We saw what it's like

(News and Observer; 12/25/02; Nancy Milio)

Worrying about how to stay warm, how to eat and get enough food; wondering whether one's medication will last; not knowing when the crisis would end; spending much time and energy just getting through the day; many thousands of us, relieved that the recent ice storm is over, are grateful to family and friends, public and private workers who supported us.

As we learn to organize better, let us also learn to diversify away from our dependence on fossil fuel.

But as important, another lesson: now we know in our insides what many thousands must live through every day: the chronic crisis of inadequate housing, having enough food and medication, being consumed with getting by each day, unable to have confidence in the future.

Despite the war economy and deficits, state and congressional legislators must make provision for sound housing and support for the most vulnerable among us, drawing on the resources of the rest of us, especially the wealthiest.

The stalled National Housing Trust Fund Bill and Welfare Re-authorization must be humanely and generously designed and funded. Sen.-elect Elizabeth Dole and Sen. John Edwards can push them, now making the case based on their own eyes, if not direct experience during the crisis. Rep. David Price has recently been directly responsive to the community; he can push his caucus to bring the housing trust bill to a vote.

Let's not forget our misery. Let's assuage the misery of our less fortunate neighbors.