Bottom of the News… Friday, July 18, 2008

Good morning my fellow Rotarians… I thought it would be most appropriate to take this morning to highlight a top of the news item that has gotten a lot of attention for Iowa around the country these past few weeks. No, I’m not talking about the flooding, but rather HOW Iowans have reacted to what is shaping up to be one of the top 10 disasters in US history. I wanted to share a few excerpts from some newspaper editorials.

It Started with the Wall Street Journal
Their editorial talked about “what we don’t see in Iowa” and they talked about the lack of street violence and looking at people sitting on their rooftops and many other examples. And within days newspapers around the country picked up on the observation of how people of Iowa were reacting to our catastrophe. Towns were overwhelmed, businesses destroyed, and crops were being washed away. Fox News called it "Iowa's Katrina."

The St. Paul Pioneer Press
As events unfolded, people stepped up in the Iowa “stubborn” way. We know that all too well, being Minnesotians! There were many man-on-the-street interviews, and nobody was complaining. They all seemed to be working to solve their problems, which is not surprising because Iowans do not complain about tragedy. They complain about hot weather and dry weather, and winter cold (that comes down from Minnesota with lots of snow!), but they do not complain about tragedy.

The Detroit News
Katrina has become a metaphor for many things beyond natural disaster, including governmental and individual incompetence (depending on your point of view). In Iowa there was a greater than 500 year flood, but the people were not paralyzed, whining, or looting. When the people in Iowa were asked to evacuate from certain significantly flooded areas they did so without question. They evacuated. I am sure if you poked around enough in Iowa you could find a few disgruntled souls.

The Boston Globe
There has been no large-scale blame cast elsewhere, to Washington, federal officials, or FEMA. So far, we haven't heard anybody say the high water is the president’s fault. Nobody in Iowa is complaining or blaming. Nobody has abandoned their jobs. Nobody is crying foul. Nobody is looting. None of their senators and governor have been crying on TV. In fact, a “large congratulations” might be sent to Iowa, or Iowans, who seem to be dealing with their floods the only way possible, by dealing with them.

And unfortunately, there will be no massive relief effort from around the world with telethons and lots of celebrity support. Most of those who will step up to help with be other Iowans.

The difference is not in the severity of the flood, but in the people who confront the flood. Good for Iowa.

And I am proud to give this Top of the News report for Friday, July 18, 2008.

So today, I am fortunate to be hosting a special event to help our business community. The Iowa Business Recovery Summit will start within the hour at Mount Mercy. The chamber and a dozen companies have teamed up with 15 coaches and advisors who have stepped up to join our effort.

And we have a special guest from New Orleans who will be a featured presenter over lunch talking about “Lessons from Katrina.” Brian Baudean, a fellow Rotarian, is with us today and I wanted you all to meet him.

Also, if you would still like to attend the summit either this morning, or for lunch, talk to me and we can get you signed up. We have around 100 people coming and it is FREE at Donnelly Hall at Mount Mercy, registration starts at 8 am, lunch is at Noon. Thanks for your support!

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