Our sympathies to many readers that either live in, or have relatives in, the Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama affected areas tied to Hurricane Katrina and the Texas and Louisiana affected areas tied to Hurricane Rita.

We have watched in awe as the news media has unveiled the tragedy at hand before us and are reminded, and humbled by, the absolute raw power of nature and its ability to reduce us from invincibility to vulnerability in a matter of moments.

It will be, of course, the indomitable human spirit that will arise from this crisis. Neighbor will reach out to neighbor, strangers will become friends and, for at least a brief moment, race, religion, money, social status and sex will no longer exist. The human race has always redeemed itself during times like these and when faced with what seems like insurmountable odds we have always risen to meet the challenge head on.

It is only our simple wish that in the months and years ahead as we, the people of this great nation, forge ahead to rebuild and grow from these tragic events that we will remember the human ties that bind us all together and elevate ourselves to a better place.