Via Breitbart:

Recording stars Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, Neil Young and the Dixie Chicks will headline a telethon for Hurricane Katrina victims slated to air this week on six major U.S. networks and around the world, producers said on Wednesday.
But it was not clear whether they or any of the other celebrities booked for Friday's event, including comedian Chris Rock and movie star Jack Nicholson, will be permitted to freely express their opinions during the show or required to stick to the script.
The question arose after impromptu remarks last Friday by rapper Kanye West, who used his appearance on a similar NBC network broadcast to accuse President George W. Bush of racism in the government's relief effort.

The Dixie Chicks? You've got to really wonder why they're being dragged out now, since Natalie Maines torpedoed their careers in 2003. Please note: the media didn't torpedo them, their fan base did. Are the media hoping for another celebrity meltdown?

Perhaps the media didn't learn a damn thing from the whole Kanye West episode... or perhaps they have decided that they are willing to trade the damage they do to the charity relief efforts in exchange for some hoped-for damage against President Bush.

I hope the potential "damage" is worth the loss of donations.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 11:12 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Has any governor's incompetence has ever led to more deaths?

More here

NEW AND IMPROVED!: Now With 100% more FEMA!

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 10:56 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Via Fox News:

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco seemed at odds with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Wednesday, hours after the mayor ordered the mandatory evacuation of the crippled Crescent City by force if necessary.

As floodwaters caused by Hurricane Katrina began to slowly recede with the ruined city's first pumps returning to operation, Nagin late Tuesday authorized law enforcement officers to force the evacuation of the estimated 10,000 residents who refuse to heed orders to leave.

But in a Wednesday interview with FOX News, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco said she had not signed off on the decision.

"The mayor certainly has ordered that but the governor, and that would be me, would have to enforce it or implement it. We are trying to determine whether there is an absolute justification for that," she told FOX News.

Bodies are decaying in a toxic stew of industrial chemicals, spilled sewage, and leaking natural gas. According to the CDC five people have already died from bacterial infections, and e. coli is just one of the potentially deadly biological hazards in the streets. That does not include tthe threat of disease-carrying insects, vermin, poisonous snakes, and alligators. This does not even begin to factor in two-legged predators running and gunning their way through the streets.

Kathleen Blanco is an unserious woman in serious times. Someone should start investigating the procedures for removing a Louisiana governor from office. Her incompetence, indecisiveness, and vindictiveness have led to the loss of far too many lives already.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 08:39 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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(h/t: LGF)

I have made it quite clear that I hold New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin in almost complete contempt for his failure to follow the New Orleans hurricane evacuation plan prior to Hurricane Katrina's arrival, but he has performed at least one useful role since he left 100,000 of his poorest citizens to die: he exposed Governor Kathleen Blanco as the incompetent, self-serving hack many held her to be:

From CNN:

S. O'BRIEN: There are people who say your evacuation plan, obviously in hindsight, was disastrous.

MAYOR RAY NAGIN, NEW ORLEANS: Which one?

S. O'BRIEN: Your evacuation plan before -- when you put people into the Superdome. It wasn't thought out. You got 20,000 people in there. And that you bear the brunt of the blame for some of this, a large chunk of it.

NAGIN: Look, I'll take whatever responsibility that I have to take. But let me ask you this question: When you have a city of 500,000 people, and you have a category 5 storm bearing down on you, and you have the best you've ever done is evacuate 60 percent of the people out of the city, and you have never issued a mandatory evacuation in the city's history, a city that is a couple of hundred years old, I did that. I elevated the level of distress to the citizens.

And I don't know what else I could do, other than to tell them that it's a mandatory evacuation. And if they stayed, make sure you have a frigging ax in your home, where you can bust out the roof just in case the water starts flowing.

And as a last resort, once this thing is above a category 3, there are no buildings in this city to withstand a category 3, a category 4 or a category 5 storm, other than the Superdome. That's where we sent people as a shelter of last resort. When that filled up, we sent them to the Convention Center. Now, you tell me what else we could have done.

S. O'BRIEN: What has Secretary Chertoff promised you? What has Donald Rumsfeld given you and promised you?

NAGIN: Look, I've gotten promises to -- I can't stand anymore promises. I don't want to hear anymore promises. I want to see stuff done. And that's why I'm so happy that the president came down here, because I think they were feeding him a line of bull also. And they were telling him things weren't as bad as it was.

He came down and saw it, and he put a general on the field. His name is General Honore. And when he hit the field, we started to see action.

And what the state was doing, I don't frigging know. But I tell you, I am pissed. It wasn't adequate.

And then, the president and the governor sat down. We were in Air Force One. I said, 'Mr. President, Madam Governor, you two have to get in sync. If you don't get in sync, more people are going to die.'

S. O'BRIEN: What date was this? When did you say that? When did you say...

NAGIN: Whenever air Force One was here.

S. O'BRIEN: OK.

NAGIN: And this was after I called him on the telephone two days earlier. And I said, 'Mr. President, Madam Governor, you two need to get together on the same page, because of the lack of coordination, people are dying in my city.'

S. O'BRIEN: That's two days ago.

NAGIN: They both shook -- I don't know the exact date. They both shook their head and said yes. I said, 'Great.' I said, 'Everybody in this room is getting ready to leave.' There was senators and his cabinet people, you name it, they were there. Generals. I said, 'Everybody right now, we're leaving. These two people need to sit in a room together and make a doggone decision right now.'

S. O'BRIEN: And was that done?

NAGIN: The president looked at me. I think he was a little surprised. He said, "No, you guys stay here. We're going to another section of the plane, and we're going to make a decision."

He called me in that office after that. And he said, "Mr. Mayor, I offered two options to the governor." I said -- and I don't remember exactly what. There were two options. I was ready to move today. The governor said she needed 24 hours to make a decision.

S. O'BRIEN: You're telling me the president told you the governor said she needed 24 hours to make a decision?

NAGIN: Yes.

S. O'BRIEN: Regarding what? Bringing troops in?

NAGIN: Whatever they had discussed. As far as what the -- I was abdicating a clear chain of command, so that we could get resources flowing in the right places.

S. O'BRIEN: And the governor said no.

NAGIN: She said that she needed 24 hours to make a decision. It would have been great if we could of left Air Force One, walked outside, and told the world that we had this all worked out. It didn't happen, and more people died. [emphasis added]

In other words, Nagin is placing the blame for at least some of the unnecessary deaths squarely upon the head of an indecisive, posssibly incompetent Governor Kathleen Blanco. Based upon this article, Bush is still having problems getting a useful response from a governor who seems more intent on covering her own butt than saving the lives of her citizens.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 01:42 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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As I type this, Hurricane Katrina: Blog for Relief Weekend is drawing to a close. Thanks to big-hearted readers just like you, blog readers have logged more than $ 1,074,387 in donations, and that does not come close to including all blog donations.

Via Michelle Malkin, I see that Americans have donated at least $404 million dollars to help victims of Hurricane Katrina so far.

I'd also like to thank our generous foreign donors as well.

Thank you one and all.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 11:54 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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(Source)

These estimated 205 school buses drown in New Orleans, presumably along with the 364 buses of the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority.

If these estimated 569 buses were truly on hand, and if each carried 60 people, then 34,140 of New Orleans' most needy citizens could have been evacuated completely out of the city each trip.

According to NOLA's official hurricane disaster plans, these very buses should have been used to evacuate the poor and the needy. Ray Nagin couldn't follow written directions. His incompetence was lethal to thousands.

Tell me, legal eagles, how long do you get in Louisiana for 10,000 counts of negligent homicide?

Update: It just keeps getting worse. Bryan Preston of Junkyard Blog, who has done excellent work on the bus scandal, now has more as he posts temporarily at Michelle Malkin's.

He has discovered that under Mayor Nagin's leadership, the New Orleans Police Department has suffered a near-complete meltdown.

Update: Via poster "Cylinder" in the comments:

137 flooded New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority buses in New Orleans in a lot at 2817 Canal Street, as captured from Google Maps.

Additional Update: The New Orleans Disaster Plan? Make and send out a DVD to citizens saying , "you're on your own." Only they didn't make the video in time for hurricane season.

So, screw you New Orleans, only we're not gonna tell your screwed. Thanks, Ray.

The more I hear about the extreme incompetence of the local authorities, the defensive posturing of state authorities, and a federal response which is sounding more and more like it worked as designed, the more I think that we do need a "Katrina Commission," but one that realistically and honestly evaluates the responses of local, state and federal governments to Hurricane Katrina, not just the poltical federally-targeted blame-game Hillary wants to play political football with. Hillary actually does have something of a point - FEMA may very well function better as an independent agency - but an investigation targeted at the federal-level only addresses 1/3 of the problem (perhaps far less than that, as evidence to date seems to indicate).

We need to find the most efficient way to handle a mass casualty event, whether it be weather, or terror related. Weneed this as a nation, and it should be apolitical (yeah, I know...) An investigation of all three levels of government involvement, including honest failure analysis, is needed.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 10:33 PM | Comments (15) | Add Comment
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New Orleans Cops Shoot Eight.

Those looters (five or six of which were killed) were shot by NOLA police officers becuase the thugs were firing upon Army Corps of Engineers contractors brought in to try to fix the levees.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 10:04 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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As anyone reading blogs over the past few days probably knows, many blogs have pulled together to try to raise money on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Towards that end, my real-life brother Phin and his partner Sadie at Apothegm Designs decided to hold a blog design auction. They would auction off their considerable blog design services to raise money for hurricane relief. The original idea went up and had 32 other bloggers (including yours truly) promoting it. Pixy Misa, who is the benevolent soul who owns and runs the mu.nu domain, generously sweetened the deal with free hosting and a mu.nu domain.

Nugget ($510) and That One Guy ($500) were the two winners, and I have to say that Phin was happy with the results.

And then something else happened. Something really, really unexpected. Let Phin tell you the rest. It will warm your heart.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:34 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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$698,330 has been donated so far in the Hurricane Katrina: Blog for Relief Weekend being promoted by at least 1,344 bloggers.

Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit has a long, long list of links to charities working hard to help those most in need in the wake of the near total devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

I personally made the following recommendation earlier:

My humble submission to Glenn's list is Samaritan's Purse. Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief organization run by Franklin Graham, son of legendary minister Bill Graham.

They already have trucks rolling south, and have two disaster relief teams in Alabama. They will base in Mobile, Alabama and will work their way toward the Mississippi and Louisiana coasts, coordinating thousands of volunteers from local churches to rehabilitate as many homes as possible.

They also accept employer matching funds.

Help them help the victims if you can. Samaritan's Purse not only helps rebuild buildings, they help rebuild faith.

We'll be fundraising through Monday, so please give if you can. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of you who have opened your hearts and your wallets.

9/04/05 Update: THIS LINK goes directly to the Samaritan's Purse online donations page.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 03:20 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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As everyone is now brutally aware, musician, record producer and conspiracy theorist Kanye West had a meltdown during NBC's Hurricane Katrina Relief Telethon last night. He claimed that "America is set up to help the poor, the black people the less well off as slow as possible," that "they've given them permission to go down and shoot us,"and top it off, that "George Bush doesn't care about black people."

Dan Riehl has the video.

As you may well imagine, many people were turned off by West's assertions, and the Red Cross and NBC were both inundated with rightfully outraged callers angry that West would politicize such an event, and furious that NBC chose to broadcast the footage instead of dumping it.

Of course, West's assertions are each and every one idiotic.

Hurricane Katrina like all major hurricanes, caused widespread, catastrophic destruction in every neighborhood in an area the size of Great Britain. Somehow, West was unable to reconcile the fact that predominantly white resort communities were also destroyed, or that while New Orleans is all but evacated now, these mostly-white communities are still waiting upon aid.

While authorities did call for a stiff response to rampaging looters, shoot-to-kill orders were never issued for a certain race, but only for specific actions including shooting at police officers. Those merely looking for food for survivial were never targeted. Of course, Mr. West doesn't let facts stand in his way.

As for "not caring about black people," Bush's record of appointing more minorities to key positions of power than any president in history, speaks for itself.

His comments were irrational, foolish, and lacking in any credibility, but they do fit a pattern of behavior.

West once claimed this double whammy:

"It's a man-made disease in the first place that was placed in Africa just like crack was placed in the black community to break up the Black Panther party."

Men made AIDs? God might tend to disagree, as mankind has never been able to synthesize an entirely new lifeform, even something as simple as a virus.

The Marxist-Leninist Black Panther Party subsided in power by the early 1970s and was completely disbanded by 1977. It was only after the Black Panthers were all but destroyed that crack was invented.

Of course, you don't have to bother with providing facts or even making sense if you're Kanye West, college dropout and conspiracy star, because you're JUST THAT BRILLIANT.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 12:47 AM | Comments (36) | Add Comment
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1 This response picks up on some of the ideas from the "Red Cross Under Seige" blog since many of the ideas overlap. When I saw Kanye's unscripted tirade I saw a man that was deeply hurt and moved by the tragic events of the week. It seems as though many that have been responding are more interested in marginalizing Kanye, who made an emotional plea, rather than trying to understand where he is coming from. True, Kanye has typically been arrogant and boisterous in the media limelight (even though his work does speak for itself). True, some of his statements were "off". However the spirit and the message were right on. No, the government did not invent crack to wipe out the Black Panther Party, but there is voluminous data that shows a concerted government effort to dismantle the BPP (look up COINTELPRO). More important, Kanye seemed to be speaking less as a celebrity and more as a citizen who also happens to be Black. I have read many of the comments and it is disturbing how so many people are wholly ready to dismiss an individual's experience and perspective. Racism seems to be cast as a matter soley of economic success. If you see people that look like you constantly on the short end of the stick it starts to get to you! The question is powerful. What if a natural disaster happend in Denver, or Dallas, or Manhattan, or Orange County, or Boise? Now some may lay the blame here at the feet of the mayor for not getting 20,000 people evacuated in 48-24 hours. That is pretty funny. i read in another blog that the heads of FEMA and DHS both were involved in a conference in which the severity of this hurricane was declared, but neither went to New Orleans (or Biloxi for that matter) and offered their support or made sure things were in order just in case. Also, it has been known for decades the peril of New Orleans, but the local leaders were unable to get money to strenghten the levees and FEMA ought to have been prepared just in case. That is their job. FEMA is supposed to be on the ready for national disasters. They knew there was a possibility of disaster. Blame for an event of this magnitude can be laid at many doorsteps. But again, if this had happened in New York how would people respond to Bloomberg's actions and would they hold him soley responsible? President Bush comes into the picture because he is the Commander in Chief. He appointed the heads of FEMA and DHS. He did sit back for a couple days in spite of what was being reported on television. In addition, many of the President's policies have not been beneficial for marginalized groups. One comment said that Bush has had more "ethnic" appointments than any other president. But the point is not necessarily just faces and numbers. It is also philosophy and perspective. Many Blacks and Latinos do not support the views of Condi Rice or Att. Gn Gonzalez. Ward Connerly says he never benefitted from affirmative action. Just because you are Black does not necessarily mean that you support the best interests of the culture or race. So why did Kanye pull the race card? Simple. America is a country predicated on race. Race was "invented" to decide who had access to resources and who did not. It has also been used to construct images and expectations of people. The arrogance of many that claim that all you have to do is work hard to succeed is disturbing. It is hard to know what life is like for another, but it is not always that easy. There are issues of expectations, curriculum and quality of your school, language, cultural conflict, values, etc. Some ways of thinking, acting, knowing are privilged while others are marginalized. All to often in U.S. history non White groups (and the poor) have been treated as second class citizens in part because of cultural differences. True, Italians, Irish, and other Europeans were not treated horribly when they first immigrated, but were also gradually allowed the mantle of Whiteness (see David Roediger and Noewl Ignatiev) while many other groups continued to be held outside that identity. An age old story is that the first word immigrants learned at Ellis Iland was okay. The first word they learned on the street was nigger. this is not complaining. It is an explanation for why this is a difficult issue. Otherwise it would not be a big deal for Los Angeles to have a Latino mayor, or Barak Obama elected to the Senate. Race is difficult to talk about essentially becasue many do not want to admit the privilege gained from the color of your skin, or the content of your wallet, or who you have sex with, or if you have a penis,or who you pray too. What ends up happening is the media chooses to show how we can all get along (see how ABC, NBC, CBS, and other news outlets always have at least one report about how folks are coming together across groups) without really exploring the strucutural issues that cause these tensions and do not offer an outlet for the nation to redress these issues. That is what Kanye is talking about. I apologize for going long, but this is complicated and using sound bites or simple senteces to explain a phenomenal problem that has been almost half a millenium in the making exacerbates the problem. People should read a little more about racism, privilege, colonialism, culture, representation, and power. Remeber, Kanye is an outraged citizen first and foremost. Engage, dont dismiss...

Posted by: postmodernthiner at September 05, 2005 01:20 AM (ttz/G)

2 I have no interest in understanding where Kanye West is coming from. Quite frankly, it is irrelevant to me where he picks up ignorant conspiracy theories that our government orchestrated 9/11/01, or purposefully decided to practice genocide in New Orleans. He has a history of comments that speak to unseriousness, arrogance, and unwarranted paranoia. To say he is a bit “off” is to trivialize the fact that he was accusing the President of the United States, tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, reservists, and guardsmen, along with thousands of government employees, as part of a vast conspiracy to commit genocide against blacks in Louisiana. The spirit of the message was not “right on;” he owes an apology to every man, woman, and child in the United States that has pitched in to help all Americans affected by this disaster, regardless of race, creed, or national origin. West accused good people of the most despicable crime imaginable, and directly slandered “the least racist president in mind and soul there has ever been,” as Ben Stein described Bush yesterday, basing all of his (west's) comments on his own incomplete, uneducated, and heavily biased view of the world. As for where the blame lies: Local and state authorities draw up hurricane emergency plans. Locally, Nagin failed to secure NOPD, NOFD, and NO EMS assets by moving them inland, out of the strike zone. This is a common sense practice and near universal in execution. Nagin failed to move his assets to secure staging areas, and lost a significant amount of police, fire and emergency services assets as a direct result. Also as part of the City of New Orleans written disaster plan, the Mayor is supposed to use buses to evacuate the poor, elderly and infirm out of the evacuation zone. Again, Nagin could not follow simple written directions, and 205 school buses sat idle along with 364 buses from the NO Metro transport authority. If he has used these assets, 31,140 people who were left behind could have been evacuated if the buses had made just one run. If they had been able to make 3 trips, virtually the entire city could have been evacuated. Instead, these 500+ buses didn’t roll one block, or save one person. On the state level, Governor Blanco’s Louisiana Homeland Security Dept. blocked, and continues to block, the Red Cross from entering New Orleans. Because George Bush is not a dictator, he simply couldn’t override Blanco’s decision to halt Red Cross aid from flowing into the city. I want to say it again one more time so that it sinks in: Governor Blanco stopped the Red Cross from entering New Orleans. Sit and stew on that a while. As o Saturday, with New Orleans when New Orleans has been under water for days and the waters were actually starting to recede, Governor Blanco had still not authorized a State of Emergency order releasing the Louisiana National Guard to federal control. It almost goes without saying, but the consensus among other state governments and federal officials before hurricane season is that Louisiana did not measure up to national disaster response standards, and that state and local emergency managers needed to be self sufficient for the first 72-96 hours. Louisiana and New Orleans emergency management efforts failed prior to landfall. FEMA certainly has had their share of apparent failures, but federal aid units still reacted days sooner to Katrina than they did when Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992. And yet society held together just fine (all things considered, of course) in Florida, while Louisiana became a post-apocolyptic nightmare. The big difference between Andrew and Katrina? We had competent state and local government in Florida, versus incompetent leadership at every level of Louisiana government. Let’s see if the political Mr. West will apologize for his bigotry and slander, and see if he is honest enough to admit his errors in placing blame. Based upon past behavior, the answer is fairly obvious. You can claim that Kanye West is and outraged citizen all you like. It is quite apparent that he is really nothing more than a petulant, semi-educated man-child, and a bigot.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 05, 2005 03:22 AM (0fZB6)

3 That was a great response Confederate Yankee. And I have to admit that it makes me question the actions of the local and state authorities. I still believe since FEMA and DHS have their responsibilities they were not proactive in their assistance. It would be different if there were reports expressing how FEMA and DHS were suggesting or trying to ensure that local and state officials were getting things lined up. As I said, there is plenty of blame to throw around. One thing I noticed about your eloquent response is that once again the discussion about race and its role in American culture and society was skirted. It would seem to me as an alternative media source that engages political and philosophical perspectives that you would want to take up a discussion about a factor, regardless of how you feel about it, that obviously has an effect on social situations. You are also dismissing the general feeling about President Bush many people of color have. Or is the purpose of this site merely to serve as a sounding board where like minded people can just thump their chest and never really critically examine their ideas? Or is there strong legitimacy to the claim that White people and those who adopt Whiteness do not have to think about race?

