In the article, “Deadly Choices at Memorial,” writer, Sheri Fink unveils the events behind the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina that led to the neglect of many hospital patients, which are namely the old, the declining and the most vulnerable. Despite the blame on Anna Pou and the hospital’s decisions, Fink revealed the topic to be a lot more complicated than expected. In details, Fink describes the lack of preparation the hospital had during the tragedy that led to Pou’s controversial decisions. However, despite not clearly placing the blame on Pou, Fink implies that she disagree with the decisions made. Fink had given Pou enough voice in the article to support her argument, but she did not whitewash the horrific results of the dead, helpless corpses that did not deserve to die with neglect. This especially hits hard in the following sentence uttered by one of the doctors:
‘”‘We spend too much on these turkeys,’’ he said some would say. ‘We ought to let them go.’’’
This casual conversation that refers to the patients as “turkeys” waiting to be let go is a harsh portrait of how the decision came to be. It wasn’t a decision that arrived in their minds during the hurricane, but a decision that was looming over their heads.
The eighth paragraph describes Fink’s motivation behind writing the article and the importance of discussing Pou’s decisions despite not fully knowing the full details behind it. And Fink’s motivation is that Pou’s controversial and “agonizing decisions” would arise again. This paragraph immediately shows Fink’s intentions of not simply writing an article that points finger at those she believes were to blame. Instead, Fink wanted to focus the discussion on the events that led to Pou’s decisions so that if ever it arises again, Pou’s argument of lack of preparation would not be tolerated.
Fink does not organize her story chronologically. Instead, she breaks it down by topic that helps the reader analyze the details. By not arranging the story chronologically, Pou is given the chance to voice out her argument without any clear bias against her. Fink finalizes the article with the trial and a profound quote from one of the panelist in the jury:
“‘As bad as disasters are,’’ he said, ‘even worse is survivors who don’t trust each other.'”
By using this quote, Fink shows that the effects of Pou’s decisions goes beyond the death tolls and the families of the patients who were neglected. Her decision led to breaking the crucial bond between survivors, patients and doctors.
