The Industry Has A Role In, The Rebuilding Days Ahead
Im writing this one week after the terrorist attack. I know that well all need courage in the days to come, but these days can be our best.
We may know people who were directly involved. Family members, friends, or associates who perished or were injured in the explosion or its aftermath. Or people who managed to escape. Our deep sympathy flows to all.
We have unforgettable images. Some are terrifying, like the dark billowing smoke, the people leaping from windows, the crowds running.
But other images are unifying. The mayor rallying the city and President Bush the nation. The gatherings and vigils. The singing. The Europeans, and others around the world, deciding they are all Americans now. The wonderful announcers at resumed baseball games, groping for words and coming up with the right ones: "We want to be part of the encouragement to move forward."
I suspect we all want to be part of that encouragement, although its just a small part we can play as individuals.
Our industry has suffered in the tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the companies and brokerages in the two towers, and to the families involved in the attacks.
Then there are the financial losses. These will be great. And lets realize that our industry is global these days, so the impact is worldwide.
Despite the losses, our industry can and will play its partand it wont be small.
Perhaps Abraham Lincoln, just into his presidency, said it best: "I think the necessity of being ready increasesLook to it." Thats what I think the insurance industry needs to do: Look to it.
This can be done. The industrys professionals are experts in the uncertainty business. They know that dealing with uncertainty requires calmness, and measured, well thought-out response. Theyre crafting that response now.
This is a comeback business, too, and a rebuilding business. Above all, its a human security business–for the long haul. Thats what this business is all about. Its leaders know that, and will build on that. You can count on it.
What about the menace of uncertainty? Our civilization has seen that before–for instance, in the world wars and the cold war. The menace needed to be overcome and it was, but the process took years.