Posted by: postmodernthinker at September 06, 2005 12:51 AM (ttz/G)

4 PMT, this might come as a shock to you, but some people are post-racial in their thinking. President Bush is already there, and I'm not sold on the concept of race myself, especially after this past week. Different forces are at play, and race does not describe them. Read "Tribes" by Bill Whittle at Eject! Eject! Eject!, and tell me if you buy into it anymore after reading it. I fully intend to tackle the subject of tribes and culture in the near future. A lot of us in the blogosphere seem willing to take on that battle now (thanks to the blinding ignorance and blame-game tactics of Kanye West and others), as we should. We've stayed away from discussing the problems of some of the cultures in our society for far too long. It is time to confront West, Sharpton, Duke and other thugs of identity poltics head on and crush them for once and for all. Certain tribe mindsets and cultures work. Other tribes and cultures fail. Hurricane Katrina shows us with every bloated corpse that at least one culture, one way of thinking and living, has utterly failed as a viable cultural construct. It must be discarded and replaced. The game, as they say, is afoot.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 06, 2005 02:10 AM (0fZB6)

5 What exactly did Kanye say? It couldn't have been as bad as Wolf Blitzer's comment: "..So poor and so black..." Way to ad lib, Wolf. Next time he'll stick to the teleprompter.

Posted by: jt at September 06, 2005 12:52 PM (XfBrE)

6 jt, click the link in "Dan Riehl has the video." yourself and you can watch Kanye explain it himself.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 06, 2005 01:40 PM (2cgwG)

7 in response to kanye. i love the cats music, but he was so off on these comments it is unreal.The look on myers face alone should win him and chris tucker honorary Oscars. This is a great blog, thanks for making me smile and rant a little about some of the things that tick me off and laugh at the same time.

Posted by: sara at September 06, 2005 03:44 PM (EqSwn)

8 It's funny how when it comes to a black person making a comment about how bad they are treated, they are the one's who are racist; blah, blah, blah but had one of another race make the same comment, not a d*mn thing would have been said! Everyone knows this and frankly I am sick of it!

Posted by: Lisa at September 06, 2005 08:34 PM (kJ2H0)

9 Let's be honest here. Why are you really upset? I think it is because you all know it's the truth. It's not fair to treat Kanye's opinion as isolated when that same opinion is held by almost all of the black population in America. By the way we are americans. So why does the media keep calling people displaced by the hurrican refugees. Look it up! People are still treating us like foreigners in our own country. To those of you that are thinking his comments were uncalled for, think again. He did exactly what he set out to do and that was bring attention to the situation.

Posted by: Michele at September 06, 2005 11:26 PM (EoGHF)

10 So because a segment of a population believes in something - say, that the earth is flat, or that O.J. really is looking for the "real killers," or that gypsies, jews and other inferiors are dragging down the "master race" - that makes the wrong-headed opinion valid? Sorry, it doesn't. It is particularly sad that your clamp onto something that you never would have been offended by 24 hours before before -the accurate word "refugee" - simply because a publicity-whore like Jesse Jackson told you it should be bad. Are you an independent thinker, or a follower? Princeton defined a refugeee as "an exile who flees for safety." Did the citizens of New Orleans flee to other places of refuge when their city was swallowed up by floodwaters? A simple "yes" will do. Save your race-baiting for someone who buys into the victimization. I think you are probably every bit as talented and have the same chance of success as anyone else, if you decide to take it. If you decide that you want to buy into an ideology of failure, that is your choice. But if you honestly think that by showing his ignorance yet again Kanye West did anything but hurt the relief effort, you're simply beyond help, Michele. People called in to the Red Cross in outrage over his bigoted hatred, and many more simply turned away. Keep buying into the victim mindset, and a victim is all you will ever be. Dr. Bill Cosby has been trying to tell your community leaders just that for several years. Apparently, the message isn't getting out as well as he had hoped.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 06, 2005 11:59 PM (0fZB6)

11 It is sad that one of the richest countries in the world is unable to help its own people, when so many are homeless and dying. It's even sadder that a country that prides itself on FREEDOM and EQUALITY for all, does not have the heart to stick up for each other, when its government is too preoccupied with their own agenda. An agenda that that has been proprelled by one MAN'S greed. ( HMM,I wonder who that could be.) It is commendable that a person in the media, such as Kanye, had the courage to stick up not only for black people, but also for all Americans who have thought the same thing but have not been in the position to speak their mind. He has captivated the meaning of living in a country that claims to encourage a person's individualism and their rights as a human. It is sad that the rest of us are not making moves to fufill are own peoples basic rights to food, shelter, water, and just a BIT of concern.

Posted by: clarisa perochena at September 07, 2005 01:26 AM (X+X57)

12 Keep holding onto your victimhood, Clarisa. It has done you so well so far,with a culture where you abort 3 of 5 of you children, roughly half your men have criminal records, and most of your kids will never know a two-parent home. Know who to thank for that? The Demcratic Party. Southern Democrats owned slaves, a Republican freed them. Democrats formed the Ku Klux Klan after the Civil War to deny blacks the right to vote, and held that power for 100 years until Republicans finally forced thorugh Civil Rights legislation. Johnson's "Great Society" destroyed the black family, and how do blacks respond? They unquestioningly vote for their oppressors, lock-step, unthinking, one generation after another. The Lord helps those who help themselves, Clarisa, and you still vote for a party that boasts the last living Klansman in the Senate, while demonizing the only president who has ever had a non-racial bone in his body, becuase that is how you were told to think. One of these days, hopefully before too long, you wake up to the fact that you've been played for fools for decades by the Democratic Party, and the party that would actually like to help you get your own small businesses started gets kicked in the teeth. The funny thing is, Republicans will likely place the first black President in the White House, and will you response? You'll call him or her a house nigger. Quite frankly, if you aren't willing to think about why you vote for who you vote for, and change, you deserve what you get. America promises you a chance, but you have to take it. If you are unwilling to reach for the brass ring, don't cry when you don't get it.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 07, 2005 02:01 AM (0fZB6)

13 It all comes down to the fact that too much time passed before these Americans were rescued. There is going to be an investigation into this and hopefully in the unfortunate event that a disaster such as this occurs again we will be more prepared. I feel that after it was over Mr. West had regret with the way he handled his emotions. I was embarrased and somewhat offended as a Black American Woman, But I forgave him, he is only human........

Posted by: ProudBlackAmerican at September 07, 2005 09:54 AM (h5Ptp)

14 It seems that no one understands that what kanye said was in response to the fact that white people stealing from grocery stores has been portrayed as "just finding food," whereas black people doing the exact same thing have been portrayed as "looting." This much is true, the media has been biased in their reporting. As to why he chose to make the personal stab at Bush... Kanye is an idiot, what more can you expect?

Posted by: danel at September 07, 2005 12:49 PM (1B4a+)

15 KANYE WEST HAS DONE MORE HARM THAN GOOD WITH HIS RACIST, IGNORANT COMMENTS.

Posted by: th right on at September 07, 2005 01:09 PM (1B4a+)

16 Danel, have you ever heard of Snopes? That is the site devoted to proving or disproving urban legends. If you go there, you will find this article which explains that the whole "looting" versus "finding" story evolved from exactly two pictures shot, and then captioned by different photographers for different news agencies. An urban legend then grew from this, and could probably be credited to lilly-white liberal and race-baiting blogger Wonkette (that is where I saw it first). First things first, BOTH photos show minorities. The black male in the first ("looting") photo is obviously just that, a black teenager. The "white couple," in the second ("finding") photo, however, is actually a black or hispanic female, and a white or very light-skinned hispanic male. Furthermore, if you read down, you will see that photographer Dave Martin watched the black teenager actively loot a grocery store, while second photographer Chris Graythen, said of the couple that: "there were a million items floating in the water — we were right near a grocery store that had 5+ feet of water in it. it had no doors. the water was moving, and the stuff was floating away. These people were not ducking into a store and busting down windows to get electronics. They picked up bread and cokes that were floating in the water. They would have floated away anyhow." In short, the story is true in that they called a looter a looter and a finder a finder. Facts are not racist. Too bad there is so much racism looking for an excuse to be in the "professional victim" community.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 07, 2005 01:30 PM (2cgwG)

17 If you want the truth....then as a whole..as a country...as a people you have to be completely honest with yourselves and each other. Kanye West was only voicing, as someone previously pointed out, the sentiments of basically the entire American black population, give or take a few. Face the facts..Black people and white people are different. Face it. Not just a little different..but completely different. It has been my observation that blacks in America overwhelmingly believe that the country and white people in general not only owe them a living, owe them a free ride, but owe them a job (affirmative action) as well as a free education. Whenever black people screw up and commit unforgiveable atrocities (like shooting at the very people risking life and limb to rescue them...mudering police and their own people) the liberal media says the same tired old thing "it is because they are oppressed...it is because of their environment that they have to go out and steal DVD players and five pair of Nikes" or how about "because they are dissillusioned and poor they had to assemble into gun toting mobs of criminals".. and terrorize not only the white people they could find by robbing, raping and murdering, but even more sad than that, they brutalized their own people! They attacked their own women. They rioted and caused nothing but problems every step of the way. As best as I caould tell I didnt see any white men going around raping women or rioting at the Superdome. Who is to blame for that?! Why didnt this same type of event unfold in Florida during Andrew? Why didn't it happen in Manhatten on 9/11? What is it in a persons DNA or genetic makeup that would cause them, in a time of pure desperation and tragedy, to prey upon their own people. To take an already tragic event and turn it into pure "hell on earth" as Heraldo called it. We are not talking about garden variety, hard working Cosby show black Americans. We are talking about gang bangers, animals, brutal, horrible savages. The police found a five year old girl in the NO convention center, brutally gang raped and her throat slit. Do you want to know the REAL reason the rescue workers and other help was so slow to arrive? THEY HAD GANGS OF BLACKS SHOOTING AT THEM!!!!!! Would you go into a flooded, dark city to risk life and limb to rescue people who are SHOOTING at you? Or would you wait until the national guard or police showed up to secure the area and ensure that you dont die yourself? It baffles me how a group of people can claim racism over and over and over again as an excuse for their own pathetic, disgraceful behavior. Enough is enough. Take some responsibility. Bush didn't make these people stay home during a category 4 hurricane...they chose to! Is it my fault as a white American that some of these poeple didnt have a car or weren't smart enough to buy a bus ticket or WALK to safety? When you shoot at officials and intimidate rescue workers who are trying to bring you food and medical aid..you DESERVE to starve. Nobody in the media will point these things out and I dont understand why. These people terrorized each other!!...the government didnt. Every black leader in America is on TV saying that the president and white Americans hate or dont care about black people. Did you ever stop and wonder why that may be? Instead of spending every waking minute trying to play the victim or coming on MTV 35 times a day to show how "thug" you all are, why dont you stop taking from society and start giving back. Why not improve your community instead of destroy it with drugs and violence. Why not sacrfice self for the good of your fellow Americans instead of reaching out and grabbing anything you can get your hands on while complaining every step of the way. And if it is SO bad here in America and "whitey" just wont let you get a break...remember there are hundreds of flights leaving EVERY DAY for Niger or Ethiopia or South Africa. No bling bling, no rims, no FUBU, just lots of AID's and starvation. Hop to it.

Posted by: citizenX at September 07, 2005 01:58 PM (9BX5V)

18 Never knew so much "Venom & Hate" still existed!!!

Posted by: Citizen88 at September 07, 2005 04:22 PM (Xovmu)

19 Wow. citizenX sure is cranky. Must be too much starch in that sheet he's wearing... Again, it isn't about race, it is about tribes. Please read it. You choose who you associate with, and you choose what kind of person you are going to be. A significant portion of black society is failing, but it isn't anyone else's fault. You choose and create your own cultures and subcultures, choose and create your own role models, and choose and create your own belief systems. As much as I hate to admit it, a lot of the comments on this and the other thread from blacks (with a few notable exceptions) just go to reinforce exactly what the sheet-wearers believe. It seems to be that a significant portion of the black population buys into their own inferiority. I have have a simpe question for these folks: how can I help convince ignorant people of other races that you are just as good as they are, if you don't buy it yourself? Start respecting your women, start respecting your families, push for role models that are worthwhile and then, and only then, if you aren't successful you can blame it on others. The thug lifestyle running rampant in black popular culture is killing it from the inside. Of course, I'm just a cracker, so what do I know?

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 07, 2005 05:46 PM (0fZB6)

20 I'd also like to point out that a significant portion of the black population has not bought into the tribe of failure and is doing well in the middle class. Why? They chose to succeed, and had the will to follow it through.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 07, 2005 06:04 PM (0fZB6)

21 I am not at all surprised that some people in this day and time choose to believe that one race is superior to another. There is good and evil in evrey race. John Wayne Gacy was a savage that sought out his own race to kill and rape. Young tender white men, that could have contributed to society, but I guess the ignorant people will have some excuse why he and countless of others from the so-called master race exist..... Maybe he was a light skinned hispanic male.

Posted by: ProudBlackAmerican at September 07, 2005 06:15 PM (h5Ptp)

22 Mr. West has every right to voice his opinion but the fact that he did it on a telethon, I believe, is thoughtless. Not only did he make the comment about President Bush but also claimed that an order was given to shoot black folks. Come On!! Can you be any more ignorant and mis-informed? That was way out of line. You actually believe that our President is a closet racist and after aaaaalllllll that happened he just sat back and said," you know what, lets not send in any help to them right now cuz their black folks and I don't really care for them". Get your facts straight!! All you're doing is perpetuating more hostility and most of these comments are coming from celebrities who never supported Prisident Bush in the first place and now they figure it is a great opportunity to bash Bush in the midst of this horrible disaster. I believe people need to stop trying to make this into a RACE issue and make it into a humanitarian issue. I can't stand the fact that Mayor Nagin is just going on and on about how the federal govt. and everyone else has just abandoned the people of New Orleans because their black and poor. I find it amazing the HUGE difference in composure and the way Mayor Nagin carries himself and presents himself in the midst of all this and the way Mayor Giuliani did on 9/11. Think about it. I believe he is making sure that he is deflecting his actions, or lack of it, and just from the beginning blaming the govt. for lack of help. He is at fault just as well. Have you seen the pictures of school buses left in their lots when it could have been used to evacuate people? I believe everyone is jumping on this bandwagon about people being "abandoned" because they are "black". Give me a break!! I don't believe it one bit. I'm actually getting sick and tired of people crying racism. How about HUMANITY!!

Posted by: smallfry at September 08, 2005 11:04 AM (S1gzA)

23 That was the exact point that I was trying to make Yankee....and no I do NOT wear a sheet I can assure you. I just get very heated and offended when a group of people choose to blame anyone and everything for their station in life yet never take a moment to wonder if maybe they are to blame in some way. For every action there is reaction. I know for a fact that there are many hard working, well educated and honorable black people in America who raise their kids with respect, who pay their taxes and contribute to society as much if not more than anyone else. The problem that exists is that in the black community it is not considered cool to be well educated or hard working or responsible. As a culture they do not reward other black people or praise each other for going to college, striving for better careers etc. They do however reward and admonish the most violent, the ones who have spent the most time in prison as well as the one who has the thickest gold chain, has the most stray kids and sells the most rock to make that $$. Young blacks see Bill Cosby as an old fool but they worship every word that some rapper with five bullet wounds say's in a song. The same types that make up a whopping 80% of our prison system. And the sad part is that is virtually all that you see. You dont see the images of the single black mother working two jobs to feed her kids. Instead you see the uncivilized lowlifes who dance around on TV like idiots and talk about nothing except demeaning women and being a criminal. I dont know but if I were being represented and judged (yes judged) by the actions of a few idiots who were giving me as a hard working, honorable family man a rep of "ghetto thug" I believe that I would speak up and speak against that type of persona because it really doesn't do anything for creating relations with other civilized people. I know parts of my post sound racist to some, but I assure you that is not my intention. I am more of a realist. I see what I see. A fact is a fact. Most stereotypes are not stereotypes but actual true to life facts that people are too PC to call it what it is. I am sick of the PC liberals stepping on eggshells and doing anything and everything to keep from offending someone, even if what they are saying is true. Fact : in a time of tragedy black people extorted and exploited other black people. Dont blame the government, dont blame the white man and society, instead take a deep look at what has taken place and make an attempt to change whatever circumstances arose and created such an awful event. In front of national and international news cameras... Those images looked like Siera Leon or Mogadishu more so than any American city, that is for sure. In the face of a tragedy that is the magnitude of Katrina and the losses that have been endured, it is sad that we have to log onto computers and go on television and point fingers at anyone available and bitch about racism that never existed. The truth is the scenes that unfolded on the news and television sets across America the last several days are driving a wedge even deeper between blacks and whites here. Understand...when white America...good or bad....sees image upon image of lawless violence and rape and murder taking place in one of our oldest American cities it inspires one thing....pure fear. And we all know that fear leads to hatred and hatred leads to violence. Take it as you may...but these are dangerous times to push the racial envelope because it may just blow up in your face. But that is just my opinion

Posted by: citizenX at September 08, 2005 11:41 AM (9BX5V)

24 Also.....Citizen88......is it that the truth is too frightening for you to comprehend or is that just your typical brainless response to views that do not fit your politically correct agenda. Whenever a white person speaks on their own behalf or questions anything that black people say or do they are instantly tagged "racist". I apologize if my harsh words were taken to be venemous, however I do challenge you to dispute any part of my statement that you believe to be false. I respect and enjoy hearing other peoples opinions. Just dont make a cowardly statement and disappear, instead support your beliefs and opinions through facts.

