As an Warrant Officer-Infantry during the Ice Storm that hit the Montreal-Canada region in 1998, I had to coordinate supply to refugee shelters. For me, it was unimaginable, the helplessness of certain people in our society. Unfortunately many are incapable of the smallest initiative to help themselves. The evacuees had all the time they wanted to pack before leaving their homes. Yet, some came with nothing. Toothbrushes, diapers, you name it they didn’t have it. When my men asked the refugees for help serving meals or other tasks, none volunteered… These were not elderly or infirm but able bodies individuals.

It has led me to believe that some people are incapable of acting on their own behalf to save their hides or help themselves when the going gets tough.