I’m listening to an episode of This American Life on XM radio about people who have come close to death. The first act was about that flight recently whose front tire wouldn’t set itself for landing.
They interviewed three folks from the flight. Survivors. These people recounted their time on the plane before the crash emergency landing.
One guy tells the story of how he had an argument with his girlfriend before his trip, and how while on the plane he recorded a video message for her, telling her he loved her so that she wouldn’t feel guilty if something had happened to him. Can you imagine? What would you say? What could you say?
They watched the news of their own impending crash on the small in-seat screens. When the newscaster said he couldn’t imagine that they’d have time to watch the newscast, since they’d obviously be preparing for their landing, a wave of nervous laughter came over the cabin. Later, an automated message telling them, “Brace! Brace! Brace!” was about the only preparation they had. Unbelievable.
The second act is about Katrina survivors. It’s surprisingly - and refreshingly - personal. The reporter actually talks to real people, and isn’t afraid to get dirty in the wreckage and ask people questions.
She hits the small town of Perlington, where FEMA simply isn’t present. She finally finds someone who knows something about who’s actually running the recovery operation. He says it’s just five people, all volunteers from nearby towns, none FEMA, none paid. Where’s FEMA? He says, “I’m proud to be an American, but I don’t have time for horseshit.”
It’s the first profile I’ve heard of Katrina that was more than photos of devastation and dollar amounts and brings the humanity into the story.
Good show.