Posted by: citizenX at September 08, 2005 11:57 AM (9BX5V)

25 Wow! i guess we really struck some chords. This whole conversation is being constructed as merely about individuals that make choices without also expressing the fact that those choices are made in contexts. The notions offered by Citizen X are typical of a racist, reactionary ideology. Think X about the fact that the thug lifestyle you are talking about is actually consumed largely by middle class White boys and is only a fraction of true hip hop culture. In fact, the so called role models that you are inplying, 50Cent, the Game, etc. are actually million sellers becasue mostly White people purchase those discs. As for role models i think of cats like toni morrison, alice walker, jimmy baldwin, cornell west, skip gates, shirley chisolm, james johnson, miles davis, john coltrane, spike lee. the problem i see is that RACIST tend to look at the worst examples of other cultures without looking at the complexity of the culture. In fact, the better percentage of the Black American community is working or middle class, is not in jail, has at least a high school education, and contributes positively to this society. Blacks and Latinos are over represented in the armed forces. So to sit there and spew all this venom only reiterates the notion of racism. As far as looters and finders it is a media literacy issue to me. Don't act like it is not a valid argument or interpretation of the two pictures. Now perhaps the photographers can come out into the national press, since this has turned into a national issue, and shed light on the controversy. until then it is suspect. you also have to look at this as not just idiosyncratic, isolated events. the arguments about looters/finders appeared roughly the same time the argument about refugees came out. An earlier posting cited a princeton definition, and american heritage has a similar definition. dictionary definitions reflect the ways in which words are used, but not always the social connotations of the words. the american heritage definition states, "one who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war". typically when Americans hear refugee they connect it with folks that have lost their homes as a result of conflict and are seeking refuge in either a camp or in an accepting country. Could refugee be used in this case, sure it could. However for so many to talk about the sensitivity and tragedy of the event refugee is reckless and insulting. as opposed to displaced or survivors or the affected. the fact that most of the people you SEE that are being labeld refugee are Black just marginalizes. I think the lithmus test is to ask yourself if all these people were wealthy and White and stuck in a similar situation would how would they be constructed in the media? Racism is not just about White people calling Black people nigger and Latinos spics. Racism is a system of advantage based on race. Individual actions are important, but those actions are made within a larger context. Personal responsibility and hard work are hard work are necessary (depending on your family's economic class) but not sufficient explanations for why people succeed (see jay McLeod's text "Aint No Makin It"). Citizen X's tirade about what Black people expect from White people clearly shows that he does not know many Black folks and none from the inner cities. Affirmative action is not a handout, and we can see how insidious racism is because in lodging complaints about affirmative action i never hear White people complain about the benefits extended to White women through affirmative action, and there is a shitload of research to show that White women have been the greatest benefactors of affirmative action. yet it is Black people that get saddled with the burden of defending the practice. on one hand we say this is a society where everyone has the chance to succeed if they work hard, but on the other hand we can admit that some have more access to resources than others. it would seem logical to make sure that there is some kind of institutional mechanism that can counter balance access to resources. that is justice. The troubling issue is that White people complain about affirmative action when in fact unemployment for all groups of color is roughly twice as high as it is for Whites. People of color (excluding Asians) are only roughly 15% of undergraduate admissions and less than 10% for doctoral programs. The professorate of color is only about 5%. Many education researchers and theorist do not contribute that to an inherent superiority of Whites, which i found to be a subtext of Citizen X's tirade. Rather, issues related to culture, class, curriculum, resources, teacher expectation, AND family involvement are all factors contributing to success. You sit there and talk about how hard you have to work, and i respect that because I have worked my ass off to get where I am, but I am also very aware of the resource (the cultural, social, economic, and human capital i have had access too) that have helped me to get where I am. This is not complaining. This is illuminating parts of the issue that many of you do not want to engage. I would lodge the same issues for the rural poor. The difference is that in American culture, the fact of Whiteness offers a pass that Blackness, Browness, Redness, and Yellowness just doesnt. I think you have to be one of us to really experience it. or live in a non-European country for a while. The short. Racism is a system; not merely individual acts... ps I am really enjoying this conferderate yankee and i have gone to the eject eject eject site but have not had time to look at the article. i will before next post though...

Posted by: postmodernthinker at September 08, 2005 10:49 PM (o7dgh)

26 PMT, You've GOT to read "Tribes." It really is that good. I like that you cite Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, etc, but you don't seem to be facing that fact that they don't get near the exposure as the "pimp 'n thug life" segment of the population, in white or black culture. Just because suburban wannabes like the Icy Hot Stuntaz choose to mimic aspects of the culture on the surface, it does nothing to mitigate the real gang violence, the real abuse of women, the over-importance of self, and the lack of responsibility seen throughout hip-hop music and the communities from which it seems to spring. The culture creates the music, and the music reinforces the culture. It is a vicious self-destructive cycle. You say it is an example of racism to look at examples of the worst of society without looking at the society’s overall complexity. I agree. But since the “Great Society” of Johnson, black culture, overall, has gone down the toilet. The percentage of black males and females with criminal records has gone up, along with the number of abortions. Fewer and fewer black kids come from two parent homes. Black “leaders” are more than willing to place the blame elsewhere, and unwilling to actually try to affect change. But we’re going over the same ground again… As a matter of record, I’ll take you at your word when you say blacks and Latinos are over-represented in the military. Good they should be. It is one of the most-sure ways for someone with few advantages to get out of poverty. You serve your country, pick up useful skills, and get an education in the process, all for relatively little risk. Yes, I said relatively little risk. While there are more blacks and Latinos in the military, white middle class kids from the red states are disproportionately represented in combat units. By choice. As far as looters and finders it is a media literacy issue to me. Don't act like it is not a valid argument or interpretation of the two pictures. Now perhaps the photographers can come out into the national press, since this has turned into a national issue, and shed light on the controversy. Go to Snopes.com. They did interview both photographers. The black teenager actively went into a store and took stuff, hence “looting” as the photographer watched it happen. You can argue good versus bad, or illegitimate or legitimate looting, but it was looting all the same. The “white” couple that did the “finding” isn’t even white! She is black or Hispanic, but she isn’t white. No doubt about it. He might be white, but could be Latino. You can’t tell because his hat blocks his face. In any event, she picked up a bag of bread that the photographer said floated out of a flooded store. Picking up something floating by is finding, not looting. It couldn’t be much clearer. When liberal blogger Wonkette tried to make this a race matter, she should have done her homework better. The whole “refugee” meme is bullcrap. Sorry. We’re taking in refugees white and black here in NC, and I don’t think anyone give a damn as long as they have a place to stay. I’ll accept your definition of “Racism is a system of advantage based on race.” Sadly, as long as checking a race box on a job application matters, the racism favors minorities so that businesses can fill quotas. You can say this doesn’t exist, but I’ve watched it firsthand on two occasions where a less qualified minority applicant got the job. In one, the less qualified (non-black minority) applicant was far less qualified, and couldn’t perform his job function. That is racism as well. Personal responsibility and hard work are hard work are necessary (depending on your family's economic class) but not sufficient explanations for why people succeed. Bull. Unmitigated bull. Sorry. I don’t know a single successful small businessman that thrived by being lax or irresponsible. Your argument about unemployment being higher for minorities is a strawman argument, and a bad one. Minorities are also far less likely to complete high school than their white counterparts. Do I hire someone who graduated, or a dropout? This also extended to higher ed as well. You can’t go to college if you don’t complete high school. This circles back around to the decline of the two-parent family in black cultures. See how it feeds upon itself? I’m sorry, but you can’t necessarily put this on anyone else. I really want you to read “tribes.” Whiteness, Blackness, Browness, Redness, and Yellowness don’t matter nearly as much as what you do with it. I am much more likely to give respect to a poised, well-spoken person than a strutting punk, regardless of race or class. Racism is a mindset, and an artificial construct a that. Choosing your tribe makes the difference, as Whittle says.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 09, 2005 12:54 AM (0fZB6)

27 oh, by the way. from all that i have read so far the responsibility for issuing the order to mobilize the buses was that of the state evacuation plan. so far i have not been able to find new orlean's actual plan on the net. if anyone knows how to get it let me know. also, from what i have read, it also seems that the decision to move the remaining residents into the superdome was under the impression that only dealt with the hurricane assuming the levee would not break.

Posted by: postmodernthinker at September 09, 2005 01:14 AM (o7dgh)

28 New Orleans Disaster Plan - Hurricanes

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 09, 2005 01:30 AM (0fZB6)

29 To Postmodernthinker......you make some valid points, but there are many holes in your theory, too many for me to address at this time. I will say one thing....I have been checking my mailbox for my monthly "white guy" check that I apparently am to recieve because I am so priveledged, but to my dismay it never arrives. Instead I work 12-14 hour days, six days a week to ensure that I am able to pay my bills and not have to resort to a life of crime or suck the government welfare system dry by sitting on my ass and producing babies. I am SO priveledged as a white American that my mother worked third shift (thats 12pm-8am for those of you who have never had a job) at a textile factory for 25 years to support three kids. She was a single mother, she barely made enough to make ends meet, but she never accepted government assistance (even though we qualified) and she never complained. So as you see I grew up in a single parent, low income home but I never resorted to crime, never stole, never had to sell drugs, never had to hurt or kill anyone, never had to join a gang. Instead I worked hard, played sports, put myself through college (just as my brother and sister have done) made something of the opportunity that was provided to me, not by being a WHITE American, but by being American. Blacks, Hispanics, they have even MORE opportunity because of affirmative action and Governmental quotas which require that they be given first shot at jobs, schooling, benefits. Most of them can go to school for free, not because of any achievements or hard work that they have put in, but just for being an "underpriveledged minority". Have you ever heard the old saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink? Class A example. The reality of it all is that it is probably more difficult to be a white, heterosexual male in this country than any other sub-class of people. By being a white male it is ok for every other struggling or stigmatized group to blame you for their situations and pin all of the shortcomings of society on as well. As a white man it is acceptable to be discriminated against by all other groups, minorities, women, gays, religious nuts, and we are expected to sit idely by and take it. As a white, heterosexual male in America you cannot voice your opinion without being considered threatening or bigoted in some way. I am not here to perpetrate some myth that the white race is superior or the master race, that is all nonsense. I have even less respect for white trailer trash people who choose to remain ignorant and impoverished. However white and black culture, core values and standards are entirely different. I dont claim to have the answers. I honestly feel like this country is going down the toilet and there is little that can be done. And I am not some bitter old world war era guy that has suffered from a generation gap. I am a 28 year old, I come from one of the least priveledged backgrounds that you can fathom.I am just tired of people complaining about how bad they have it when they live in the greatest, most prosperous country in the world, no, in the history of the world, and still cant manage to do anything to help themselves. Ridiculous. Stop passing the buck. Most definately not what our founding fathers had in mind when they created this mess I can assure you.

Posted by: citizenX at September 09, 2005 10:48 AM (9BX5V)

30 http://www.talkshowamerica.com/2005/09/big-boo-football-crowd-hisses-kanye.html 'THE BIG BOO' CROWD HISSES KANYE WEST The chart topping hip hop rapper star who used a network hurricane fundraiser to charge "George Bush doesn't care about black people" was loudly and lustily booed during last night's NFL kickoff show. The appearance of Kanye West, who was beamed into the Boston stadium via remote from Los Angeles, received a strongly negative response from the crowd. "The boos were thunderous and lasted for much of his number," reports the BOSTON GLOBE. Developing...

Posted by: J.R. at September 09, 2005 03:21 PM (3OttE)

31 Kanye West did not have to make those comments on live television and show his ignorance. On every news channel that I've seen so far today, the president was showed planning his next visit to New Orleans. If he didn't care about the african-american race, he wouldn't have went back to N.O. for any reason. Obviously, Kanye was upset about the events caused by Hurricane Katrina, so he chose to blame someone that was not responsible. Next time, Kanye, when you want to point a finger at someone for a problems, point to yourself. When was the last time you went to a shelter to help out, as the president did? Or visit the area? Did you make a donation? Take a second and think about it.

Posted by: Brooke at September 09, 2005 07:13 PM (UIpJX)

32 Thank you J.R. for the link. I also found this link on that web page and thought people would find it very interesting about Mayor Nagin's role in the evacuation instead of pointing the finger at Bush for EVERYTHING!! If Mr. Idiot West have done some research of his own he would know true facts instead of spewing more racial venom in time of crisis. http://www.talkshowamerica.com/2005/09/evacuation-plan-mayor-nagin-failed-to.html It states: If you want to know what Mayor Nagin SHOULD have done, click on the following link to read the City of New Orleans excellent Hurricane Preparedness plan which, if implemented by the Mayor, would have saved the lives of almost everyone who tragically died. Click Below to view New Orleans hurricane plan, it clearly outlines what SHOULD have been done in this case. The Mayor failed to do his job ! This is the Proof ! City of New Orleans CEM Plan: Annex I: Hurricanes The plan correctly anticipates that approximately 100,000 residents would be unable or unwilling to leave. Therefore, as soon as a hurricane reaches Category 3 intensity, it is the MAYOR's exclusive responsibility to implement a forced evacuation no later than 72 hours in advance of landfall - well before any possible communications disruption. The plan states that all public transportation systems (buses, etc.) are to be used, and are to be assisted by city police. Instead, Mayor Nagin did nothing. The buses sit neatly parked and idle, and the people were left to fend for themselves, and die.

Posted by: smallfry at September 09, 2005 07:45 PM (S1gzA)

33 May I also point out that Mayor Nagin did annoucne 100% mandatory evacuation.... 24 hours prior to the hurricane hitting land. You all may have seen the pictures of massive amount of cars back to back on the Interstate for the evacuation. It was a mad dash out of New Orleans and because Mayor Nagin only gave the citizens of New Orleans 24 hour notice, the people who couldn't/wouldn't leave had to be taken to the super dome, hence the madness that occured in there. Thank You Mayor Nagin!! You did an outstanding job!- sarcasm.....

Posted by: smallfry at September 11, 2005 06:33 PM (S1gzA)

34 to all the white people who have been posting (i have been out of circulation for a few days), i want to explain the idea of privilege. you see a serious problem with american culture is that everything gets steeped in economics. privilege is not necessarily a "check" you get in the mail, as citizen x it proclaims. moreover, privilege does not necessrily state that if you are white then you have a rosy life. in fact there are many identities that anyone person possesses. privilege deals more with how particular characteristics can work for or against a person. so although you may not have been economically privileged that does not mean that your whiteness does not carry privilege. in a lecture i heard by peggy mcintosh who wrote the watershed essay on white and male privilege (this link goes to a condensed version of the essay: http://seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~mcisaac/emc598ge/Unpacking.html) one student from a rural, farming community expressed a similar argument about having to work hard and not being wealthy and all that. her response was, to paraphrase, i appreciate and value the hard work you and your family has done. i imagine farming is tough work. but let me ask you something? what would it have been like if you were black, or a woman? the student had to stop for a minute and then said the black man would have been dismissed, until he could prove that he was serious about farming and even then many of the people he (the student) knew would still show resistance. a woman would not have been welcomed at all. the point of the story is that racial privilege allows particular access and social construction. if you are white you never have to defend affirmative action, even though there is a strong argument by critical legal scholars (derek bell, kimberle crenshaw, laurence matsuda, and others) that suggest whites have benefitted from affirmative action far more than minoritites because of the benefits accrued by white women and the fact that most of those white women went on to marry white men and have white families. i do not mean to say that people of color have not been helped by affirmative action, but to show that they have not benefitted as much as many white people assume. as i stated in a previous posting, if affirmative action has helped so much then why does the unemployment rate remain twice as high for people of color as compared to whites? why do color owned contractors continue to receive a disproportionatley lower number of government and private contracts? why so few in the professorate? also, privilege is being shown in this dialogue. none of you, except me, have really spoken to white poverty and the fact that many of the educational, penal, and social problems you are citing are just as devastating in poor white communities. the language and tone that many of you have taken about kanye and other blacks involved in this issue is deplorable. nagin made mistakes, a point he has admitted. but he has also helped provide the context in which those decisions were made. for example the buses were thought of, but finding drivers that were willing to stick around for the completion of the evacuation proved to be harder than many thought. as said earlier, there is more than enough blame to go around. i also notice that since there is more than enough blame to go around none of you point your fingers toward mike brown, who we now know did not have the credentials or experience to deal with a situation like this and the fact that he was a crony hire by president bush. that is how systemic racism works. follow the logic. it is not that bush did not want to hire black or latinos, but that his hire was a result of buddy connections. and you guys bitch about affirmative action. the result of bush's appointment was a person that was slow to respond, unprepared, and even confused. then for president bush to proclaim what a great job the guy was doing when it was clear that he wasnt threw oil on the fire. privilege to me goes back to the age old joke: Q:What do you call a Black C.E.O.? A: Nigger If you guys do not think privilege exists I ask you these two questions: 1) How many of you would be Black for the next 10 years? 2) For those of you that would not, if you had to how much would you want to be compesated per year? Now be honest and think about how you came to your answer.

Posted by: postmodernthinker at September 14, 2005 01:33 PM (9aRG7)

35 We can debate this issue until we are all blue in the face and angrier than ever .....it all boils down to this - wheather you believe that you CAN or wheather you believe that you CAN'T - either way you are right.....if you believe that you are a "nigger" no matter what or you believe that you are an upstanding worthwhile member of society ....you are right. Black...white....it is all in how you percieve yourself and your situation. It is the half empty half full analogy. BUT I do know this...if you want to be treated as equal then the playing field...ALL playing fields...should be equal. That means no affirmative action. If a woman can do a job as well as a man...she should get paid the same as a man for that work...but she should NOT recieve some Government sanctioned special treatment because she is a woman. She should NOT get the job if she is less qualified. Same goes for race. There are racists in corporate America...no question...and undoubtedly some are white...but black people dish out their fair share of racism as well..not only toward whites...but to each other as well. None of us are perfect...we are all guilty of some form of bigotry..wheather it be racism, classism or sexism. Personally I see black Americans as equal....as a white man I am NOT your enemy. In all reality I celibrate black culture and history more so than many black people that I know. I read William Baldwin and the writings of Frederick Douglass and Langston Hughes. I revel in traditional black music from Muddy Waters to John Coletrane to Billie Holliday...the list goes on and on. I deeply appreciate the offerings that black Americans have made to our culture and our history as a whole. But at the same time I refuse to be a scapegoat for all of the inadequacies that society issues black america. When things are not the way you want them to be...it is easier to lay blame on others around you than it is to take personal accountability and make efforts to institute change. God helps those who help themselves...period. But really....what does it all matter though...in twenty years we will all be speaking Spanish anyway La ayuda de Dios nosotros todo

Posted by: citizenX at September 15, 2005 03:41 PM (9BX5V)

36 Can anyone explain to me why there is so much hatred towards the Blacks. Our blood is on this Great Country's thread. Black slaves helped the white founders build this country. I have so much PRIDE in my race because of what we have been able to achieve. Yes there are still blacks who remain in poverty and choose not to become educated, but that exists in every race. I can't believe that after all these other races come to America, some whites continue to hate blacks. Some of these folks will sit at a table with Bin Laden before they will a good hearted Black Man. I laugh at the idea that these racists still think that the word nigger can get under the average Black Person's skin. Nigger, Nigger, Nigger ! Wow !!!!!!! Move on people. What other hobbies, clubs or groups can you join. You are wasting energy hating a group of people who pose no threat to your way of living. Humans are humans... Good and bad in every race.

