Ridin' and Readin'

Yesterday we needed to have the car repaired near here and the easiest way home was the bus. The bus operates in the city near us, 120,000 people, and also into the surrounding communities of the county. I've used the bus before and it's a fairly fun and painless.  I am amazed at the community of people that use the bus regularly.Given the need, I would use the bus regularly instead of buying another car.

The thoughts of community is what drew me to the book I'm reading now, A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit. The subtitle is more pleasant, The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster. The book is about the groups of people that come together after a "disaster." The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Hurricane Katrina and New York after 9-11 are a few of the disasters discussed. So far I'm guessing the author has tended to be critical of the authorities involved in the recovery of these cities, and praises the grassroots efforts of different individuals after each disaster. I'm looking forward to reading more to get the full idea of what the author is describing.

The idea of community in difficult times has been on my mind. What role will I play is helping others? What can I bring to bear in times of need? What am I doing now the learn more? Why? Because I think we are in for more difficult times before good time, if we get good at all.