M: Do you remember when Hurricane Katrina passed through the New Orleans?

J: Yes, that was just a few years ago.

M: What was your first impression of it when you saw all the (survivors) wading through the waters trying to get to the (stadium)?

J : In all honesty, I thought that I was watching a news storyabout people from a third world courtly.

M: I know. It was (absolutely) shocking that the people were taken care of so poorly in America.

J : In fact, I thought there was less (chaos) in Asia whenthe Tsunami hit.

M: You might be right.The evacuation and medical teams were able to (assist) the survivors almost (immediately) in Asia,whereas in New Orleans,some people went without food or water for days.

J: It was such a disgrace.

M: Unfortunately, there were quite a few victims in both situations.

J : Mother nature has amazing strength to destroy whatever is in her path.

M: Before the Tsunami,1'd never seen a twenty-meter wall of water sweep up the beach.

J : Before Hurricane Katrina,I'd never seen so many Americans (wading) in water up totheir waists and sitting on rooftops for days while they waited for help.

M: When it comes to natural disasters, no amount of money can save your life.

J: That may be true, but (contributions) can help peoplestart to re-build their lives.

M: If it weren't for international contributions.Many (survivors) would simply starve to death.