The Current

Katrina provides us with a sobering reality…

It just doesn’t seem right to publish a witty blog in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The videos and stories are heart-wrenching, to say the least. My eyes welled-up (and I get choked-up at the thought) at one particular interview of a man who had just lost his wife in the storm. He indicated that as she let go of his hand and disappeared into the water, her final instructions were to take care of the children and grandchildren.

For arguably one of the most devastating natural disasters in our country’s history, Katrina has left its mark, as did the tsunamis in south Asia last December. While the death toll from Katrina may pale in comparison, its affects are none-the-less severe to the areas and individuals impacted by the hurricane and its aftermath. And it’s a certainty that we will all feel the affects of Katrina for quite some time, as our economy struggles to handle the increased pressures in the wake of the storm.

All that said, I find it equally disturbing that some of my fellow bloggers and other individuals with political motivations find it necessary to place blame for this situation. I believe rational people recognize that no individual is to blame for this or any similar disaster, and rather than seek political and/or personal gain at others’ tragedies, we need to lend support and encouragement. As I type, heroes are working desperately to save lives and provide relief to the ravaged area, and Americans are coming together, as we always do, in times of need.

There is little doubt that over the next several weeks and months, hundreds of stories of both devastation and survival will flood the media. As personal tragedy headlines, it’s only a matter of time until the impact on businesses on the gulf coasts are reported. Entire business districts have been wiped out and many local chambers will not survive the aftermath of this event.

Yesterday, the US Chamber hosted a conference call to discuss ways businesses can help with the recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Pennsylvania Chamber will be working with the US Chamber, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Council of State Chamber and other similar groups to provide direction for our members and assistance to the individuals and businesses impacted by this disaster.

Please stay tuned to the Chamber’s website for additional information in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, let’s keep the victims in our thoughts and prayers, and please visit the American Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sites for additional ways to help.

To blog or not to blog, that was the question

Since my first blog, it’s no surprise that my friends and colleagues in Harrisburg have made it clear to me that they now have a target other than the Governor’s eating habits, the Senate’s lack of concept of time (we affectionately call it Senate time) and the House’s splintering of caucuses (there’s the Irish caucus, the Italian caucus, the Black caucus, the Commonwealth caucus, the History caucus, the Iowa caucus… ok, no Iowa caucus, but you get the idea…).  But that’s o.k.  Keep up the jabs… I have the blog and the attention of many.

Threats aside, concerns have been raised about whether I’ll “bite the hand that feeds me,” meaning will I attack those who I rely on to address The Chamber’s issues?  Not to worry, I do have the ability to use judgment (leaving my 80’s feathered haircut and all those college parties aside) – although when the hand that feeds you sometimes gives you table scraps, it can be hard to hold back.  Also, I am fortunate to call many in this town my friends, and I plan to spare them from embarrassment (unless absolutely warranted).

Some are concerned that writing this may hurt my credibility (including me). Upon reflection, however, I don’t have much to lose in the first place.  In fact, all you have to do is read political publications written by anonymous authors or out-of-towners to see who the Harrisburg movers and shakers are.  These tabloids are the true measures of effectiveness in Harrisburg politics.  Didn’t you see Men in Black?

Seriously, though.  In this blog, you’ll find humor and you’ll find reflections on issues that impact business.  If you’re a block-head, come back again for the serious topics.  If you’re a goof-off, come back for a break in your boring day.  And feel free to e-mail me with your thoughts, comments and/or inside scoop.  I may use it, and I’ll refrain from revealing the source.

Now, I still need to introduce my cohorts in crime here at the Chamber, but fortunately for them, they’ll have to wait for at least another blog to be exposed…

Until then, did ya’ figure out what a Parrothead was?