in terms of social policies? Fiscal policies? I think that this disaster has helped "soften up" and unite the country in some ways, but I don't know if it's ultimately going to change how people feel politically.</p>
<p>The hurricane brought to the forefront of national sympathy a number of underpriveleged people who may have in the past been dismissed (rightly or wrongly) as responsible for their own problems. Many people who might in normal circumstances be reluctant to give "handouts" have no problem extending relief, even government-funded relief, to the same people once they have become victims of a national disaster. </p>
<p>Someone on NPR this morning pointed out that some of the poorest N.O. residents were the kind of people that many Americans preferred to locate their neighborhoods far away from. And yet post-Katrina, they are opening their communities to these needy folk. </p>
<p>However, I have worried about compassion fatigue. I have high hopes that many families who are making a "new start" will be able to achieve great success in their new lives and may lead lives with fewer hardships. But some may still struggle, and I fear that communities will come to resent the ongoing needs of people who have few resources (of every kind) beyond those which have been donated to them. I think even many "liberals" who have always advocated social programs and robust public support of the disadvantaged may find themselves feeling differently over time. But I dearly hope to be proven wrong!</p>