Lessons From Katrina

By Albert Mohler

Beyond The News

Looking back at the year, we asked each of our commentators what they thought was the most significant story of 2005. Here's Albert Mohler:

By any measure, 2005 was a big year for news. In the United States, the biggest story had to do with hurricanes--especially Hurricane Katrina.

There were many lessons to be learned from this tragedy, but one lesson has been missed my much of the media: the limitations of government. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, the question was quickly asked: Why didn't the government prevent this devastation? Why isn't the government ready to deal with this kind of disaster?

Many Americans now assume that government is the answer to every problem. But, if anything, the aftermath of Katrina reminds us that governments are very limited. Churches showed up to feed millions of meals. Neighbors helped neighbors to rescue and assist. Government has a role, but it can't replace families, churches and communities.

That's a big lesson for 2005.

(Emphasis mine - HH)