Coming Together

 

(c) John Minchillo/AP

9/11. The devastating Asian tsunami. Katrina. The Haitian earthquake. Hurricane Sandy.

Immediately, the most obvious similarity between these events that springs to mind is the immeasurable, unthinkable devastation wrought upon countless human lives. Destruction of this magnitude overwhelms our comprehension, almost to the point of seeming fictional. As we know, however, the suffering brought on by these disasters is all too real.

Still, these events have another, more hopeful commonality. It may be the silver lining on a crap-colored cloud, but it's nonetheless true.  In times of crisis, we pull together.

In America and across the world, people from all walks of life ask themselves the same questions. How can I help? What can I do? In the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy, those who had power, shelter, clothing, and food shared with those who didn't.

Across the nation, individuals continue to donate to relief efforts, and civic organizations and churches collect much-needed items for storm victims. Around the globe, nations offer their assistance and their prayers. In a world where much divides us, it's heartening to remember that so much more connects us.

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For tips on volunteering, sending money, and donating items to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, visit The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

A Groundswell of Support for Ellen and JCPenney

(c) The Ellen DeGeneres Show

By now, you've heard the story. An organization calling itself One Million Moms (in fact, a product of the hate group the American Family Association) recently demanded that JCPenney fire its new spokeswoman, Ellen DeGeneres. Their beef? DeGeneres is openly gay.

Rather than highlighting the ignorance of OMM - they do a tremendous job of that on their own - we instead want to applaud the overwhelmingly pro-fairness reaction to this story.