Posted by: ProudBlackAmerican at September 20, 2005 09:32 PM (h5Ptp)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Matthew 25:35-36

Folks, we bloggers are going to continue to ask you to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina throughout the weekend. A geographical area the size of Great Britain has been all but obliterated, and hundreds of thousands if not millions of people are:

• without homes
  
• without jobs
  
• without clothes
  
• without food
  
• almost, almost without hope
  

Please help give them that hope by donating to one of the many fine charities listed here. My personal recommendation is here. Please log all donations here so that we know we're making a difference.

Thank you.

Update: Bumped to top.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 10:02 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Don't let the group behind this dissuade you from participating, it is a very worthy cause. People can offer hurricane victims a place to stay, and people displaced by Katrina can search for housing in areas they've evacuated to around the country.

http://www.hurricanehousing.org

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:09 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Phin at Apothegm Designs has a rather unique fund-raising effort underway for Hurricane Katrina victims, and the fund-raising effort is targeted squarely at the blogging community, with a great payoff for both us, and the American Red Cross.

They are auctioning off a pair of custom blog designs to the two highest bidders through the end of today, Friday, September 2. You've seen examples of their work at the Llama Butchers, The Jawa Report, Naked Villainy and here among many others. Their designs are fast-loading, technically sound, and aesthetically pleasing.

In addition, benevolent dictator Pixy Misa of the mu.nu domain has offered a free .mu.nu domain, free hosting (up to a million visitors a month), and entrance into the Munuvanian blogging family to the top two bidders.

That is an awesome deal, and the funds are going to a great cause.

Thank you very much for your support.

Update: The results are in. Thanks for the generous outpouring of support from the blogging community, and for the time donated by Apothegm Designs.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 11:00 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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See it for yourself.

NBC allowed these ignorant, hateful comments to go on-air, potentially alientating 1/2 of potential donors, just to get a political dig in at the President. I'm livid, not because of West's attack on the President, but becuase this will cost the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I just spoke to a Red Cross call center supervisor. Call centers have been deluged with complaints. They just released the following statement:

WASHINGTON, Friday, September 02, 2005 — The American Red Cross is incredibly grateful for the support we're receiving in the wake of the catastrophic events caused by Hurricane Katrina. We want to acknowledge the ongoing support of NBC-Universal, which aired a telethon tonight on behalf of the victims of this tragedy.

During the telecast, a controversial comment was made by one of the celebrities. We would like the American public to know that our support is unwavering, regardless of political circumstances. We are a neutral and impartial organization, and support disaster victims across the country regardless of race, class, color or creed. We cannot, and we do not endorse any comments of a political nature.

NBC just hurt poor people. I hope it was worth it to get in a few cheap shots at the president.

Update: Since you asked:

• NBC Contact Page. Reader Toni discovered an email address buried in a FAQ for NBC programming. nbcshows@nbcuni.com.
  
• Red Cross Contact Page, or 1-800-HELP NOW.
  

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 10:44 PM | Comments (321) | Add Comment
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1 I avoid all celebrity oriented fundraisers and causes for this reason. Hollywood and the music industry are not conservative or Republican friendly under ANY circumstances. I called the show and let them know that there will be plenty of blame to share after the need is met. In the meantime, I'm donating to the Salvation Army.

Posted by: leah at September 02, 2005 11:45 PM (lGYs4)

2 Leah, may I add that you are doing exactly what people should be doing: calling the show to let them know that their allowance of these comments was offensive, and that you will be donating elsewhere. I simply fear that some will chose to not donate at all.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 02, 2005 11:48 PM (0fZB6)

3 I think the Red Cross is a great organization, but I hope they think twice before doing any celebrity fundraisers in the future. Personally, I donated to World Vision. Celebrity free.

Posted by: Slublog at September 02, 2005 11:53 PM (cwqCx)

4 What is the number to call NBC?

Posted by: Ux2 at September 02, 2005 11:55 PM (bPo3P)

5 You guys need to worry about something bigger. Just watch Geraldo on Fox News. The people at the Convention Center are still there. Direct your complaints to the Gov't and FEMA to save people!!

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 12:15 AM (Sj3ZZ)

6 Hey, Sean. I've made donations to help people. Have you?

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 12:20 AM (cwqCx)

7 Sean John, I thought you were going by "Diddy" now. You've obviously not read the thread above this one (about an auction for hurricane relief), or the the ones below this one (for hurricane relief, Orleans Prison inmate treatment before, during, and after the storm, political treatment of this tragedy, self defense in disasters, area gas price links, hurricane survivial tips, more hurricane relief, etc). We believe in taking care of things ourselves, not sitting on our cans, waiting for handouts from the government.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 12:28 AM (0fZB6)

8 Bush doesn't care about anything but his oil. Kanye was out of line but it wasn't a lie it was the truth even though it was the wrong time to say it.

Posted by: SHAKYM at September 03, 2005 12:36 AM (dU00u)

9 At the NBC page, if you use the pull-down menu after this: Questions not found on FAQ page about NBC Entertainment programming? Email us using the pulldown menu below: It gives you an e-mail address of: nbcshows@nbcuni.com And yes, I did tell them exactly what I thought of that appalling performance.

Posted by: Toni at September 03, 2005 12:36 AM (NqozS)

10 Tell me shaky, can you provide something in the way of you know, facts to support your allegations? A link to a reputable source, perhaps? I didn't think so. Even if you could have provided evidence for your false charges, it would have been irrielevant. The purpose of teh show was to fundraise, and west immediately pissed off roughly half of potential donors. Dumb. Very dumb.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 12:41 AM (0fZB6)

11 Kayne West is a punk. There was no need to say what he said, even if he believes it. The fundraiser was not a political platform for Bush-bashers to spew their anti-Bush rhetoric. SHAME SHAME SHAME!!!

Posted by: Charles Ray at September 03, 2005 12:47 AM (avrQA)

12 George W Bush does not care about black people. He'll use them whenever he needs a good photo op, but he doesn't care.

Posted by: JR at September 03, 2005 12:50 AM (UpcBI)

13 It isn't or wasn't about race when the storm was closing in, why is it now?

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 12:51 AM (61+dy)

14 George W Bush does not care about black people. He'll use them whenever he needs a good photo op, but he doesn't care. Uh, huh. And what gives you this stunning insight into the mind of our president?

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 12:52 AM (cwqCx)

15 Yes, I have donated money. And Confederate Yankee - I am sure u don't come from the same background as those in the NO right now. Before you start yapping about waiting on the can and waiting for gov't handouts - I think you need to see how people in poverty life. No one wants to be poor, but if you are born into it, and if u are black, it is tough to get out. Most of the poor African Americans in NO have had family histories of salvery. And hopefully you know - racism still exists in the south. It might be news to you, but it does. It's very ironic that you want the government to be "big" and go into foreign lands and rebuild. But you want the government to be "small" here and leave the poor to live in poor infrastructure and without adaquete health insurance. Povery has rise in every year of the Bush term. Can you, as a Christian if you are, explain why you and many of your republican friends have no gratitude the oppressed.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 12:55 AM (Sj3ZZ)

16 The white people that I saw interveiwed in New Orleans did not complain as much as the blacks and where were the hispanics?

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 12:57 AM (61+dy)

17 I don't think it was entirely pointed toward Bush. All of you are obviously cut off from what it really feels like to be black and poor in this country. Kanye's comments were not malicious nor were they untrue. You guys don't get it because you have never had to deal with it. The big picture here...EVEN bigger than Hurricane Katrina is that in 2005 in this country, we still have situations that do not treat all people equally. Racism is still very alive. I have no doubt in my mind that had these people been wealthy white people, there would be no telethon or fundraisers because the govt. would have reacted like "somebody had stole their oil"

Posted by: I'm just talking at September 03, 2005 12:57 AM (HHIcM)

18 And what gives you this stunning insight into the mind of our president? Being a black person in America. The president's record speaks for itself.

Posted by: JR at September 03, 2005 12:58 AM (UpcBI)

19 Condoleeza Rice was busy shopping for shoes yesterday in New York while hundreds were dying. It is great to see that Bush and Co. have their priorities straight. No wonder he has such low approval ratings, and they will likely sink more after his actions during the past couple days. Also, where is VP Cheney. It seems like he is MIA again, just like after 9/11. These war presidents, who have never fought in one war, sure act funny.

Posted by: NorCal at September 03, 2005 12:59 AM (Sj3ZZ)

20 So, Kayne West made a statement about the president. And? Last I checked, this is America. The man(rightly or wrongly) is allowed to have an opinion. For people to get all fired up about it and threaten to refuse to donate money or aid to Red Cross is downright stupid. It makes it seem like you never really intended to do anthing anyway. Blaming Kanye is just a crutch. I mean come on people. Wasting phone lines to complain about what one entertainer said is silly. So is thinking that this is some liberal plot by NBC to discredit the president. How does what he said change the fact that people in that area are in dire need of help?

Posted by: LOL at September 03, 2005 01:00 AM (yHJs4)

21 Being a black person in America. The president's record speaks for itself. Examples, please. I'm a Hispanic person in America, but I don't believe that gives me any sort of amazing insight into the motivations of our political leaders.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:01 AM (cwqCx)

22 Isn't Condoleeza Rice black?

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:01 AM (61+dy)

23 So, Kayne West made a statement about the president. And? Last I checked, this is America. The man(rightly or wrongly) is allowed to have an opinion. For people to get all fired up about it and threaten to refuse to donate money or aid to Red Cross is downright stupid. It makes it seem like you never really intended to do anthing anyway. Blaming Kanye is just a crutch. I mean come on people. Wasting phone lines to complain about what one entertainer said is silly. So is thinking that this is some liberal plot by NBC to discredit the president. How does what he said change the fact that people in that area are in dire need of help? I think his point is that while West is entitled to his opinion, he picked the wrong forum to air those opinions. He showed disrespect to the Red Cross by using their event to air his own views. If he wants to say such things in interviews or in his own concerts - fine. But it's in poor taste to do so at a fundraiser.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:04 AM (cwqCx)

24 Condeleeza just has on a black mask and makeup

Posted by: I'm just talking at September 03, 2005 01:04 AM (HHIcM)

25 He picked the opportunity that he had. He knew people would be listening that normally don't listen to him. I believe it was the perfect time. F anyone who thinks they shouldn't give money because he told the truth

Posted by: i'm just talking at September 03, 2005 01:05 AM (HHIcM)

26 The vast majority of blacks in America have histories of slavery, as do many whites, for that matter, so our argument is irrelevant. You can get out by simply using your mind. Condoleeza Rice did, and so did many other people I peronsally know growing up in the rural South. It is called having initiative, and using the talents God gave you.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:06 AM (0fZB6)

27 He picked the opportunity that he had. He knew people would be listening that normally don't listen to him. I believe it was the perfect time. F anyone who thinks they shouldn't give money because he told the truth He's a celebrity. He can make his own opportunities, if he wishes. I've already donated to the Red Cross, so his ill-advised comments didn't stop me from trying to help others. I think you're allowing your agreement with West to obscure your judgment.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:09 AM (cwqCx)

28 Condeleeza just has on a black mask and makeup Wow. How...enlightened of you.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:10 AM (cwqCx)

29 You can get out by simply using your mind. You are an ignorant person. I won't waste any more time here.

Posted by: JR at September 03, 2005 01:10 AM (UpcBI)

30 Self-referential racism. Brilliant!

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:10 AM (0fZB6)

31 You are so misinformed about being in poverty. There are few outlets. Yes there are extreme situations where one or two black people have escaped the blatant traps that the ex-slave owners have set...but honestly, black people are pushed to fail

Posted by: i'm just talking at September 03, 2005 01:11 AM (HHIcM)

32 My family was slaves also but I don't use it as a crutch, must be because I am white.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:12 AM (61+dy)

33 You are so misinformed about being in poverty. There are few outlets. Really? I'll have to tell my mother, who grew up poor and Hispanic and ended up attending college and getting a degree through hard work. Guess she just didn't know her socioeconomic status was supposed to determine her destiny.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:13 AM (cwqCx)

34 "One or two?" I'm starting to see why you and those with your mindset might not get very far, but the vast majority of minority folks in my church don't seem to realize they are victims. I'll try to keep it a secret, as I'd hate to ruin it for them.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:18 AM (0fZB6)

35 You have good and bad in all races, if you can accept that then you are smart. If not you deserve to be enslaved.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:20 AM (61+dy)

36 You are an ignorant person. I won't waste any more time here. And when all else fails...go for the ad hominem. Why am I not surprised?

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:23 AM (cwqCx)

37 Let's suppose for a moment that the liberals were able to pass the laws they wanted to eliminate poverty... what would happen? Well they had the opportunity for many years with little opposition from 1930s through the late 1970s... the result of Roosevelt's 12+ years in office, Truman's years, Kennedy's, Johnson's, and Carter's years were a dramatic increase in poverty "prevention" programs and yet the poor are still among us. I believe after all the theories and programs we should have discovered by now two undeniable laws: 1) Government cannot prevent poverty by taking resources from one individual or group and giving them to another. 2) Governent can cause poverty by taking resources from one individual or group and giving them to another. Perhaps poor people should stop looking to George W. Bush for a handout and start looking to the example of George Washtington Carver for a permanent way out. http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa041897.htm It is also interesting that the only minorities liberals seem to care about are the minorities that only look to government for help. It would be nice to see all these whining, socialist politicians get in their SUVs and pick up those poor, forgotten, black folk from New Orleans and bring them back to their estates in their districts and their condos in D.C.

Posted by: Six Quack at September 03, 2005 01:25 AM (sZglE)

38 Confederate - How can you say the talk of a slavery past is irrelevant??? Are you saying the status of Blacks and White are equal here in America? Maybe you should go to the housing projects in most urban cities. And white people were hurt during slavery? I can see by your name and your love of the confederate flag - that you and possibly your family benefited from slavery. Condoleeza Rice didn't grow up in poverty. I am not saying that anyone in poverty doesn't make it out and succeed. But it is just very rare. Most people have to start working in or right after high school to support their families. I know white peoeple are in similar situations too, but there is a higher proportion of black people in poverty. Why are republicans racist? Why do they hold such bigot perceptions of all minorities?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:25 AM (Sj3ZZ)

39 Why are republicans racist? Why do they hold such bigot perceptions of all minorities? Why do you communicate in amazing generalities? And ask loaded questions?

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:27 AM (cwqCx)

40 Slublog - Do you believe Rush Limbaugh is racist?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:28 AM (Sj3ZZ)

41 Kayne was wrong not because he spoke his message. That he is free to do. He is wrong because he agreed to speak a message asking for help and instead spewed hatred. That's called breaking your word. It's wrong and it harmed the group he agreed to help. On the other point that has cropped up here .... So the argument that you are putting forth JR is that black people need special help? If a white man said that you would call it racism. I think people are pretty much equally capable independent of skin color. Perhaps it is people with negative messages like yours that cause young black kids to grow up believing the crap that you are spewing.

Posted by: I'm just answering at September 03, 2005 01:29 AM (cm9Rt)

42 Actually Topher, it is Bush's America, at least in 2009. But it is Governor Blanco's Louisiana and New Orleans' Mayor Ray Nagin that concerns up most right now. Nagin completely failed to carry out any sort of evaculation plan, and foolishly lost the majority of his emergency services vehicles. Blanco failed to mobilize the National Guard until well after the storm and then forgot to use them. Bus had goven her cart blanche by declaring a state of emergency while the storm was still far out in the Gulf. Local politicans, Democrats all, screwed this one up from the word "go." Bush has been trying to make up for their mistakes ever since.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:30 AM (0fZB6)

43 I am white, was born poor and have done great. My family didn't owne slaves, we were owned. You have to do for yourself and not ask others to do for you.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:30 AM (61+dy)

44 Slublog - Do you believe Ann Coulter is racist?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:30 AM (Sj3ZZ)

45 Slublog - Do you believe Rush Limbaugh is racist? To be honest, I have no idea. I don't listen to him often enough to make a judgment on that. I'm not trying to avoid your question, honestly. I just don't care to make those sorts of judgments based on limited information.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:32 AM (cwqCx)

46 So Shaky...tell me this...isn't it also the truth then that the very people that are trying to help the victims in New Orleans are being shot at? Isn't it the truth that drugged-up, gun-weiding thugs are raping and killing in the streets? Isn't it the truth that idiots like Kanye West and Al Sharpton are running their mouths for the wrong reasons??? To advance their complaints of racism rather that pleading with Americans of all races and economic status to help in any way they can. All they are doing is instigating hatred among those suffering (and those who are the same skin color and claim to relate) while alienating those who are willing to help with their political/racial slurs. For Mr.West to say that the military has been given permission to "shoot us" is the most ridiculous statement I have EVER heard...if i'm a soldier risking my life to help i'm certainly going to PROTECT myself from thugs roaming the streets! If someone is dumb enough to shoot at their rescuers, then they deserve to recieve the same fate that they are trying to impose. It IS true that the response of local/state and federal government to this disaster is a horrible mistake. But to say that the neglect stems from racial and economic prejudice is ludicrous!!!! But what about the primarily black local government in New Orleans..what did they do to help evacuate their own people BEFORE the disaster? Let's point fingers once we've helped these people and stop making this a political and racial issue. There will be a time for that later. I myself made a significant donation tonight anyway, the victims in NOLA shouldn't be further punished by the remarks of idiots. And by the way...before anyone tries to label me based of these comments...I have had clients in New Orleans for years and travel there dozens of times a year...so I know the city and it's people. As a result of that connection, my company and other local businesses are already discussing with relief agencies how our companies can better use our resources to help those in need...and we are 800 miles away. This isn't about race. This isn't about poverty. Words don't help...only ACTION will help these people. I ask all of you reading this forum to do one thing. Go back and read all these posts (i did). Look at how stupid comments like those made by Sharpton and West have diverted our little discussion from truly talking about HELPING PEOPLE to instead talking about race and poverty and stirring the pot, getting everyone all worked up about what's fair and unfair in our great country! Get a grip! This is exactly what people like Sharpton want everyone to think...in the meantime (while we're bitching) how are the people in NOLA being helped. Now don't we ALL feel stupid?

Posted by: JustStop at September 03, 2005 01:34 AM (Ghx+m)

47 Slublog - Do you believe Ann Coulter is racist? I think I'm beginning to see what you're trying to do. Why don't you offer some evidence for why you believe Limbaugh and Coulter are racist?

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:34 AM (cwqCx)

48 The fact of the matter, Confederate, is that you hold a minority (and a misguided) opinion. The tide has turned against Bush. Face it. Everyone realizes he screwed up. It must be hard continually making excuses for such an obviously inept leader.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 01:36 AM (UpcBI)

49 Blanco is more at fault as far as I see it.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:36 AM (61+dy)

50 "....Bush is sending the army down here to shoot us!" K West _______ So you folks that agree with West believe that the Natl Guard and other LEOs where given permission to shoot people cause they're black? Or perhaps because a select group of armed individuals are creating mayhem (raping and robbing). And if these criminals happen to be black, as is the case, is that 'oppression from the white man' or genocide or racism? Listen - poor or black -I dont give a shit - if you rob or rape I hope that .223 round gets you in the ass! Wests' remarks were just ignorant utterings but, unfortunately, common fears amongst blacks. Blacks tend to feed into conspiracies, especially by gov't. Perhaps its confirms the 'victim identity'...I dont know... and, starting tonite, no longer care. Make your bed - I'll make mine......

