The image a mention of the name Katrina conjures up has been forever changed. Before the hurricane that devastated the gulf states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, you probably would have thought of the 1980s group Katrina and the Waves, who had one hit, "Walking on Sunshine."

The image now is of devastation, destruction and despair. The effects of Katrina will be felt for years to come. But time, money and the sweat of good people in a worthy cause have a way of literally changing the face of the earth. Already, a reverse tidal wave of aid and expertise is flowing to the damaged areas. Images of destruction and chaos, common a week ago, are being replaced with images of trucks laden with food and water rolling south and water being pumped out of New Orleans. It may be trite, but it is true, a remarkable difference can be made in just a few days.

In my spare time I enjoy reading and watching movies. I saw two films this past holiday weekend that were very different from one another, but carried a common theme.

American History X, starring Edward Norton as an ex-convict reformed Neo Nazi trying to begin a new life free of hate, is a powerful film. The images of Neo Nazis spewing hatred and the scenes where Norton kills two black men after catching them stealing his car stereo are vividly violent and disturbing. The metamorphosis Norton's character undergoes while in prison is startling. His struggles to make amends with his former way of life and change the heart of his younger brother makes for compelling drama. Avery Brooks is excellent in a supporting role as a teacher challenging and helping the brothers combat hate. In the end, having the strength to be kind and loving ultimately wins out, at a terrible cost to the family.

A second film, Max, starring John Cusack as an art dealer in Munich, Germany in 1918, is equally intriguing. Cusack is a German Jewish war veteran who lost an arm and has opened an art gallery. One of his artists, a fellow veteran, struggles to make his way in the days after the war. Corporal Adolph Hitler is a decorated veteran trying to make a living as an artist. Cusack challenges Hitler to expand as an artist and a person while the seeds of Nazism are being sown. Imagine how different our world would be if Corporal Hitler had made it as an artist. The impact each of us have on others around us can not be underestimated.

Every day we have a choice to make. We can choose to be strong enough to be kind, knowing full well that many will consider us weak for choosing that path. I firmly believe we could all do with some more strength -- more kindness -- in our world.

As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@lemarscomm.net, telephone 712-546-7031, x40 or toll free 1-800-728-0066 x40.

Thanks for reading, I'll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.