I absolutely abhor shows like Dateline NBC, which I consider to be the worst of the genre.

Nevertheless, I'm watching it right now with their on-the-ground coverage of the hurricane aftermath.

I've been meaning to write about this thought for a while, and I'm actually inspired by Dateline to say this: human beings are remarkably resilient.

I have the honor of working with trauma survivors every day. And more than their strength and courage, I am constantly awed by their ability to carry on in the face of tremendous odds.

And so it goes with the hurricane survivors. In the face of horrifying conditions, they carry on the best they can.

The other thing that has touched me is the outpouring of support, money and compassion from around the country and around the world. Americans are remarkably generous to our countrymen in times of dire need.

I'm especially grateful to the members of the international community who don't hold our bullying foreign policy against the survivors of this tragedy and have offered aid and services.

Human beings are remarkable and that gives me hope.