It’s been hard for me to put into words what I am feeling about the catastrophe on the Gulf Coast. Some of the images have reminded me of things I see here in Brazil on a weekly basis. It’s like it’s not even America. I’ve really missed my family during this time, I’m sure because of the emotional nature of the things I’m seeing on the news, but then also because it makes me feel like that’s not the country I know and love. At times like this everyone turns to their own preconceived ideas in order to blame someone.

I’m tired of thinking about who is to blame. It’s a tragedy.

WE weren’t prepared to respond.

WE didn’t anticipate all the damage.

WE have to take action.

WE are responsible for the lives of those people at the convention center.

I’M responsible and I need to figure out what I’m going to do about it from 5,000 miles away here in Brazil.