I saw a post on Facebook yesterday morning that really rubbed me the wrong way. It essentially said something to the effect of “which will be better for the victims of Hurricane Harvey to recover: Socialism or the Free Market?” The gist seemed to imply that Socialism was the correct answer.

This is not an event that has political implications, but I’ve not been able to shake my irritation over that post. So here is my take, for what it’s worth.

Buccee’s – This is a well-known chain of amazing gas stations with the reputation for having the cleanest restrooms in America. They opened their doors at their Katy, TX location to First Responders to sleep, eat and drink (FOR FREE), use the facilities, charge their phones, get some respite from the brevity of the situation, etc.

H-E-B – A Texas grocery chain had trucks lined up, along with portable kitchens, to roll out as of Saturday afternoon to the Corpus Christi/Rockport area and Houston and it’s surrounding areas. They contained water, food, cleaning supplies, basic essentials, etc. They are not charging those they help for this assistance or the supplies. They are also planning on feeding the volunteers.

Wal-Mart – Had trucks loaded up with pretty much the same essentials as H-E-B going to the same destinations. They have also donated $1 million to organizations helping with the fallout from Hurricane Harvey.

Tide Laundry Detergent – It’s too early for them to go in just yet, but they are prepping to head in and provide people with the ability to wash their clothes, bedding, etc. They do this for free. It’s a HUGE comfort just to have clean things when you’ve lost so much.

Bass Pro Shops – The outdoor gear store donated 80 Tracker boats and $40k in supplies to First Responders and search & rescue organizations to help with the rescue effort.

Anheiser-Busch– Stopped canning beer and started canning water instead at their Georgia plant to be sent to Red Cross shelters here in Texas for distribution.

Merrick Pet Care – Based in Amarillo, TX, this Lone Star state pet care company is sending out bags of animal food to the affected areas.

Gallery Furniture – “Mattress Mack”, as Jim McIngvale is known in Houston, opened his two stores to evacuees. He’s sent out his rental trucks to help evacuate people and then put them up in his stores. He’s feeding them breakfast, lunch and dinner on his own dime.

JJ Watt – The Houston Texans Defensive End started a Youcaring.com campaign to raise $3 million for the Houston community. Mr. Watt is known for giving back to his community and the NFL has donated $100k to this campaign. As of this writing, his campaign has raised over $2 million. He stated that the money will be used to buy supplies and necessities and given directly to those in need.

The Cajun Navy – Volunteers with boats from Louisiana came in to help with water rescues. These folks are familiar with flooding and are good at helping out. And, their state is looking like it’s in the bullseye of the regeneration of this storm. That’s some heart right there.

Volunteers from everywhere – The call went out Sunday for anyone with a flat-bottomed boat to come and help. The HOLD on emergency calls was a staggering 1000+ because First Responders in Houston have been overwhelmed. They asked; the volunteers came. They came with high water trucks, flat bottomed boats, dinghies, and the desire to help their fellow man. There was no way to organize them, but that didn’t matter. They started with one neighborhood, and kept on going.

None of this was mandated. No one said, “You must go do this.” These companies, these people, saw a need, saw a way to help their fellow man in a bad situation and said, “I will!” Sorry, but like it always does, the Free Market wins. Every. Single. Time.

Ok. Rant over. Thank you to all who’ve volunteered, donated, and prayed. The people of Texas value your help and support more than we can possibly express.

“There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle

I am proud to be a Texan.