Posted by: docgary at September 03, 2005 01:37 AM (w/iLw)

51 Confederate - I just love how you start blaming others. I actually had some respect for Bush when he admited the gov't wasn't doing enough. But he changed his tone over the day, saying crap like "Fema is doing great." Come On! You think the city of New Orleans and Nagin could handle this all alone???? You must be on crack like the President. It is expected the federal gov't to back up the cities during natural disaster - Clinton was great at handling natural disasters BTW. And you forgot that FEMA is a FEDERAL agency under the HOMELAND SECURITY. Bush appointed his "buddies" to the head of FEMA during his term, and these are people with no Emergency experience. Bush and his admin should accept full responsibilty. I am not saying that Nagin and Blanco are off the hook. But they have pleaded for national help for a long time now. One state cannot control and rescue itself. It does need the help of the Federal Gov't. Open your eyes to Reality!

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:38 AM (Sj3ZZ)

52 But, Sean...if you do care to offer such evidence, you'll have to wait until tomorrow for my response. It's late, I'm tired and I'm going to bed. Goodnight all.

Posted by: Slublog at September 03, 2005 01:38 AM (cwqCx)

53 For Mr.West to say that the military has been given permission to "shoot us" is the most ridiculous statement I have EVER heard...if i'm a soldier risking my life to help i'm certainly going to PROTECT myself from thugs roaming the streets! AHA! Next, are you gonna say that LAPD was protecting themselves from Rodney King? We all know that police figures prey on poor black people. A free liscence to kill? My god! What strapping young 'good ol' boy' wouldn't want to volunteer for that...

Posted by: i'm just talking at September 03, 2005 01:39 AM (HHIcM)

54 The ONLY thing America owes its citizens (including blacks) is a fair shot at opportunity - no more, no less. If you look to the government to provide you with safety and a safety blanket, you are doomed for eventual disappointment. Racists exists on both sides of the political divide; no one party has cornered the market. That said, the GOP has demonstrated to my satisfaction that opportunities are far greater for blacks than the opposition party. Will President Bush get credit for his appointments of outstanding citizens to key positions of government who happens to be black? Don't hold your breath anytime soon. I see a lot of political bigotry here in this comment section. People need to tap the brakes and remain on the planet of rationale discussion. And as for West? For all practical purposes, he just "Dixie Chicked" himself.

Posted by: itzWicks at September 03, 2005 01:40 AM (89YU4)

55 The fact of the matter, Confederate, is that you hold a minority (and a misguided) opinion. The tide has turned against Bush. Face it. Everyone realizes he screwed up. It must be hard continually making excuses for such an obviously inept leader. Excellent work, my minions. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Howard Dean at September 03, 2005 01:40 AM (cwqCx)

56 Even Fox News' Bush Puppets are critizing the federal gov't. Except Sean Hannity of course. Haha. Sublog - if you really need me to find racist comments from Coulter or Limbaugh - you must be living in another world.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:43 AM (Sj3ZZ)

57 Bush's America

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 01:44 AM (UpcBI)

58 It must be hard continually making excuses for such an obviously inept leader. Lemme see... In Iraq he's freed 25 million people while losing less than 2,000 of our own despite a hostile media and traitorous liberal politicians, and even though terrorists are still killing people there, 80,000 Iraqis less are dying from the insurgency each year than they were under Saddam's "benelovent" dictatorship. The have had the first elections in several lifetimes, and are a decade ahead of where we were when it comes ot writing their constitution. If Afghanistan, we've doing eveb better. Lebanon had a revoltion against Syrian Baathists without a shot being fired, and Lybia turned over their hidden WMD program becuase they saw the writing on the wall. We've also had our ninth straight quarter of steady economic growth, despite constant efferts by the left to derail it all just to play "gotcha" with the man that has played them for fools for five years. Explain again that inept thing?

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:46 AM (0fZB6)

59 Any of you who commented that you won't be donating to the Red Cross bc of one celebrity's comments are CLEARLY misguided...and making as much a political statement as he did. Go ahead, punish the suffering for a bunch of celebrity BS...smart move, brilliant! You should go work for the current administration.

Posted by: Anonymous at September 03, 2005 01:47 AM (12yrV)

60 SEAN-you mentioned "projects"...my boss gave me a project it had a begining and an end....it may be time to consider the fact that public housing "projects" were a dismal failure and end them.This may have avoided the dependence that created large inner city populations of dependent peoples-throughout american cities. These "projects" founded by great liberal democrat leaders with "good" intentions single handedly isolated and segregated minorities and you think conservative republicans are the racists?? Better check again

Posted by: scooter at September 03, 2005 01:49 AM (0f2vj)

61 Ann Coulter may be a conservative now, but I beleive I still have a video of her on FOX about 13 years ago in a short skirt with no panties.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:50 AM (61+dy)

62 Freed 25 Million people? We have made it a haven for terrorists. Most people are living in fear, and want us out.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:50 AM (Sj3ZZ)

63 Any of you who commented that you won't be donating to the Red Cross bc of one celebrity's comments are CLEARLY misguided...and making as much a political statement as he did. The only poeple I've seen saying that they weren't donating to the Red Cross said they were donating to another charity instead. Night all. Play nice.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:51 AM (0fZB6)

64 reed 25 Million people? We have made it a haven for terrorists. Most people are living in fear, and want us out. One last comment. They want us out alright... just as soon as they are ready. 80% do indeed want us out, but 75% aren't ready for us to go just yet. I converse with Iraqis and some American soldiers in Iraq pretty regularly. Too bad the life they live is a far cry from the one you see.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 01:55 AM (0fZB6)

65 Here's an example for you... (watching MSNBC right now)...interview with a young black girl lying in a hospital bed. This girl was scheduled to be airlifted from a NO hospital...but had to wait for another day and a half because THE HELICOPTER WAS SHOT AT!!!! So let's suppose for a moment that this young black woman had died because she didn't get the medical attention she needed when the rescue was thwarted by the idiots with guns. Should her innocent life be taken or would you rather the military be given the right to return fire on the thugs (who might happen to be black)? Now what do you think about that scenario? Do you still say that the police are preying or poor black people? Or aren't they trying to protect them? ImJustTalkin, get a clue. Police don't "prey on poor black people"...they try protect people (yes, black people too) from some people who might happen to be poor black people filled with hatred, drugs and automatic weapons.

Posted by: JustStop at September 03, 2005 01:55 AM (Ghx+m)

66 Don't give to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army does a better job.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 01:55 AM (61+dy)

67 Bush was slow to respond when 9/11 happened. He sat at an elementary school reading a children' book for 7 minutes after being informed that the country was, in fact, under attack. Is it really much of asurprise that he--once again--has taken so long to get things moving in NO? I'm not surprised.

Posted by: John Brown at September 03, 2005 01:58 AM (9YrAa)

68 Oh, and one last thing Confederate. Since anyone can overcome poverty by just using their mind, I take it you are not donating to the hurricane victims? After all, they can get out of a desperate situation by just using their minds.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 02:01 AM (UpcBI)

69 A real man does not rely on others to help after a catastrophy. He has already prepared in advance.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 02:05 AM (61+dy)

70 I live in Houston and was unable to watch the broadcast because at the time it was aired I was volunteering in the Astrodome. I read what this angry person said on television and was saddened. Here is a person who is angry because he obviously feels that he has been done some injustice and used precious airtime meant to assist people who have literally nothing to further his own political agenda. These people need help, not speculation whether our elected officials are prejudiced. Whether we like the current president or not, he is president. I support Bush with the same enthusiasm that I supported Clinton and will support the next president regardless of political party. I have my own political convictions, however, once the person elected is put into office, I feel that it is each American's responsibility to support that person to the best of their ability. New Orleans is accepting volunteers readily to help them evacuate people, fish decaying bodies out of floodwaters, and put out fires. We, here in Houston need volunteers to help process these people, pay for the extra social service expenses that these people will incur to our state, and come up with the resources to feed, clothe and shelter these individuals for several months. Perhaps Mr. West would like to volunteer to do one of those jobs to help speed up the process. I will return to the stadium after I have had a few hours of sleep. It is probable that this overpaid celebrity will do nothing else regarding this cause at all. It saddens me that he decided to use the time he could have used to help in such a way to alienate further the very group of people his misguided comments were supposedly trying to assist.

Posted by: KSV at September 03, 2005 02:44 AM (woylS)

71 "AHA! Next, are you gonna say that LAPD was protecting themselves from Rodney King?" As a matter of complete fact, yes they were. Prior to the riots here in LA, all you saw night after night on the news was the beating Mr. King received; after the riots started, the media decided to show the whole tape. In it: RK comes out of his car swinging, and will not stay down after being "folded over" a baton THREE TIMES. Each time he gets up off the ground like he's on springs and takes another swing at an officer. I don't think the police officers in that confrontation handled it as well as they could, but they WERE defending themselves, and showed quite a bit of restraint during most of the episode, unlike Mr. King...

Posted by: walkercolt at September 03, 2005 02:47 AM (jeULq)

72 walkercolt, Rodney King is or sill is piece of C---. He is not a man. Real men take care of their familes.

Posted by: Mike at September 03, 2005 03:00 AM (61+dy)

73 Uh, Mike, the quote was from "just talking", in his previous post. I certainly don't think Rodney King is an exemplary citizen, and has been in trouble both before and after the incident that was filmed.

Posted by: walkercolt at September 03, 2005 03:08 AM (jeULq)

74 Most of the poor African Americans in NO have had family histories of salvery. Second generation West Indian blacks in America have an average income as high or higher than that of whites. You can't blame the "legacy of slavery," since West Indians suffered under an even more brutal form of slavery than American blacks. Whites can't tell the difference between second-gen WIs and other blacks, so that's not it. Can you explain how racist America allows WIs to be even more prosperous than whites? ...you and possibly your family benefited from slavery. Slavery was an enormous drag on the economy. Every American paid a price for it in some way.

Posted by: Stickwick Stapers at September 03, 2005 03:38 AM (mp+MT)

75 I watched Mr. West's comments live. I have heard the remarks by the head of the Black Congressional Caucus. I have listenen to the remarks of an attorney for the NAACP, and I have read Randall Robertson's blog entry at huffington (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randall-robinson/new-orleans_b_6643.html) And I have read the comnments here. When I saw and heard West's remarks, I decided to forget about donating to the Red Cross. Instead, I thought I would donate to the Salvation Army. But when I read the outpouring of racist attacks from black "leaders," claiming that a logistical nightmare is an act of LETHAL and DELIBERATE RACISISM on the part of "White America," that was the last straw. Screw New Orleans, West, Robertson, the CBC and the NAACP (and you people defending their remarks as "truth"). Any money I send will be earmarked to a Mississippi charity. I am offended by the remarks made by these so-called black "leaders" accusing America of deliberately setting up blacks in New Orleans to die. Further, I am unaccustomed to having my generosity turned around into a slap in the face. I am also offended by the remarks of the Bush haters in this and other forums. Can't you Bush hating loons ever stop your angry barking?

Posted by: Jim at September 03, 2005 03:46 AM (CBhGN)

76 So very well said, Jim. You have captured my feelings precisely.

Posted by: Jan at September 03, 2005 04:37 AM (zxXZi)

77 KSV, I salute you! I wish I was closer, so I could do something. Meanwhile... Before this week, I had no idea that Black people are completely helpless without Whitey telling them what to do and where to go and cooking them dinner. All this time, I'd assumed Black people were individuals, capable of making decisions on their own, working to make their own lives and the lives of their communities better. I'd like to thank the Black "leaders" for setting me straight. I saw the video of Kayne West's "departure from scripted remarks" and it reminded me of the Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck cartoon where they go back and forth--Rabbit Season! Duck Season! Rabbit Season! Duck Season!--and Daffy gets tricked into getting himself blown up by Elmer Fudd. Sad. Very sad.

Posted by: Radish at September 03, 2005 04:50 AM (6Wz03)

78 Stickwick - So are you saying that racism does not exist? Do you live or have you been to the South??!! I have not seen any plans put out by the Bush Administration to help the poor and minorities. In your response to your slavery comparison, I would like to see your facts to back up your claims. In addition, West Indian slaves were of the minority compared to African slaves. And the only compassion that you show for slavery is that it was a drag on the economy??? Absolutley ridiculous. Why is poverty rising under President Bush when our 'economy' is growing so strongly? And it sure looks like the tax cuts are helping poor. I think most Republican are hypocrite Chiristians. If you go to the streets of NO, I'm sure most people would be agreeing with Kanye. Why would Kanye say something like that? If you know anythign about him, he is a genius when it comes to music and business. He would not just blurt something out like this now? If he was a partisan hack, he would have said stuff a long time ago. When a network like Fox can't prevent its reporters from speaking the truth, you have to know the situation is so much worse than we've been told. Geraldo was crying, Shep Smith looked like he wanted to drive a knife thorough Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 05:00 AM (Sj3ZZ)

79 Kayne and stupid people like you are politicizing an issue and polarizing folks who would likely be opening their wallets bigtime... instead of focusing the nation on the suffering, you point fingers and call names the people who have their hand on their wallet... if you've ever done any fund raising....you'd know thats not the way to get the job done so the conservatives are hypocritical christians... 50% of this country in your view are moral backwater? it would be a stupid comment if morons like you weren't getting so much attention and dividing the country ... i've know many liberals and conservatives alike and the true differences between the two are not all that great... but hey.. .i'm sure you know better than i... so much so that you think the people in NOs aren't shouldn't even consider accepting money from a "hypocritical christian"... i'd bet $$$ that they constitute the vast majority of giving at this point in time... please.... if you really want to help someone down there... jump off a cliff with Kayne

Posted by: Sean Johns a moron at September 03, 2005 05:17 AM (zPD0D)

80 Only someone who has never taken any responsibility for their life would attack those who are donating time, effort, and money to lessen the hardship in NO. The government and many volunteers have mounted an incredible effort under horrible conditions to save as many people as possible, but in many cases, it's like feeding predatory animals through a cage: you have to protect yourself from that which you're trying to take care of. Anyone who has ever taken the trouble to care for others can imagine what a logistical nightmare it must be providing for people on the Gulf coast with the communications and transportation infrastructure gone, but people who have never done anything but live parasitically off of the work of others, making excuses for why they can't carry their own weight (slavery, racism, the Fall of the Roman Empire, the invention of the electric light bulb, etc.), have no respect for this, having lost the ability to see beyond their self-focus. A few days exposure to the real world, outside the fragile shell of civilization that most of us work hard to preserve, produces irrationality and resentment in the worst sort of people, even to the extent of blaming other people for earthquakes and hurricanes. The mindset that any interruption in comfort is a monstrous injustice is one the typical three-year-old grows out of. The contrast between the behavior of New Yorkers in the days after September 11 and the current mayhem in NO is stunning. My view of New Orleans will henceforth be strongly negative. I donated to the Red Cross before Katrina reached shore, and I'm starting to have pangs of regret. Nothing quenches a charitable impulse faster than ingratitude.

Posted by: Doug at September 03, 2005 05:18 AM (+UaPI)

81 Y'know, you *could* argue that Kanye West hurt poor people. But only because some people are conceited enough to not donate because someone (a celebrity of all people) voiced an opinion that hurt their poor widdle feelings. Boohoo. And 'Confederate Yankee', you've got the nerve to say "NBC just hurt poor people."? How do you make sense of blaming NBC for something that Kanye West said? I don't agree with everything he said, but Slublog definitely said one thing right. West disrespected the Red Cross. And he disrespected NBC. Both NBC and The Red Cross were trying to help this situation. So if you really want to pass along phone numbers and email addresses, maybe you should pass along Kanye's, and stop whipping up some kind of reactionary movement to 'save the President from being assaulted by the evil NBC and Red Cross.' "NBC just hurt poor people. I hope it was worth it to get in a few cheap shots at the president." Man, c'mon.

Posted by: jaybastahd at September 03, 2005 05:40 AM (YpnxO)

82 Check out West's background, then you tell me who is preying on poor blacks.

Posted by: B Moe at September 03, 2005 07:36 AM (ixsKm)

83 to those who call Bush a Racist, It was Bush who strongly suggested to the mayor and govenor of La. to order a mandatory evacuation... that is wht the order came so late. it was the black mayor who let his people die. there were buses to get out the poor and helpless, and yet he didn't use them. does he hate black people too? as for NBC, does anyone still watch that channel?

Posted by: val at September 03, 2005 07:37 AM (RxJdz)

84 Just someting to think about: Bush 41 got blamed to the LA/Rodney King riots. Seems to me that the American Left is trying to do the same thing with New Orleans.

Posted by: lionel at September 03, 2005 08:00 AM (JX6mx)

85 Sean John, Slavery made a difference over a hundred years ago. Discrimination made a difference for the bulk of the years that followed, but I have little personal sympathy for those who won't put a hand up to help themselves instead of putting a hand-out for help from others. Why? Because I'm Irish. My family came to the US during the 1870s and we suffered discrimination for being Irish. Perhaps your history teacher never mentioned the NINA signs that pervaded the Northeast in the latter half of the 19th century. Being Irish was considered by many in the Northeast as being worse than being black. Now, armed with that knowledge realize this: Most of the Americans alive today are the children of immigrants who migrated to the US between 1860 and 1910. You are very likely arguing your idiotic slavery point with individuals whose forebears weren't slave-owners, but immigrants. And do you know what a vast number of immigrants did the moment they got off the boats in the Northeast? They enlisted. Yes, they did. There were recruiters waiting right there at the docks hoping to catch some bright-eyed FOBs to send to the killing fields of Gettysburg, Antetum, and elsewhere to fight for the Union in the 1860s. So get off your high horse and think about American History some. This isn't about race, it's about liberals wanting to blame it on race because they would rather be victims than get off their asses and help themselves out.

Posted by: David Earney at September 03, 2005 08:25 AM (1douf)

86 t's been four years since 9/11 and yet we still seem to be struggling to find anyone who is accountable for preparing the country for a disaster. This team has never accepted responsibility for anything and yesterday when Bush said that he was "not denigrating anybody in New Orleans" for the failed response, we have to wonder why not? It has been so painfully obvious to Americans and people of the world that this has been a failed response but Bush is not serious enough to kick some ass and get serious. Where is the leadership? This time there are no 98 pound weakling countries to invade and attack and blame for everything. Bush likes to sell himself as a leader so let's start demanding to know what happened to all of the spending since 9/11. What happened to all of the Homeland Security planning? What happened to the failure to act on this emergency? How can we mobilize troops for Iraq yet we find it so difficult to mobilize troops to rescue and protect our own people? Why has Bush not sacked the FEMA response team and find someone who can show real leadership? How about a little transparency and accountability with this administration? Are they not spending our tax dollars? It's our money so let's know where it's been spent and how.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 08:50 AM (UpcBI)

87 Yes, Jim, go ahead and give your money to the white folks in Mississippi. You are a racist.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 08:55 AM (UpcBI)

88 Even Republicans were criticizing Bush and his administration for the sluggish relief effort. "I think it puts into question all of the Homeland Security and Northern Command planning for the last four years, because if we can't respond faster than this to an event we saw coming across the Gulf for days, then why do we think we're prepared to respond to a nuclear or biological attack?" said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 08:57 AM (UpcBI)

89 The level of ignorance from SOME on this board is outstanding. Just keeping pumping out the inflammatory retoric without getting any facts, boy, that's really helping the situation isn't it? How the hell has it come to this, that we are sitting here battling with words on the computer, getting away from real situation at hand. How in the world can you sit here and blame Bush for EVERYTHING? New Orleans has been waiting for this disaster to happen for years. I mean, would you build your house on top of a volcano? Emergency planning and evacuation should have begun at the local city and state levels. Can the crazy Bush haters not see that Nagin and Blanco completely dropped the ball? I am not saying that FEMA and Bush are completely without blame, but let's start with the key players here. For instance, why didn't Nagin start busing people out the day BEFORE? There are many layers of blame here if that is what you want to do, point fingers instead of lifting your hand. Also, FYI, I live and work in an area with MANY middle class and affluent black people in Northern Alabama. I know that most of them came from very humble backgrounds. So I am not buying that we whiteys are holding you down, holding you back. I will judge you on YOUR merits, not the color or your skin. Kayne West can speak what he perceives to be his own truth, but it was not the place to do so, it was disrespectful. I am sickened to see all the hate here in light of this disaster. Let's concentrate on trying to get funds to these people and get them the hell of out New Orleans and start the cleaning, healing and rebuilding process.

