From the Sublime to the Despicable

We struggled in Oklahoma City to take in the horror and loss of life and loss of sanity on America's second "day of infamy." We sat glued to television sets. Helplessly we realized, as the attack unfolded before our eyes, that our lives would never again be the same.

Then amidst the monstrous inhumanity came an uplifting moment that for a time seemed to reconnect us with sanity and compassion. Governor Keating had put out a call for blood. Oklahomans were asked to donate, in Oklahoma, blood which would be sent to New York or Washington, no doubt to save lives. Oklahomans, no strangers to senseless loss of life, responded with alacrity. Almost immediately donor lines developed, five to six hours in length. It was a warm reminder that we are still a sympathetic and caring people, who rally to others in time of need.

Then just as quickly we were buffeted back to the reality of human greed. Governor Keating had not thought it necessary (who would have?) to admonish filling station operators not to try to profit by jacking up gasoline prices. Sure enough, the rumor swept through the city that there might be a shortage. Queues formed, and in minutes the price had been inflated by 50% or more in some, but not all locations. It is important to point out that many operators kept their prices steady despite the increase in demand. Profiteering is what happens when the greedy use a temporary advantage to profit from the needs of others. It is a despicable practice.

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