In an effort to better control and coordinate national disasters, the federal government is launching an ID program for rescue workers to help keep everyday people away from such scenes.

Supporters of the measure claim the system will keep untrained volunteers from making tough work more difficult. Although I support control and organization, I fear the move might send the wrong message to an increasingly polarized and intolerant America.

In today's world you don't speak to people you don't know, let alone rescue them. But there are people who defy that; everyday heroes who reach out to strangers in need.

In fact, in some states there are Good Samaritan laws intended to reduce bystanders' hesitation to assist, for fear of being prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death. But the federal government seems to be rethinking those laws.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched the plan after Hurricane Katrina, when Americans rushed to disaster scenes eager to help. The agency argues that the help was unwanted and under-foot.

However, I find it convenient that this plan was developed after an accident in which federal reaction was heavily criticized, prompting the resignation of then FEMA director Michael Brown.

So it was the unskilled volunteers that hindered relief efforts during the Katrina disaster? If such is the case, I would absolutely vote in favor of restricting disaster scenes to government personnel. But during the Katrina disaster, FEMA prevented charitable organizations from even entering the scene for several days. How can the “mismanagement of a tragedy” be blamed on people who weren't permitted at the site?

I definitely don't support chaos and disorganization. However if people are willing to help when help is needed it shouldn't be discouraged. It should rather be the responsibility of the government to assign a professional to organize that effort.

Think of America at war; everyday people drafted to help the effort. Why turn away a volunteer?

Let bystanders be bystanders? Sure, that'll work. As long as you're the bystander and not the victim. Imagine that you are choking in a crowded restaurant and nobody moves to help you. Instead, everyone waits patiently for a “professional” to arrive.

A horrifying thought. But our nation seems to be headed in that direction.

Carole Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com