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This is indeed a tragedy and it brings shock to all Americans. We as Americans take too much for granted. I agree that our transportation system could use a tune up not because of this but because of the ever depleting fuel supply. Lets face it, when was the last time a major bridge or section of highway collapsed equal to this severity? Tragedies like this happen but not very often, unfortunately it is an unpleasant way of life.

One thing I've noticed is we as Americans are quick to cast blame. Blame will not fix the bridge, blame will not bring the lost loved ones back, and blame will not pay for repairs, losses and injuries. I don't know if pointing a finger or giving ones two cents worth on who is at fault somehow makes a person think they have done their part and can move on and forget. Instead take a moment out of your busy 'tragedy free' day and say a prayer for these people. If you are in the Minneapolis area, contact the authorities and see if there is anyway you can get on a list of any kind to give assistance. Sometimes just giving a stranger a hug is all that person needs. Offer to organize meals for the rescue team or for families of victims. It is equally important that we don't allow our assistance efforts to interfere and or hinder the rescue efforts of the emergency personnel involved. Be creative and find a way you can help. Monetary donations are always needed but again, lets not donate $100.00 and call it good just because that is the easiest and most convenient way for you to fulfill what you think is helping. Again, be creative and find a useful way to help.

Put your-self in the shoes of one of the victims of this tragedy, do you really think you would be trying to figure out the first person too blame? No, you probably would foremost be thankful you are alive; perhaps thankful you are walking away with only a broken arm rather than ending up one of the fatalities; and undoubtedly wondering if and how you can help rescue other victims. You shouldn't have to be a victim before you voluntarily assist a victim.

If you think about the families with loved ones involved in this tragedy; it affects hundreds of people. We should pull together to assist if we can and not ONLY if it is convenient for you at the moment. What may be a small inconvenience to you may mean life or death for someone else. We shouldn't wait for a tragedy this size in order to help victims.

Take a step back and look at your community, the needs that arise due to tragedy there are just as tragic to someone just like this bridge collapsing is tragic to the Minneapolis area. It is time we slow down our busy lifestyle and take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we as individuals are. There are house fires, floods, kidnappings, murders, the list goes on and on, and these things are all tragic to someone. It shouldn't just be a blurb on the evening news or a paragraph in the newspaper, they are tragedies. These are a hell of a lot worse than your bounced check, being late to an event, late too work, a mess made by your kids, ect. All of those can be made up for or easily resolved or forgotten over time, but a lost loved one will remain forever. Next time you see your kids, parents, grandparents, loved ones; stop and give them a hug, tell them you love them, after all you never know when a bridge will collapse or a building will go up in smoke and you or them will fall victim to a tragedy your-selves and that last "I love you" will never be heard.

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