Being in New Orleans last week reminded me that people take action because of values and emotion, not facts.

How much rain fell on New Orleans during Katrina?

What was the top wind speed?

How high was the flooding?

I don’t know either. I didn’t even know at the time.

But I know I sent money.

Last week, I passed under a highway overpass near the Superdome where stricken and terrified people tried to escape the flood waters.

I remembered the images of adults crying and not knowing where to turn. I remembered that idiot who was in charge of FEMA, ignoring the millions of people in crisis. I also remembered that even bigger idiot George Bush praising him. (We forget how terrible George Bush was.)

I don’t remember any of the facts, if I ever knew them to begin with.

The thousands of health care providers, first responders and other volunteers who came to New Orleans to help in the aftermath didn’t know any of the facts either.

They just knew that the disaster and their government’s shameful response offended their values and tugged at their heartstrings. So they bought plane tickets and jumped into cars.

What’s true for disaster response is also true for rallies, donating money, organizing meetings, contacting elected officials and voting.

People take action because of values and emotion, not facts.

Think about the last time you took action. What inspired you to go to that rally? Write a check? Vote? Volunteer?