Selfishness A ‘Dead End’
July 12, 2007

In dangerous and troubling times, Americans should remember the importance of helping others, said U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-3rd District.

“The mindset of selfishness is a dead end,” Wamp said Tuesday at the eighth annual Humanitarian Recognition Luncheon at the Oak Ridge City Center. The event was sponsored by the Appalachian Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Wamp said he thinks constantly about potential terrorist threats and other dangers to the American way of life, including natural disasters.

“I’ve very worried about the future,” he said.

As an example, he cited the potential impact that Hurricane Rita could have had if it had hit Galveston, Texas, in 2005, possibly knocking out gasoline service in the eastern United States for several weeks.

The 50-year-old congressman said his generation might end up leaving the country in worse shape than they found it.

Wamp said the inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was more disappointing than anything else he has seen in 13 years in public office. The response at the local, state and federal levels shows that people should not expect too much of government and also emphasizes the importance of institutions like the Red Cross, he said.

At Tuesday’s luncheon, the Red Cross recognized 23 chapter sponsors and also recognized several chapter volunteers, including Deborah Sharpe, Marilyn Duncan, Levina Hannon, Scott Potter, Sharon Crane, Stephanie Burke and Sue Dancy.

With three staff members and more than 300 volunteers, the American Red Cross’ Appalachian Chapter is based in Oak Ridge but serves Anderson County, said Marcus Weseman, the organization’s financial development chair.

The chapter provides armed-forces emergency services, disaster services, health and safety services and community volunteer services.