Posted by: Vetwife at September 03, 2005 09:33 AM (2xsPO)

90 bush has the most diverse cabinet in american history http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-12-09

Posted by: nuyorker at September 03, 2005 09:36 AM (TFKzd)

91 kayne west, and the rest of the race baiters on tv the past few days, aren't being held accountable for their spew...their comments ARE RACISM, fully supported by CNN, MSNBC, etc....you can't say garbage like KW did, and your response is "neutral"...its WRONG, and the Red Cross and NBC did not come out and say that in their responses...

Posted by: rev214 at September 03, 2005 09:36 AM (I/wvt)

92 What people need to realize is that there is enough blame and pointing around. Not one person has been buried yet, and this has gotten into a white and black, red and blue issue. Deal with the situation first then review what was wrong. What happened was a failiure of Government. Lets stop from the bottom. You had a mayor who knew that a cat5 storm was comming his way 2 days in advance. While he told the cameras for people to evacuate, he did not have a plan for the people living in poverty to move them out. Proof is in the picture of the flooded school buses. Thats on him, no excuses. Then you have a governor who had 2 days in advance to call in the national guard. (For those who think that the all of the guardsmen were in Iraq, wrong. Add to the fact that other stated offered to send some in advance). But for sake of argument, Im let her pass on that one. After the storm hit, she failed to call in the national guard to restore order. I can understand people taking food and water, however plasmas and xboxes are not survivable items. Since the looting escalated it got out of control. THATS on THE GOVERNOR. No excuses. Now I could easily say that the city and state gov dropped the ball and that FEMA is picking up thier mess, or that it is difficult for that type of recovery effort for devastation like this. However, FEMA never had or never implemented a plan of thier own in a situation like this, and for that FEMA and ultimatly Bush are at fault. And as hard as it is to admit, some of the "victims" are at fault too. In times like this you have to put aside your gang affiliations, your thirst for greed and lust and just look out for your fellow man. And some of them simply did not do that.

Posted by: JayRock at September 03, 2005 09:36 AM (lxvuM)

93 Is that the best we are seeing in you? Have you no decency? Have all your higher impulses morphed into petulance and rebuke? Scorn and screed? What has become of your heart, that you replace charity with contempt and condemnation? Be merciful to yourself. It is said, "A thief looks at a Saint and sees only pockets." Do you look at the misery and destruction of this hurricane, the enormous displacement of lives and livelihoods, rub your palms together, seeing another opportunity to affix blame, and then sermonize it into hatred? Will survivors, mourning a grandparent drowned in an attic take greater comfort from compassion or from bile? Blame? Plenty of blame to go around. All have fallen short...Yes. All. Will blame raise the dead? Reverse time? Undo 148 MPH winds? Derail and re-track history? Choose to stand in the place where nothing is ever good enough, no one is ever doing the best they can, even in failure, and you perpetuate and condemn yourself to a down-flowing spiral. Hate lodges in the body. Turn it away! Provide it no rooms. Offer it no encouragement. Choose fear...? Fear is the easier choice. Sweet in the mouth, bitter in the belly. Or choose Love. The Crown of Live. What's it gonna be?

Posted by: Vasily at September 03, 2005 09:45 AM (ItWfC)

94 The Dems have kept the Blacks downtrodden for years. They keep them on welfare, never trying to make them stay in school. They need an education to get a good job. And yes, there are many white poor too, that also need a good shaking, wake up, stay in school! What will this country become if we allow these kids to just drop out and join gangs? The Gov. of La, and the New Orleans mayor need to bear the brunt of this situation. They knew in 2004 their evacuation plan sucked. There are school buses under water right now, they could have used to get people out before the storm hit. And before anyone says white people oppress blacks; I had a dear friend who is deceased now, she was black. She refused to date a man that was very dark...she used the "n" word when she described the very dark. And it shocked me. She laughed and said she could use the "n" word, but not us. Said she would only date "light brown" skinned men.

Posted by: moosetr at September 03, 2005 09:51 AM (GTN89)

95 Is anyone blaming Gov. Barbour for not acting? The National Guard was slow to arrive there, too.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 09:55 AM (UpcBI)

96 Once it was a declared National Emergency the Governor didn't have authority over the NG. FEMA under the new DHS had that authority. THAT is what the problem is, neither Chertoff nor Brown have any competence what so ever to handle any kind of emergency situation. And they're the ones Bush put there.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 09:57 AM (UpcBI)

97 Topher, From what I heard on the news, the La Gov. had the La. guard right outside of New Orleans. They were still under her control, and she did not send them in.

Posted by: moosetracks at September 03, 2005 09:59 AM (GTN89)

98 Bush's America is unraveling Take a step back for a minute, then take a deep breath, because what we are seeing now is the beginning of the end of America's darkest hour; the end of the Bush Administration. Bush will never survive this disaster; the tectonic political-plates have shifted too dramatically; the failure too colossal. Nearly overnight the familiar voices that sang his praises from every media pulpit in America have either been silenced or turned against him. It is truly extraordinary; and a tad suspicious. The friendly cheerleaders are bailing-out across the spectrum; NBC, CBS, MSNBC and even the "bullish" FOX News have all descended on their prey like feral dogs on a wounded squirrel. Suddenly the callousness and rustic hauteur of our esteemed leader, the "Fly-over" President, seems to be wearing-thin on leaders and pundits alike. They smell blood in the water and they are preparing to do what they do best; dismember the flailing carcass with gnashing, razor-like teeth...

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 10:00 AM (UpcBI)

99 Hey Topher Just shut up! I don't know who is worse... 1) Idiots like you who's ONLY concern is to make this nothing but a political witchhunt. Defeated liberals who's primary concern is not for the country they live in, but rather the political party that has brainwashed them into always pointing fingers instead of something productive. ---or---- 2) Idiots like Kanye West, Al Sharpton and other bigots who have more concern for their "cause" than for their fellow man. Only by the grace of God will this situation be resolved...and neither of the 2 camps above are doing jack-squat to truly help. JUST SHUT UP and do something instead of running your damn mouths!

Posted by: JustStop at September 03, 2005 10:17 AM (Ghx+m)

100 That is funny Topher, keep up shouting your hatred of Bush. That is all you have. Democrats need to come up with IDEAS to get elected, they have none. Bush Bashing wont get you elected. Bush declared the area a disaster area two days BEFORE the hurricane. They Mayor and governor just cried help. As you know the Mayor and Governor did nothing, but they are democrats and they do nothing but blame Bush.

Posted by: Ux2 at September 03, 2005 10:18 AM (bPo3P)

101 Jim, Some great points. After 9/11 there was a terrific outpouring of support for the city of NY, the victims and their families. With the exception of a few Far Left nuts, the nation stood together. After New Orleans, the nation is divided. Divided among racial lines. I'm white. I am contributing. But I refuse to contribute of groups and organizations that reject me or call me names. I refuse to give to people who, as you say, want to give me a "slap in the face." Of course, most of those doing the face slapping are safely out of harms way. Like Randall Robinson, race baiter extraordinaire, living in St. Kitts. Of most of the last 50 years, people of good will have tried to heal the racial wounds that divide us. But at some point, it is well to realize that some people who hate you will not change. And then your tolerance turns into a mirror image of their hate. A frien of mine called me this morning asking my opinion on the kind of gun he should buy for his home defense. Thanks to New Orleans, we have a clarification of the lines between the races. It's a tragedy.

Posted by: Moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 10:23 AM (x5GZ9)

102 The truth hurts, doesn't it?

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 10:27 AM (UpcBI)

103 All this stupid, childish whining from the blacks posting to this site is pathetic, but typical of people who have come to be totally dependant on "massa" for all their handouts, and who refuse to take responsibility for their own well being and who wish to avoid accountability for their own actions. The mayor of New Orleans is black, and blacks are the majority in the city. Hurricans have battered the city many times before, so to suddenly blame the president for all this is childish at best, and reprehensible at worst, but childish and reprehensible seem to describe the black attitude pretty well. As far as the president not caring about black people, well, if black people don't care about themselves, why should he, or any other white person? If you want to be treated like adult human beings, act like adult human beings, and not like aboriginal savages on the warpath.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at September 03, 2005 10:34 AM (0yYS2)

104 Actually Topher, the truth never hurts. It's tinfoil hat stupidity that makes me angry.

Posted by: moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 10:40 AM (x5GZ9)

105 And Topher, its not really smart to try to kill someone trying to help you. But smarts are not you strong suit.

Posted by: moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 10:43 AM (x5GZ9)

106 Bush must share the blame for the unpreparedness of this disaster

Posted by: howard at September 03, 2005 10:53 AM (0H3h1)

107 Sorry to go off topic. As I watch the live press conference on WWLTV, they are still pulling folks off rooftops and out of attics. They didn't say what color the people were though.

Posted by: craigl at September 03, 2005 10:53 AM (PSc2z)

108 Sorry to go off topic. As I watch the live press conference on WWLTV, they are still pulling folks off rooftops and out of attics. They didn't say what color the people were though.

Posted by: craigl at September 03, 2005 10:54 AM (PSc2z)

109 See? The Republicans harbor blatant racists like Improbulus Maximus.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 10:58 AM (UpcBI)

110 Topher, I am laughing because the truth hurts? The economy is excellent, home ownership is at an all time high, unemployment is down, people are spending, things look good. What is the lefts answer? "Bush is bad" You got nothing. Keep shouting and screaming you are doing wonders for the Republicans.

Posted by: Ux2 at September 03, 2005 10:59 AM (bPo3P)

111 Howard, What should Bush have done to prevent this disaster? If you were in his shoes, what would you do now?

Posted by: moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 11:00 AM (x5GZ9)

112 Moneyrunner, when did I try to kill someone who was trying to rescue me? But I guess you think all black people are violent, huh? Fact of the matter is, this country has turned away from President Bush. Cling to your sinking ship if you must.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 11:02 AM (UpcBI)

113 Bush is a buffoon

Posted by: Howard at September 03, 2005 11:02 AM (0H3h1)

114 Ux2, you live in a dream world. Look around you. Gas prices? Poverty? Military stretched to it's limits? Wake up.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 11:04 AM (UpcBI)

115 Bush's numbers are tanking. The American people were willing to give Bush the benefit of the doubt on 8/31, but his rank incompetence has quickly whittled that away. These numbers should only continue to sink. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4fb93579-161f-4c4b-9c3e-d76b4730a85f

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 11:08 AM (UpcBI)

116 Topher: Perhaps YOU need to take a break here today and get out of your dream world. And Howard needs to put forth something a little more substantial than his zippy one liners. So Maximus is a blatant racist for saying aboriginal savages? How so? Look at the way people in New Orleans have been acting since day one of this hurricane. In these situations, a person's true colors start to come out. No pun intended. Are you condoning the murders and rapes that have occured in New Orleans? I have no problem with taking what you need, food, clothing, etc. That point should be moot. I have seen both black and white looting on tv, switching back and forth between all news media.

Posted by: Vetwife at September 03, 2005 11:17 AM (2xsPO)

117 "I know the government administers AIDS," Kayne West. West shouldn't be treated as an authority on any subject, to put it charitably.

Posted by: LesLein at September 03, 2005 11:18 AM (6krEN)

118 Topher, First, I have no way of knowing if you are black. I can tell by your comments that you have some deep seated hatred and you grasp on reality is not very firm. Second, my reference to killing people who try to rescue you was partially directed at those who were sniping at rescue helicopter and ambulances. It was partially aimed at you since you seem to be trying to drive away people who would like to help the victims of the flooding. That will certainly lead to unnecessary deaths. Third, I assume you this will affect you not at all since you a writing up a storm while the people of New Orleans are busy trying to survive and do not have electricity. At one time I was sorry for people in your camp, the camp of the haters, the camp of the bigots, the camp of the tin-foil hatters. Now, I really donÂ’t care. But I do hate what you are doing to our society because I have seen what ethnic, religious and racial strife can do. In the US, in the 1860s it led to civil war in which 600,000 people died and half the country was devastated for over half a century. In much of the rest of the world we view seething cauldrons of group hatred bringing death to millions. And that is what people like you are bringing to this country. It is an example of the fact that human nature is pretty much the same the world over. And evil always pokes its ugly head up unless good men work mightily against it. ThatÂ’s why I wrote this.

Posted by: moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 11:22 AM (x5GZ9)

119 Topher, First, I have no way of knowing if you are black. I can tell by your comments that you have some deep seated hatred and your grasp on reality is not very firm. Second, my reference to killing people who try to rescue you was partially directed at those who were sniping at rescue helicopter and ambulances. It was partially aimed at you since you seem to be trying to drive away people who would like to help the victims of the flooding. That will certainly lead to unnecessary deaths. Third, I assume you this will affect you not at all since you are writing up a storm while the people of New Orleans are busy trying to survive and do not have electricity. At one time I was sorry for people in your camp, the camp of the haters, the camp of the bigots, the camp of the tin-foil hatters. Now, I really donÂ’t care. But I do hate what you are doing to our society because I have seen what ethnic, religious and racial strife can do. In the US, in the 1860s it led to civil war in which 600,000 people died and half the country was devastated for over half a century. In much of the rest of the world we view seething cauldrons of group hatred. And that is what people like you are bringing to this country. It is an example of the fact that human nature is pretty much the same the world over. And evil always pokes its ugly head up unless good men work mightily against it. ThatÂ’s why I wrote this.

Posted by: moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 11:28 AM (x5GZ9)

120 I see. Black people should have remained in slavery to avoid the strife of the Civil War. What have I said to drive people away from donating? Several people here have mentioned they will not be donating to charities. That is their decision. No one can drive people from charity. Charity comes from the heart. I continue to see racist views on this board. This is why black people as a whole will never embrace the Republican party. And don't bother making up any additional excuses. I will not be back. All of you with your sad world view -- you who are now in the minority -- can huddle in here and feed each other lies of comfort.

Posted by: Topher at September 03, 2005 11:34 AM (UpcBI)

121 Does anyone know if Vegas posted odds for someone saying something stupid at the wrong time? That would have been easy money thanks to Kanye.

Posted by: onmiddleground at September 03, 2005 11:36 AM (lxvuM)

122 Personally, I'd love it if the Republican Party were to put the first African-American female President in front of the men and women of America in the form of Condi Rice. But people like Topher would simply call her an Aunt Jemima or an Uncle Tom and say that she gave up being black years ago. On the contrary, what she gave up was being a victim. And I'm not even a Republican. I'm a card-carrying Libertarian who has not fallen in with the party line over a lot of things in the last 4 years.

Posted by: David Earney at September 03, 2005 11:45 AM (1douf)

123 You know what David, I would like to know more about the libertarian party.

Posted by: onthemiddle at September 03, 2005 11:47 AM (lxvuM)

124 Topher, You see, I said that you donÂ’t have a very firm grasp of reality. Of course I did not say that black people should have remained slaves. What I did say that ethnic, religious and racial strife has lead to millions of deaths. And I reminded you that over 600,000 people died, most of them white, to free the American slaves. No need to thank whites; it was the right thing to do, but a certain level of appreciating would be nice. You appear to feel dissed? Well, the time has passed when we had to take BS from bigots of the Left, mumble something and turn away. We have grown, and now will not take it silently any more. Sorry if that makes you uncomfortable. Actually, IÂ’m not sorry. ItÂ’s high time. But you may want to read my blog because it talks of human nature. Not black or white human nature but just plain human nature. And then, for the sake of God, think! click here.

Posted by: moneyrunner at September 03, 2005 11:53 AM (x5GZ9)

125 People like Topher are immature and destructive, and cannot be persuaded by arguments or actions. His denial is impenetrable by logic. He filters all words and deeds through his ideology, so that everyone he disagrees with is part of the Vast Conspiracy Against Topher. As the nuns used to say, he is "invincibly ignorant". He cannot be helped, so forget him. The Chrsitian and humane thing is to help people anyway, despite their complaints and whining. But after all is said and done, keep such haters out of elective office, gor God's sake.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 11:56 AM (gmlBV)

126 Don't you all know by now that Condi Rice and Colin Powell aren't black because they don't follow the very strict codes of conduct as laid out by Kanye (whatever) West and P. Diddy? You have to talk like a 3rd grader and be constantly asking for what OTHERS can do for you rather than having any accountability for your own life in order to be a REAL black person in America. Which by the way - is the MOST RACIST way of thinking I have ever heard. More African Americans own their own home now then ever did in the history of America - but don't let the facts get in the way of your irrational hatred. And by all means keep Americans angry and divided for as long as possible. This is why we say that liberals hate America: they prove it constantly by saying whatever they can whenever they can to keep Americans divided and angry. GET OVER YOURSELVES and for once in your life do something! If you don't like the way things are, get off your butt, stop whining and volunteer your time somewhere because your pi$$ing and moaning is working straight into the hands of the Republicans. BTW: I've written 2 checks to the Red Cross for $100 each, and I'm pledging that everytime an ignorant and hate-filled liberal blames Bush for something ridiculous, or calls our military 'idiots" or compares them to Nazis, I'm giving $10 to the RNC. I urge my fellow conservatives to do the same. We could have a banner year in fundraising. I only hope I don't go broke before the year is out.

Posted by: Bu$CausedMyGout at September 03, 2005 11:59 AM (4nexs)

127 I meant to say everytime a hate-filled liberal blames Bush PUBLICLY etc... I would otherwise seriously go broke.

Posted by: Bu$hCausedMyGout at September 03, 2005 12:03 PM (4nexs)

128 Topher, Howard, et al, just what color is the sky in your ugly little world? Or do you even have one? I think it's falling. Oh, and as for Bush and his "ratings" on the decline. You and the MSM who do the polls are equally delusional.

