Hurricane Earl: I like the Name, But.

Hurricane Earl is sweeping through the Caribbean, already a category 3 storm and gaining strength as it goes. Earl is playing havoc with tourists throughout the area, who most likely did not fork out the money they did just to listen to the wind whistle, watch trees fall, and gaze forlornly at signs announcing activities that are cancelled and the closing of beaches. Gosh, a tourist cannot shop if the tables on the beach and marketplaces cannot be set up for business.

It's my fault. I know it is. It is my fault if someone steals my car and I did not take the most stringent steps to secure it so noone could take it. I guess even then, it would be my fault if someone got past the safeguards and took it, because I have a car and they don't, and that is just plain old not fair.

Unemployment is my fault. If I wasn't such a greedy soul, demanding a roof over my head, electrical power to run the computer, and internet service so I can stay connected with family, friends, acquaintances, and the news, there might be a job for someone. Forget the fact that I have been out of work for more than a year and a half; that is my fault, too. I set my ambitions too high. I should have recognized that skill, knowledge, and a desire and ability to work were not regarded with the same value as I gave them. So that, obviously, is my fault, too.

I like the name "Earl." My husband's very nice uncle's name was Earl. Uncle Earl was in real estate when you could trust your real estate broker with your soul. He wore an extremely nice suit that was a soft, elegant gray color. He gave a lot of credit to the name. One of my favorite songs is "Duke of Earl." The whole theme is that everything will be alright with the world when the girl becomes the Duchess of Earl; that love is ever-conquering and will smooth the path for those surrounded by it. "My name is Earl" provided some laughs, and some pondering of consequences, as Earl got a second chance to atone for things he had done to hurt people whose paths were entwined with his. So why name a hurricane, or a tropical storm, that create havoc and destroy lives, after people?

We carry enough guilt already. Let's change things around and name the hurricanes and storms by numbers.