How much is too much charity?

Drawing the line for hurricane victims I am sure I will touch a nerve with a few people in voicing my opinion on this topic, however, the frustration and anger is building in me so much that I feel a need to express my opinion. Let me preface this by reminding my readers that this is solely my opinion, and that many of my peers do not feel the same way as myself. Day after day I hear about how isolated, how deprived and how down and out these hurricane affected people are; yet, I never seem to see them doing anything to help themselves. I see them sitting, living and lying in the same place they were two weeks ago when they initially got evacuated to the shelters. They haven’t moved, they haven’t found jobs, or even taken steps to fend for themselves! They appear to be waiting for a hand out, not a hand up. I was raised by the old story that if you teach a man to fish, he will be able to take care of himself. If you give a man a fish, he will become dependent upon you for food. Is that what is happening in the gulf? Why aren’t these people doing something for themselves to survive? I haven’t seen many without the means to walk or talk so, in my opinion, they should be able to participate in their livelihood. I try to think what my family would do if something tragic happened in Sevier County. If we lost our home, our car, our job, everything we needed to survive. I can assure you that my husband, and all my children would not still be in a shelter! We can, and would find a means to take care of the family. Yes, a meal or two and even some supplies to get us started would be much appreciated, but I certainly would not be in the same shelter three weeks after the event happened. I understand that I cannot completely comprehend the magnitude of devastation down in the gulf, but come on, how much money and time are we going to sink into this, especially since hurricane “Rita” is coming around the corner. If the residents of the area want the community re-built, then I say they should participate in the work. My momma always told me, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat!” I say the same thing to those folks expecting a free handout constantly, who want everyone else to rebuild their homes and give them a way to live. It’s not about race, it’s not about culture, it’s not about geography, it’s about taking care of those who strive to take care of themselves. I am proud of those evacuees who have relocated, who already got a job, and have found shelter for their families. They apparently took the steps necessary to better their situation, and they deserve a hearty congratulation. Remember, God helps those who help themselves.