Since September 11, 2001, the United States of America has been obsessed with homeland security. The events of the last few days on the Gulf Coast make it clear that there is no such thing as security. Disasters will occur, if not by terrorism, then by natural events.

President Bush finally admitted that we are fighting the war in Iraq to preserve our source of oil. We have spent billions and destroyed thousands of lives in fighting wars overseas to control access to oil. Yet, in a few hours, a huge source of oil is cut off by one massive hurricane.

The damage done by Katrina was amplified because huge casinos and resorts were built in a place so vulnerable to giant storms. In the process, protective wetlands were destroyed. We are a materialistic people who make pleasure and wealth our ultimate goals. There is no security in wealth.

Jesus told a story of a rich man who built bigger and better barns to store his wealth. According to the story, God told him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.”

The only way we will survive is by using our money to help each other, rather than by hoarding it for our own security. It is time to share with those who have nothing, or who have lost everything. We will never find security by fighting wars to preserve our access to oil. Wake up America, you are on the verge of hearing the message, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.”