[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Good Job by All

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Good Job by All
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1186107866.shtml


   Too often it takes a tragedy like the collapse of a bridge and the
   attendant human strife to illustrate just how good we truly have it
   here, in America, in Minnesota, here in the Twin Cities.
   As I watched the coverage, switching channels frequently, I was really
   impressed how well organized the response was by our police officers,
   fire fighters, medical teams, the Red Cross, and other emergency
   agencies. Many citizens either on the bridge or nearby pitched in
   until the "first responders" could arrive. Surrounding communities
   filled in while Minneapolis's crews dealt with what I hope remains the
   biggest such local disaster I can remember. The Twin Cities handled
   this wholly unanticipated disaster better than did New Orleans with
   advance notice and known issues.
   Our public officials appeared at the right times and said the right
   things, even those we otherwise mistrust. They made it clear that
   whatever is necessary now for rescue and recovery, and later for
   review and rebuilding, will be forthcoming. But otherwise, they stayed
   out of the way and largely off camera.
   Our media gets top marks from me as well this first day. All four
   local channels did a great job. Sure, they repeated showed the same
   footage and they repeated themselves many times trying to fill the
   time while producers scrambled to line up more material. But this is
   exactly what we needed, so people as they came home or otherwise tuned
   in got up to speed quickly. Both newspapers this morning did equally
   well. The national media largely drew from our local coverage, showing
   America how we do things here in flyover country.
   Sure, a couple of individuals could be accused of grandstanding or
   making unwarranted political observations. In the heat of the moment,
   we can all say something inappropriate. What counted yesterday and
   today, was what everyone did, not mere talk.
   We grieve for those caught literally in the middle, of course, and I'm
   sure what needs to get done for them will continue to get done. But
   it's also appropriate and deserved to add: well done by all.