Now is not the time for 'blame game' to begin

The blame game has already started.

Started days ago, really, before flood waters had stopped rising.

I suspect there will be plenty of blame to go around, for all sides and at all levels, from the very top to the very bottom. But now isn't the time for that.

Right now, the nation is still trying to grasp the magnitude of the disaster, to get our collective arms around those suffering and in pain, those desperately searching for missing family members, those without homes, clothes or jobs.

Politics has no place in this tragedy, the people are what is important.

Putting petty party differences aside Monday were former Presidents Bush and Clinton as they announced the creation of the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Already, corporations from Microsoft to Wal-Mart have already contributed $23 million.

It will take that and more, much, much more as residents in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama work to rebuild their lives.

Like many of you, I'm lucky. I have a great job, wonderful family and friends, enough to eat and a home. I even have enough to splurge on extras like an triple, nonfat latte — or two.

The least I can do is send a few dollars to those who need help. They would do the same if I need it. How can I turn them down in their hour of need?

Want to help?

Here are some charitable organizations recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

? Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org.

? American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or online at http://www.redcross.org/

? Catholic Charities, USA, Call 1-800-919-9338, or online at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

? Salvation Army, Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or online at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

? United Methodist Committee on Relief, Call 1-800-554-8583, or online at http://gbgm-umc.org/

? For a complete list of charitable agencies recommended by FEMA, visit http://www.fema.gov/rrr/help2.shtm

? To see the list of members of InterAction, a coalition of relief agencies, go to www.interaction.org

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.