Posted by: Drugstore Cowgirl at September 03, 2005 12:08 PM (AnMsS)

129 I see. Black people should have remained in slavery to avoid the strife of the Civil War. Wow. Go away for a few hours, and I get to come back to the same victim mindset. You are indeed a slave Topher, Sean John, etc, but the slavery you experience is a cultural decision you have made as a societal group. It is very real, but you made the chains yourself, and they can be unmade. Hip-hop culture is the same tired "THE MAN is keepin' me down" crap we've been hearing for decades. Watch an hour of BET, and what do we see being promoted? You glorify a lifestyle of conspicous consumption (it's all about the BLING), objectifying your women (and ignoring the resulting children), the glorify excessive drug and alcohol use, promote gang involvement (look a your current cultural icons), and generally irresponsible "what can someone else do for me?" behavior. As a culture, you undervalue education, disdain honest hard work and show no resolve to progress as a society. I am of course referring to the hip hop lifestyle, and not all blacks, but the hip hop lifestyle seems to be embraced as the "in" lifestyle of a current generation intent on pissing away everything their grandparents and parents fought for. No wonder Bill Cosby is pissed. Blacks are born with the same 10 fingers and toes and gray matter as whites, Asians, hispanics, and others. They are given the same legal protections, and in many cases more rights, and entitlements. You want to be considered seriously? Step up and taken control of a society that value the ability that places more value on the ability to rhyme and act like a thug than get and education and a real job. Until then, all I hear is a whining, spoiled child, crying, "I want, I want, I WANT." Don't expect anyone else to take you seriously if you don't.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 12:14 PM (0fZB6)

130 Condi Rice for President??!! Hahaha. Do you know what she was doing on Thrusday, when hundreds of people were dying? She was shopping for expensive shoes in NY. She sure looks presidential. And you guys know that Condi Rice would never get full support from the republican party because she is Black.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 12:15 PM (Sj3ZZ)

131 Bu$ Don't go to Daily KOS, you'll have to file bankruptcy after the first thread.

Posted by: David Earney at September 03, 2005 12:19 PM (1douf)

132 I love it when snivelling liberals like Topher, (What kind of silly fag name is that anyway? What's the matter, Chris wasn't feminine enough for you?), can only refute hard, cold truth with whining about conservatives being racist. Well, FYI bitch, I'm voting for Condi, even if I have to write her in, and the color of her skin has absoulutely not one damned thing to do with it, I simply feel she's the best and brightest, which is, coincidentally, why blacks reject her. I guess if she wanted to be accepted by "her people" she should have been a crackhead welfare queen with fourteen kids.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at September 03, 2005 12:20 PM (0yYS2)

133 I'll tell you something, if the Republicans do well over the next two months in managing Katrina, not only has the Democratic party lost the election, but you've lost the state of Louisiana.

Posted by: David Earney at September 03, 2005 12:20 PM (1douf)

134 Let's argue policy, culture and society, and try to stay away from "fag, bitch, etc," okay? I'd like to keep this somewhat civil, and that kind of language is juvenile, and does nothing to advance the dialogue.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 12:26 PM (0fZB6)

135 Confederate - Do you even know what Hip Hop culture is??? Maybe you should listen to Kanye West's albums. He even has a song about Jesus called: Jesus Walks. Listen to it and tell me if you think if it is bad for black people. Also tell me, why do you have such love for the Confederate flag when it is a symbol of the institution of slavery which the Confederate government defended.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 12:30 PM (Sj3ZZ)

136 David Earney - Where have you been the last couple days. The Republican Government HAS ALREADY failed. Thousands are still going to be in NO until Sunday. Absolutely amazing.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 12:33 PM (Sj3ZZ)

137 All levels of government failed the people of New Orleans. ALL LEVELS!

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 12:43 PM (EEWpj)

138 Sean John: Kanye West is a race pimp, just like Sharpton and Farrakhan. What West sings about matters very little; his actions and words reveal his true feelings. He. Hates. White. People. And so do you. It wouldn't matter what sacrifice any one white person made for the NOLA blacks, you would still hate them and call their actions racist. Ideas that are self-reinforcing and impossible to refute are called delusions. Nothing can persuade you, so there is no point dealing with you. I don't hate you, I just pity you for being such a schmuck. It's unlikely you'll ever grow up. God forgive you.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 12:45 PM (gmlBV)

139 Kevin F.- You are as bad as Kanye West. How do you know his mind set? How do you extrapolate his hatred towards white people based on his ill timed comment about Bush? He doesn't sound very smart but neither do you!

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 12:53 PM (EEWpj)

140 Kevin F. - I hate white people? Too bad I am white. I think Kanye West is a musician, and most musicians care about what they rap or sing about. I agree that all levels of the gov't failed NO. But the Federal Gov't knew - before Katrina hit -that the city and state did not have enough resources to handle this alone. We all knew that. FEMA knew that. BTW did you know that the Associated Press reported that the Army Corps of Engineers asked for $105 million for hurricane and flood programs in New Orleans last year. The White House carved it to about $40 million. But President Bush and Congress agreed to a $286.4 billion pork-filled highway bill with 6,000 pet projects, including a $231 million bridge for a small, uninhabited Alaskan island.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 12:59 PM (Sj3ZZ)

141 All one needs to know about Sean John's mindset is made clear by his own words. You either missed most of the thread, or you are ignoring his words. As for West, his remarks on AIDS are sufficient to place his ideology. His rant against Bush weren't merely "ill-timed", they were nuts. One needs to hear just a few notes to recognize the call of a leftist wanker.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 01:00 PM (gmlBV)

142 So you're white, Sean? Big deal. You still Hate White People. It's called 'self-loathing'; look it up. It's the standard liberal position: Whites Ruined the Earth. As for me, I'm through with ignoring such garbage anymore. Gloves off.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 01:04 PM (gmlBV)

143 Kevin - so you think you know who Kanye West really is from one lyric? Haha. Maybe you should hear his song Hey Mama or Jesus Walks. Or Diamonds from Sierra Leone. Too bad Kanye's remarks are felt by many people including many people. Even the media has risen the issue. You gotta wake up.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:10 PM (Sj3ZZ)

144 I don't think white people ruined the earth my friend. I think incompetency ruines the earth. When are leaders are always acting incompetent - it ruins the world. Racism hinders progress. If you don't think racism exists against blacks, muslims, mexicans, etc. here in the year 2005, you are a joke.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 01:15 PM (Sj3ZZ)

145 Sean John is a racist.

Posted by: one who knows at September 03, 2005 01:42 PM (UCJD1)

146 Racism hinders people who let it hinder them. People who live in the present are not nurturing their self-pity over the Civil War.

Posted by: Doug at September 03, 2005 02:10 PM (+UaPI)

147 A message to "Topher," Two messages, actually. "Progressives" like you resort to calling your opponents names like "racist" because you are unable to discuss issues ON THEIR MERITS. And, Your attitude (and that of West, Robinson, et., al.) has taken people who might have been your friend and turned them into enemies. Good job!

Posted by: Jim at September 03, 2005 02:18 PM (CBhGN)

148 While Bush has surrounded himself with "competent blacks",Kanye West has surrounded himself several "competent white people" on his current album (which incidentally will debut at #1 on Billboard). To say that Kanye West hates white people is as ridiculous as KAnye's statement about Bush not caring about blacks. They are both just clueless. Look I am not black but I am human. I can understand where both sides are coming from. But who really cares about a statement made by a rapper? You are giving him too much power.

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 02:20 PM (EEWpj)

149 And another thing... For Christ's sake...the Red Cross should not be shunned because of Kanye's comments. The poor people (black, white and whatever else is down there) should not be ignored because of one man's comments. This is a scary time right now for the ENTIRE nation.

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 02:28 PM (EEWpj)

150 Re: But who really cares about a statement made by a rapper? You are giving him too much power. Sorry, it doesn't wash anymore; I no longer buy that tired excuse. West and Sharpton and the like serve as community leaders, and you know it. They spew hate against those who disagree with them. They sow ignorance and avarice. They do have power, yet speak lies and advise disruption. It's beyond clueless, it is an ideology. And I am tired of people like you apologizing for it. Be an adult, and call it "wrong", with no mitigating factors ("he shouldn't have said it, but..." If you cannot call him on this one, then don't pretend to crticize me. Such people don't just disagree, they're wholly anti-American. And I for one am through accepting it.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 02:31 PM (gmlBV)

151 The Red Cross should not be shunned? Maybe. We'll see how much they wiggle, trying to avoid dissing West's supporters while they tell how much they disagree. Condemn his words, condemn them, or they will in fact see a drop-off in donations. And that would all be West's fault.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 02:35 PM (gmlBV)

152 When did Kanye West become a black community leader? HE'S A RAPPER.

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 02:35 PM (EEWpj)

153 Jim - Does Racism exist today in America?? Does it exist in the South?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 02:37 PM (Sj3ZZ)

154 Don't be so obtuse, ImissBill. It is the prime example of the sorry state of some black culture, the hip-hop generation, that their only real functioning community leaders are rappers, and charlatans like Sharpton. It is and should be embarrassing.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 02:40 PM (gmlBV)

155 Red Cross will not see a Drop Off in Donations. Kevin J, people like you are in the minority. Crying over every little thing. OMG We just saw Janet Jackson's nipple for a half a second. Quit crying about Kanye's comments and look at the important issue of race relations in America. And why has poverty been rising every year of the Bush Admin - especially among African Americans???

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 02:41 PM (Sj3ZZ)

156 Kevin - So Black Culture is to blame? So you think that 50 Cent is more of a leader to African Americans than a person like Barrack Obama. Wake up. Most of the fans of the "hip hip culture" are white people. And I am sure Al Sharpton has done more for civil rights than you have.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 02:44 PM (Sj3ZZ)

157 Sean, please don't tell me you're wearing an overlong team jersey, ballcap and chains. I keep getting an image of Napolean Dynamite's brother. Eeeew. Anyway Sean, define "racism".

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 02:44 PM (gmlBV)

158 I am falling out of my chair laughing at Kanye West being crowned as a "black community leader". The Red Cross and NBC has already made statements in reference to Mr. West's remarks. There is nothing else that needs to be said. HE'S A RAPPER. He's not an elected official. He's not even articulate. Who cares what he thinks! Obviously you do. Maybe you subconsciously agree with him...who knows? As far as it being Kanye's fault if donations drop off, that's B.S. It would be the heartless people who put more attention on a rapper's comments instead of the real issue at hand...

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 02:44 PM (EEWpj)

159 Kevin Federline- When did you become an expert on the black community and black culture? Have you been watching BET again?

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 02:47 PM (EEWpj)

160 Oh yeah...tell Britney "hi" for me... Gotta run! John McCain for President...NOW, PLEASE!

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 02:48 PM (EEWpj)

161 Kevin, its nice that you have to resort to personal attacks when you can't defend your great Bush Admin on anything.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 02:49 PM (Sj3ZZ)

162 To BillMisser: You don't seem to understand much about the things that determine culture, regardless of race. To suggest a community's leaders are simply its elected officials is either naive or ignorant. (P.S. Federline? Who's that?) To Sean: OMG, you are wearing hip hop clothes! Ha!

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 02:55 PM (gmlBV)

163 Kevin F represents the typical ingnorant (and probably redneck) conservative that is out of touch with reality. Kevin - why can't you defend your boy Bush and the fact that poverty has increased every year under his watch. Defend his slow response to NO! I challenge you too. oh my gosh, Hip Hop Culture is ruining America!! The world is coming to an end! you are simply a joke... I think your leaders are ruining America. So you think Pat Robertson is more of a role model than Kanye West. Haha. Or how about drug-poppin Rush Limbaugh?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 03:17 PM (Sj3ZZ)

164 First they try to blame Bush for the hurricane (didn't see that coming), then blame him for the levie breaking and what it all boils down to is...BUSH BAD BUSH BAD BUSH BAD.YOU FUCKING IDIOT LIBERAL TRASH....THEY BUSH BAD CAMPAIGN DIDN'T WORK IN 2000 OR 2004. WAKE UP MORONS IT WANT WORK IN 2008 EITHER STUPID FREAKS. I REALLY HOPE YOU FREAKS FIND YOURSELF AND ACTUALLY HAVE A STAND ON SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN WIN WITH CAUSE I TIER OF YOUR CONSTANT WHINNING...STUPID IDIOT FREAKS

Posted by: MOWHAMHEAD at September 03, 2005 03:20 PM (kmZ4I)

165 Okay..I'm back! Kudos to you Sean John. I agree with your last statement to Kevin Federline. Mr. Federline - As the "resident expert on black people", you sir, sound naive or ignorant. A black person with a microphone does not make him or her a black community leader. Who is community...Pat Robertson...maybe David Duke or Matthew Hale? Rethink your earlier statement about culture. A very broadsweeping staement, don't think?

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 03:28 PM (EEWpj)

166 Please refrain from the profanity and namecalling, MOWHAMHEAD. It's very uncivilized.

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 03:30 PM (EEWpj)

167 I have just read some of the dumbest comments I have ever seen on the net. Especialy from seanjohn and his cast of supporting Bush haters. These have to be the most Ignorant people I have ever come across in my 56 years.There stupidty is only exceeded by there hate and oh poor me am black and Bush hates me. Which is a total crock. They offer no proff or facts to back up there slander of a good and decent man. You people are pathetic keep on hating till it rots your soul.

Posted by: Jack Hamilton at September 03, 2005 03:42 PM (XmPsl)

168 Stickwick - So are you saying that racism does not exist? I don't recall saying this, and what does it have to do with my question? Do you live or have you been to the South??!! I live in Texas (??!!). My step-mother is black. She has never complained of poor treatment in the South. But she is West Indian, and has a different attitude towards whites. I have not seen any plans put out by the Bush Administration to help the poor and minorities. So minorities are incapable of doing anything without the help of whites, is that what you're saying? In your response to your slavery comparison, I would like to see your facts to back up your claims. In addition, West Indian slaves were of the minority compared to African slaves. You can check the West Indian vs. native-born income analysis in Andrew Hacker's book Two Nations -- he's on your side, so don't worry about bias. Thomas Sowell (a black economist) also writes about the success of West Indian vs. native-born blacks and provides census data to back up this claim in his book Ethnic America. Well worth a read. Sowell also covers West Indian slavery in the aforementioned book and elsewhere. Here is an excerpt from a review of American Ethnic Groups: The West Indians are of particular interest because their rate of progress in the U.S. has been far ahead of that of native-born blacks, indicating that race has not been the key factor. Dr. Sowell writes that slavery in the West Indies differed significantly from that in the U.S. because, “instead of a minority of blacks surrounded by a larger white society, the West Indies has long been a place with an overwhelmingly black population . . . . The West Indian plantation could not draw upon a larger white society for its economic needs, and in fact members of the enslaved black population grew their own food individually, and sold the surplus in the market off the plantation. Unlike slaves in the U.S . . . . slaves in the West Indies were assigned individual plots of land in which each family grew its own food. In short, even during the era of slavery, black West Indians had generations of experience in individual reward for individual effort . . . also, the virtual absence of a white working class meant that ‘free persons of color,’ and later the whole free black population, could not be restricted to the most menial occupations, as in the U.S., or the more skilled and more responsible positions would have gone unfilled . . . . The whole West Indian experience followed a pattern reminiscent of European immigrants rather than the pattern of their native black contemporaries.” In other words, it ain't race. Have you figured out where I'm going with my question yet? And the only compassion that you show for slavery is that it was a drag on the economy??? Absolutley ridiculous. My comment was in response to the claim that whites today are still somehow profiting from slavery, which is false. There comes a time when it no longer profits anyone to continue milking the legacy of slavery for sympathy or guilt or handouts or whatever it is you want. No reasonable person in America will argue against slavery being the most evil practice the world has ever known, but the fact is that it is a very ancient evil and has existed in virtually every (85%) of the world's cultures since human history began. There is this very narrow-minded perspective that believes American blacks to be unique in all this. (For instance, did you know that Native Americans practiced slavery?). But if you want a clue as to what I'm hinting at with my original question, look at the Jews. They have been the most consistently persecuted and discriminated-against group in history, and yet for some reason they have managed to maintain their identity, survive, and prosper. Any idea why this is? It ties in with my original question: why do West Indian blacks tend to be as successful as whites in America?

Posted by: Stickwick Stapers at September 03, 2005 03:48 PM (DPJEu)

169 Years ago I received help from the Red Cross.I havent forgotten that, and I will continue to provide them with my monthly donation. Some jackass rapper isnt going to dissuade me or those that really want to donate (as evidenced above--people are rechanneling their money, but it will still be donated). The only 2 things he accomplished were making race/color an issue and making an ass of himself. Unfortunately for all of us, Kanye's access to NBC allows him to show off his ignorant and racially-biased opinion.

Posted by: Diverdown at September 03, 2005 03:53 PM (N24ZJ)

170 I have a few comments to make: 1. Tell my father about racism..and see if that kept him down. Being an Italian/American wasn't all fun and games in the U.S....even after WW2. He came back from the service and was refused work because "they didn't hire his KIND of people". He told the hiring guy that he had killed better "Japs" than him and he was going to work...no matter what. That guy gave him a job after all. I'm so sick of all the 'excuses' why blacks can't succeed....how's about stop having so many kids (without fathers)...how about focusing on education, how about learning to speak properly....the tool are all there to succeed if they really wanted to. I guess it's easier to get a hand out. I have a lot of black friends who I would consider no different than myself...and are doing quite well. 2. I live in South Florida. When I hear the mention of a Cat 5 with winds of 175 miles an hour...I get out of town...even if I have to walk! Those people were ignorant...thinking they could ride out the storm in their wooden shacks! Geez! The mayor should have bused them out in the school buses that are all lined up and under water now! 3. New Orleans was a cesspool even before the flood.....rife with corruption, crime, lawlessness, and apathy. Only a few weeks before the storm, friends were moving from Arizona to South Florida and made the mistake of stopping in Nola along the way. Their ENTIRE rent-a-truck was stolen with their car attached...and all their wordly possessions were taken...even my friend's underwear and shampoo! When they called the police, they NEVER bothered to come and help them...even after anguished cries from my friend. They BARELY were able to get a police report out of that town....and left there totally disgusted with New Orleans and the people who refused to help them there! Now they are also starting from scratch... 4. For those of you who criticize...why aren't you on your way to Nola and volunteering to go into some of these neighborhoods to rescue people? Why isn't Jesse Jackson on a boat physically helping out? Kanye West's comments were disgusting. People like him are part of the problem regarding racism in America. When they start addressing the issues that are really the cause of their poverty...then maybe the problem can be solved. Denial and blaming others will get you nowhere. Ranting in West Palm

Posted by: obi at September 03, 2005 03:54 PM (SqtKX)

171 While my brave bros steal tvs, colt 45 and dope from needy hospitals I will defend their right to do so. No wonder the left loves me!

Posted by: Kanye West at September 03, 2005 03:56 PM (GKsOs)

172 you can't blame the red cross for what kayne said. It isn't like he had a prepared speech that he showed the red cross and was like this is what i'm going to say. obviously the red cross would never allow it nor would nbc. you are all hippocriticle because you are blaming the red cross and nbc for something kayne said, but then you admonish people for blaming Bush. Non of your are any better than the bush bashers. but i guess that thought is to complex and mind blowing for you closed minded conservatives.

Posted by: keith at September 03, 2005 04:01 PM (83ENm)

173 Sean John: Confederate Yankee pretty much nailed the answer to my question. You know, if I were you, I'd be thinking this is pretty good news. Wouldn't you rather believe that there is no racism in America, that a black person can succeed and prosper? In fact, it's true, and that is the point of the studies done with West Indians and other racial minorities in America. The data says race isn't the factor. It's culture. But blacks don't want to hear it, because you want something that is incompatible with the hip-hop culture. That's why you have to keep playing the race/slavery card. You want to know what the recipe for success is, regardless of whether you're black, white, green, orange, or purple? Education, hard work, family, and modest lifestyle. Look at every successful ethnic group in America, and that's what you'll find.

