In our 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy to forget what happened two weeks ago, or even last week. In fact, the only way we are reminded is by a story here or there. People in western North Carolina and parts of Florida are still picking up the pieces of their lives after two storms close together, just as we had to do for weeks following Sandy or Ida.
Sandy also occurred in an election year and although there was an element of politics in certain areas, such as the refusal of some red states to fund recovery money for the blue Atlantic coast, at least FEMA workers didn’t have to worry about armed militias threatening to kill them. Violent political rhetoric leads to violence.
Online, Elon Musk is fomenting anti-Semitism with claims that Jewish government officials have orchestrated these disasters. Calling on the Lord to summon hurricanes? We need to ask what has happened to America since 2012 to create such garbage and why some people would believe it. Hitler once said if you tell a lie often enough, it will be believed.
Prayer for the Day
What has happened to us, O God, we ask,
When those who help are targeted by extremists?
What is the origin of such hate and anger we are experiencing,
Hampering not only relief efforts but our daily lives?
Help us, O Lord, to overcome threats and vitriol,
Enabling workers to complete their tasks in safety.
In the name of the One who extends his care to all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We’re seeing an alarming trend of antisemitism being included now in false narratives around pretty much any breaking news event. This portends a grim outlook for the information ecosystem, both on X itself but also on other platforms where these narratives trickle into and evolve.
Isabelle Frances-Wright, Institute for Strategic Dialog
I thought gov’t accounts could not be protected. She thinks she can hide behind her nose. … Guilty of treason for directing Hurricane Helene funds to illegals
Two posts on X about Jaclyn Rothenberg, FEMA communications director
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right,
And speak the truth from their hearts, who do not slander with their tongues
Psalm 15: 1-3a