TO THE EDITOR:

In the shadow of tragedy and unspeakable loss, I have been repeatedly reminded of the words of Minnesotaís populist native son. Vice President Hubert Humphreyís creed was ìThe moral test of a government is how it treats those who are the dawn of life; those who are in the twilight of life; and those who are in the shadow of life: the sick, the needy and the disabled.î

We now face that great test. Hurricane Katrina has challenged the will, compassion, and commitment of our great nation: our citizens and our government. Tens of thousands of Americans have gone more than a week with scarcely any water and even less food.

Most of Katrinaís refugees face the fear of absolute abandonment and starvation because they did not own a car. Some even went to the bus and train stations 24 hours before the hurricane first struck, only to be told that public transit was prematurely shut-down.

Our greatest teachers preach compassion and the Golden Rule: treat others as we would like to be treated, when in their shoes. In the words of Vice President Humphrey: ìWhen we say, ëOne nation under God, with liberty and justice for all,í we are talking about all people. We either ought to believe it or quit saying it.î
That very belief ñ in one nation under God ñ demands that we help in any way that we can. Iíve chosen to give to the American Red Cross; please join me by calling 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669), or at www.RedCross.org.
I pray that those in peril find safety and refuge in their time of immense need. I pray that our great nation meets this moral test.

Jeremy Kalin
Chisago Lake Township

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