First thing’s first: We are not a city in crisis. We are a community responding to a crisis.

And that requires compassion and caring, not panic and rumors.

So I have two words for those of you who continue to spread stories about violent crime in our city as a result of the influx of people: Shut up.

I’ll be gracious and add one more word: Please.

I am tired of hearing outlandish stories from people who have nothing better to do than spread gossip.

And if I’m tired of it, you can bet Sheriff Ronny Brown and Police Chief Mike Mullins have better things to do than respond to calls about these far-fetched concerns &045; such as make sure their staffs are prepared to handle any disturbance that does occur.

Yes, our streets are crowded, and there have been long lines and high tensions at some gas stations and stores.

But for the most part, save maybe a fistfight, we have not had the major problems that other cities and especially New Orleans have had.

The people forced to flee to our city are just like us &045; but they are in an unimaginable situation.

Our reporters and I have been to our area shelters. We’ve met the people who are our new neighbors.

These are people who are hurting &045; and they are hungry for information. They do not know where all of their friends and family are. They do not know what has happened to their homes. They do not know what happens next.

And the compassion far outweighs the gossip, it’s just much quieter, coming from volunteers and donors who are not looking for any recognition.

So many people in our community have reached out their arms to help.

The Red Cross, other agencies and their network of volunteers are manning shelters around the clock, not to mention the many churches also serving as shelters.

And many of our residents have opened their doors to family, friends and sometimes strangers.

Natchez has long been known for its hospitality. We have welcomed tourists for day and weekend trips; we have welcomed new residents who chose to move here after carefully researching their options.

Many of our new neighbors never had any option. Fleeing from a storm that turned out worse than anyone even feared, they are trying to make the best of a tragic situation, and our volunteers are trying to respond to all of their needs.

Their compassion is inspiring, and it has been a powerful antidote to the scenes of chaos in New Orleans.

Also inspiring is the matter-of-fact optimism of many of the people who find themselves here, at least the ones with whom I have spoken.

They have had less than a week to absorb the idea that their lives have changed, but they are applying for jobs, looking for homes and enrolling their children in school. They are already rebuilding their lives one day at a time.

I have heard many people this week say Katrina could help or hurt our community.

We couldn’t control what she did when she slammed ashore last Monday, but we can control what we do in the aftermath. And I believe we can be stronger not because of the crisis but because of our response to it.

Kerry Whipple

Bean is editor of The Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3541 or by e-mail at kerry.bean@ natchezdemocrat.com.