Analysis: Hope for Humanity

Analysis

Duke continues to update customers in the Upstate about their schedule for restoring power to all.  Thousands have already had their power restored.  Thousands more are still waiting in the dark.

We can be thankful for the myriads of diligent workers.

Sadly, 25 persons have been reported dead because of Helene. Most of these casualties occurred in the Upstate. Authorities continue to call for caution, safety and good sense.  Soggy terrain cannot hold giant leaning trees indefinitely. So even days after the rain has stopped, trees are still falling.

Motorists are telling the same story with different street names and dates: they drive to a destination, finish their business and head toward home via the same route.  Only by then the roadway is blocked by still another fallen tree. Detours have temporarily become the new norm for navigating near soggy soil.

Courtesy

Motorists and pedestrians are more courteous than normal, having survived a common disaster. Since there are few, if any, working lights in some areas, motorists are waiting patiently and signaling for others to go first.

Shoppers are getting better acquainted with their neighbors. Business owners, idle by closures, easily chat with perfect strangers over coffee and meals.

Harris Teeter has become a major gathering place for hungry souls. The store already has built-in electric outlets for customers to recharge their devises.  But now they have also set up additional charging stations for diners and shoppers.

Motorists form long lines at the few gas stations open for business. Most motorists are patient and pleasant. No one has to rush off to work or to appointments to see the dentists or to pick up the kids from school or a soccer game.  We finally have some leisure time.

Inquisitive shoppers actually help one another at the hardware store and other places, the few that are open.  After all, employees are far outnumbered and spread thin. What one customer asks, another customer may know.  The intention is good even if the credibility is sometimes lacking or suspect.

Incredulous inquirers may decide to wait for a store team member to supply more precise and reliable information while being careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings. After all, they mean well.

One shopper returned a generator cord to a store.  Another shopper wanted it.  They struck a deal in the parking lot.  Cash on the barrel head concluded their business.  Both went away smiling.

Could there be hope for humanity after all?