Posted by: Stickwick Stapers at September 03, 2005 04:04 PM (DPJEu)

174 OBI- I agree with everyting you wrote but I do take exception to #3. Yes, NOLA was a cesspool before the flood. What does that have to do with anything? Did you think that NOLA deserved what Mother Nature and the failed levees brought to the city? Vegas is a cesspool. Detroit and Philly are cesspools.NYC is a cesspool. Do they deserve the same fate? I do agree with everything else you wrote...WHOLE HEARTEDLY! Ranting in my backyard

Posted by: ImissBill at September 03, 2005 04:04 PM (EEWpj)

175 Jack Hamilton - Do you want some facts. I'll be glad to give you some. From AP last week: "The number of Americans who fell into poverty rose to 37 million -- up 1.1 million from 2003 -- according to Census Bureau figures released Tuesday. It marks the fourth straight increase in the government's annual poverty measure"..."The four-year increase in poverty under President Bush is the worst since his father was in office. The poverty rate rose for five years from 1989 to 1993, as it had from 1979 to 1983" Can you explain what the Bush Admin has done about this? Also, there are still thousands still left at the Superdome and Convention Center, after nearly 6 days. Do you think that is competent?

Posted by: Sean john at September 03, 2005 04:06 PM (Sj3ZZ)

176 ImissBill: The act that NBC & the Red Cross chose West to speak to the nation (rather than sing or rap), asking for donations means at least these two organizations saw him as something other than a mere rapper, but as someone that people might look up to and emulate. It's a common enough advertising device, a fallacious argument called 'appeal to authority'. Whether you choose to recognize it as such is immaterial to the fact. Keith: Can we blame the Red Cross? Well, West has a bit of a track record in saying outrageous things, so yes, this was not vetted well. Their fault, but surely a lesser one. As for NBC, well, they have a liberal MSM bias so what would you expect? The Red Cross was stupid to trust them.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 04:13 PM (gmlBV)

177 Stickwick - do you or have you lived in poverty? i didn't think so. i believe the issue of class is actually more important than race. but class and race are correlated. you are almost set up to fail with the type of system we have in urban cities (try visiting a housing project). Have you been to some of the schools in poor cities? I don't think all people are racists. But racism does exist - and it is more common among the Right. Look at some of the posters here: such as "Mowhamhead" - Just look at the bigotry that you guys display. And it is most of the Right that is all for Racial Profiling.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:13 PM (Sj3ZZ)

178 Kevin F - I'm so tired of this liberal MSM BS. Fox News has the highest ratings in Cable News. So that would make them Mainstream right? Are the Liberal. Just b.c. the media questions the president or speaks against the media - it doesn't make them MSM Liberal. Bush was given a pass on the Iraq War/WMDs - was there a liberal agenda too. Or how about when Clinton was questioned about a blowjob daily - was the MSM liberal back than too. Come to reality!

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:17 PM (Sj3ZZ)

179 Hey ImissBill...the reason I mention the "cesspool" aspect of Nola is this....I am not surprised by the lack of leadership which in turn has caused a lot of grief there. I have a friend who was married to a cop who had worked in New Orleans and he said it was very corrupt and couldn't stand it. The crime rate there (over 330 murders last year)was rampant hence we see the thugs now emerging (they had a drill there last year where they shot off over 700 rounds of ammunition and had "0" people call the police to report it!)I guess nobody wanted to be known as the neighborhood "snitch".....the lack of empathy maybe has something to do with people not helping each other...before AND after the storm. Here in South Florida...after our hurricanes...everyone was helping everyone..no question. Crime wouldn't be tolerated either...and many of us sacrificed a lot to help our neighbors. The total breakdown of society has occured there and I think it's a test...maybe something good will come out of this. It's bringing out a lot of issues that need to be addressed. But then, I'm an optimist...must be in my genes...since my forefathers who endured many hardships coming from Italy had to have had to survive in their new home.

Posted by: obi at September 03, 2005 04:19 PM (SqtKX)

180 Sean, Powerline debunked this meme a few days agao. Look it up, if you are so inclined. But it won't change your mind. That's the nature of a fixed delusion: it is impervious to logic. You don't want to debate the issue, you want to prove a point. Well, you are incorrect, and off topic (and off topic because you cannnot defend yourself otherwise). Your style is a common one: "well, then what about this? And this? And etc.??" Some shred of data (numbers of poor, devoid of context) plus rant equals Whites are Racist! Feh.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 04:19 PM (gmlBV)

181 So what facts can you show me that racism does not exist? I am not saying all white people are racists BTW; all I am saying is that Racism exists.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:24 PM (Sj3ZZ)

182 Sean: re: MSM liberal bias. There are books and web pages devoted to this topic. It was noticed as far back as the early 1960s, according to my research. Further, if one counts the NYTimes (1930s apologists for Stalin). Sorry son, if you haven't heard all that in these past 15 years, no one can help you. You cannot make someone see what he doesn't want to see.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 04:24 PM (gmlBV)

183 Yah, most of those books and web pages are by the Right. Like that idiot Bernard Goldberg. Does Fox News have a Bias????

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:28 PM (Sj3ZZ)

184 Does racism exist? Sure. Is it a large cultural force in the US in 2005? Not among whites, really. Certainly present among some American blacks. Muslims are frequent violators here as well. The point is, son, racism explains virtually nothing about what happened in NOLA. Nothing. Nada, Zip. Zero. Except in your fevered imagination.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 04:28 PM (gmlBV)

185 Sean, surely you know that all news reporting is biased to some degree. Until Fox and the blogs, the left controlled the news reporting. Now they don't.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 04:30 PM (gmlBV)

186 So let me get this straight, are you making the claim that Bush Supporters and other Conservatives are now going to punish hurricane victims because of the remarks of one stupid person? What ever happened to "compassionate conservatives?" IF conservatives cut short their donations simply because of some stupid remarks that some idiot said on television then you will prove the Liberals correct in their worst assumptions about conservatives.

Posted by: Billy The Blogging Poet at September 03, 2005 04:30 PM (gfkTT)

187 As a southerner born and bred I have seen racism first hand. At my local school the majority of those attending were, in fact, black. I remember being 14 when the riots in LA happened and the black kids at my high school beat the snot out of anyone who was white or even just for being non black. I, myself, am half Cherokee and I think as far as suffering goes, nothing compares with the Trail of Tears or Wounded Knee. Yet, I wake every morning and go to college and then go to work. I can't go everyday hating people whose only fault is that they have the same skin tone of those who hurt my ancestors well over 100 years ago. As for current suffering, let's compare living conditions of Pine Ridge reservation with Compton. Again, I think the Native peoples have far more to gripe about in those terms. As for New Orleans, I just donated a crate of supplies to a local church group. I don't care who gets it. Be they white, black, hispanic etc. As long as they are used by the needy I feel I've done a small bit of good. It's also an interesting fact, as reported by Shep Smith last night, that Mayor Nagin had the Hyatt Hotel evacuated 2 nights ago. Meanwhile, we see the chaos on the streets. Tell me, is Mayor Nagin a racist? Or the fact that Gov. Blanco is as incompetant as they come. The fact is Bush does not micro manage every single state in the Union. Even when disaster strikes it is up to those who are on the ground and seeing the breaking information to report up. And obviously, the entire state of LA has failed in that task. Just my two cents. Enjoy the blog, Confed. Keep it up!

Posted by: Have U Seen My Baseball at September 03, 2005 04:33 PM (M7kiy)

188 Billy: calm down, oh poetic one. People will continue to donate and help, because that's the kind of people we are. We pitch in, we aid, we rebuild. We. Don't Whine. (much) The Red Cross will see donations affected, but the money will just go elswewhere.

Posted by: Kevin F at September 03, 2005 04:36 PM (gmlBV)

189 Why do Bush's opponents waste their time? He's never running for office again.

Posted by: Brett at September 03, 2005 04:44 PM (Iymzh)

190 Kevin F - Do you think it is more important to pour billions of dollars into rebuilding other countries and neglect the poor Americans here? The Bush Admin has done nothing to target poverty. Why do you think the people in NOLA didn't leave? Because a lot of them didn't have cars. I think that is why Kanye West and others are bringing up race. It is a reason why African Americans have never embraced the Republican Party. It is not b/c of slavery. It is because the Republicans and their policies have never been helpful to them.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:45 PM (Sj3ZZ)

191 Sean John - Racism DOES exist. Everytime a black person calls another black person "n*gger," they are being racist and perpetuating a negative stereotype. If you were as enraged and disgusted with the way black people are treated as you purport to be, perhaps you should suggest that the change comes from within the black community at large. BTW - Playing the slavery card is about equivalent to playing the Nazi card. It makes you look a lot less informed and more ignorant than you probably think you do. And before you start, no my family didn't own slaves. I'm a 3rd gen American.

Posted by: Josh at September 03, 2005 04:46 PM (f8ZUQ)

192 Baseball - you don't think FEMA and Homeland Security Failed???? This is absolutely amazing. FEMA is in charge when it comes to natural disasters. Michael Brown, the blithering idiot in charge of FEMA - a job he trained for by running something called the International Arabian Horse Association - admitted he didn't know until Thursday that there were 15,000 desperate, dehydrated, hungry, angry, dying victims of Katrina in the New Orleans Convention Center. You think a Mayor can save a city. Hahah. You must be living in a fantasy world. You think Mayor Villagrosa can save Los Angeles?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:50 PM (Sj3ZZ)

193 Josh - I hope you know that the Civil Rights Movement happened only 40 years ago. A lot of those people are still alive, and hold their bigot viewpoints. Look at our leaders: Mr. Cheney voted against the Equal Rights Amendment, against a Holiday for MLK Jr., and against the release of Nelson Mendela. And now he is VP. Hahaha. All you guys are talking about the race card. Why don't u talk about the class card?

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 04:57 PM (Sj3ZZ)

194 A simple question... Why is everyone continuing to reply to Sean John? He's using the Troll's 10 Commandments, straight from the "Handbook of Trolldom"... Speaking to/with him is purely a waste of time.

Posted by: Antonius Block at September 03, 2005 04:58 PM (GFqPI)

195 Antonius - I don't they are wasting their time. What better stuff do they have to do? - Go ranting on blogs about Kanye West. Oh no! Or no, should they go ranting about Cindy Shaheen.....I am just waiting for Mr. Bill O'Reilly to call for a public ban on NBC, and than I will rest in peace.

Posted by: SeanJohn at September 03, 2005 05:05 PM (Sj3ZZ)

196 A fantasy world? Wow..it's a nice one. Love the sky. Anyway, Sean John, the fact is the Mayor is on the ground. If he could evacuate people by bus why did he choose the Hyatt Hotel and not those outside the convention center or in the Superdome? Are you saying a Mayor is totally impotent in times like this? I seem to recall Rudy Guiliani being on the ball in the wake of 9/11. And he didn't have 4 days of warning to make up a plan. Why didn't FEMA do more before today? Quite simple. They are an unarmed force. You have bands of thugs carrying AK-47s roaming the streets. They're killing and raping innocent people. They could be white or black. It doesn't matter. But, those thugs, ever since the rain stopped on Tuesday, have run rampant through the city. They have killed policemen and shot at rescuers. As a member of FEMA you also have to take into account the safety of your squad. Nagin and Blanco did nothing to help secure the city. As someone else posted, the guard was outside the city. Blanco has the typical deer-in-the-headlight look and appears on the edge of tears at any moment. Another thing is a simple matter of logistics. If every road in and out of the city is damaged or covered with debris, the streets are flooded, the water ways are also littered with debris, you can't move in a lot of vehicles and equipment. Also, simply think about finding the man power of driving the buses. Who is going to volunteer to drive a bus into an area where someone may shoot you? Meanwhile, you're concerned for your own family. As someone else stated, Bush asked Blanco to call an emergency evac. and she didn't until it was too late. You may also want to ask why the state of LA has been submerged in poverty even though it's been firmly in the grasp of democratic control for as long as anyone can remember. These people who are suffering have my heart and prayers. I feel bad that this catastrophe has boiled down to a game of Gotcha politics.

Posted by: Have U Seen My Baseball at September 03, 2005 05:06 PM (M7kiy)

197 Baseball - Haha. I just love this. So now you have to shift the blame from the Federal Gov't to the mayor is absoultley funny. I love the Right Wing. Since you can't talk about George Bush being heroic, you have to come to blame the mayor. In comparison to New York City, NO had their infrastructure destroyed and flooded. It was anticipated this was gonna happen. When your buddy was on Diane Sawyer saying that "No one anticipated the levees to break" - he was lying. He, like FEMA and the Engineers, knew that the levees could only handle a Cat 3 Hurricane. So when you have a flooded city - how can you set up police stations and shelter sites. They do not have enough resources. NO is a poor city. The Bush Admin knew that the city would need Federal Help. Military Help. FEMA help. And they fell flat on their face. The whole public knows this. Even Fox News and Washington Times have criticized the president. He was at Ground Zero in NYC the following day after 9/11. Where was he this time? A pure failure. The emergancy evacauation was given with enough time in my opinion. But the government - all levels - did not plan for the poor. FEMA did not. Homeland Security is just inefficient. I hope to see FEMA seperated from Homeland Security soon.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 05:17 PM (Sj3ZZ)

198 And about the Hyatt Hotel: The mayor had used the hotel as a base since it is virtually across the street from city hall, and there were reports the hotel was cleared with priority to make room for police, firefighters and other officials. You don't think Bush and his staff would not be evacuated first? Bush doesn't even have the nerve to meet any of the victims in NO. He goes around with his pre-planned photoshoots in Alabama and Mississippi. Here is the Genius at work yesterday. You can get the clip off CNN: Bush to women: "There's a Salvation Army center that I went to, that I'll tell you where it is, and they'll get you some help. I'm sorry.... They'll help you..... Woman 1: "I came here looking for clothes..." Bush: "They'll get you some clothes, at the Salvation Army center..." Woman 1: "We don't have anything..." Bush: "I understand.... Do you know where the center is, that I'm talking to you about?" Guy with shades: "There's no center there, sir, it's a truck." Bush: "There's trucks?" Guy: "There's a school, a school about two miles away....." Bush: "But isn't there a Salvation center down there?" Guy: "No that's wiped out...." Bush: "A temporary center? " Guy: "No sir they've got a truck there, for food." Bush: "That's what I'm saying, for food and water." Bush turns to the sister who's been saying how she needs clothes. Bush to sister: "You need food and water." Where is Bill Clinton when you need him, Bush? Hahah.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 05:25 PM (Sj3ZZ)

199 Yes, Sean John, I can blame the local officials. Namely, because they've had decades to fix the levees and have not done so. You never answer the question as to why the Hyatt was evacuated and the convention center was not. Mostly, because you're dancing around the subject and refuse to answer any question directed at you and instead retort with another question that's basically the same as the last. The French Quarter and other areas of the city did not flood. They could have set up stations there. If a city can prepare for the onslaught that is Mardi Gras every year, they can prepare for this as well. The truth is that LA showed a pitiful lack of planning and preparation. Yes, Mayor Nagin did absolutely nothing. Neither did Blanco. Compare them with Gov. Haily Barbour of Miss. It's a stark contrast of decisive action and people who didn't deserve their job. As for Bush not being at the site, it's a damn if he does, damn if he doesn't scenario. If he's there he's exploiting it for political game. You would say something like, "Yeah, he's there just to help his falling poll numbers" so, that argument is mute. If you don't believe the states have any power, Sean, why do we have any local elected officials at all? If they're just there as basically window dressing as you seem to believe, let's do away with it. We'll just have the President handle every single minute detail of every county in America. In your opinion the evac was given with enough time? Don't live around the Gulf Coast do you? I do. The roads, especially I-10 become nearly impassable. There was a chance people would get stuck in the storm, as they did here during Ivan, out on the road. You have to give that order way in advance. Nagin could have used those school buses that are now ruined to bus the poor out. He chose not to. I'm off for a bit. Have fun all.

Posted by: Have U Seen My Baseball at September 03, 2005 05:35 PM (M7kiy)

200 Actually, no, the Mayor had not used the Hyatt as a base. His base was in fact still City Hall. Can't let you get away with a bold faced lie before I go. The people who were evac. from the Hyatt were the wealthy tourists. It seems Nagin wanted to help his chums with cash more than his own people. Later gator.

Posted by: Have U Seen My Baseball at September 03, 2005 05:38 PM (M7kiy)

201 The Associated Press reported that the Army Corps of Engineers asked for $105 million for hurricane and flood programs in New Orleans last year. The White House carved it to about $40 million. But President Bush and Congress agreed to a $286.4 billion pork-filled highway bill with 6,000 pet projects, including a $231 million bridge for a small, uninhabited Alaskan island. So blame Bush and Co. for not providing enough funding. 700 people were evacuated in buses from the Hyatt Hotel. And as the reports have indicated that the place was going to be used for police and other personnell officials. And if you want to make this a big issue, than parts of your argument support the idea that the government cares more about the affluent (tourists at the Hyatt, probably white-dominated) than the poor African Americans (out on the streets). You wanna blame local officials? Where was the funding? Bush used 9/11 for political gain. So don't say his actions are never for political gain. Why do you think he finally showed up yesterday.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 05:44 PM (Sj3ZZ)

202 Baseball - so the gov't does care more about the wealthy than the poor. Is that what you are trying to say. Man, maybe you should get up there with Kanye since you hold some of the same viewpoints as him. And chances are that the people in charge of that evacuation was likely FEMA.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 05:47 PM (Sj3ZZ)

203 Via NY Times: "Shea Penland, director of the Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of New Orleans, said that was particularly surprising because the break was "along a section that was just upgraded." Via Chicago Tribune: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that a lack of funding for hurricane-protection projects around New Orleans did not contribute to the disastrous flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina. In a telephone interview with reporters, corps officials said that although portions of the flood-protection levees remain incomplete, the levees near Lake Pontchartrain that gave way--inundating much of the city--were completed and in good condition before the hurricane. Where is the funding? Simple. Newo Orleans and Louisiana citizens refused to raise enough taxes to pay for their own city's protection. Again, a state and local failure.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 06:07 PM (0fZB6)

204 Here's another gem pulled form Protein Wisdom: "Anyone who cares about responsible budgeting and the health of America’s rivers and wetlands should pay attention to a bill now before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The bill would shovel $17 billion at the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and other water-related projects — this at a time when President Bush is asking for major cuts in Medicaid and other important domestic programs. Among these projects is a $2.7 billion boondoggle on the Mississippi River that has twice flunked inspection by the National Academy of Sciences… [...] This is a bad piece of legislation" Did the "evil Bush" say this? Nope. Try the ultra-liberal New York Times editorial board, in April of this year.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 06:18 PM (0fZB6)

205 Mr. Yankee - it had been upgraded to withstand a Cat 3 Hurricane not a 4 or 5. So when your boy was on with Diane Sawyer, saying "I don't think anyone anticipated the breach of the levees." He was either lying or didn't do his homework. And maybe you should do some homework too (from AP : Warnings of N. Orleans disaster ignored, funding slashed: Experts US authorities ignored warnings that New Orleans was vulnerable to a hurricane nightmare and slashed funding that could have saved the city as spending on the war in Iraq soared, experts said. Four years ago the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned a major hurricane or flooding in the Big Easy was among the three catastrophes most likely to hit the United States, along with a terrorist attack on New York. But instead of boosting funding to the centuries-old city of 1.4 million people that lies below sea level, authorities cut funding for hundreds of millions of dollars of critical work to bolster and repair the levees that keep the waters of the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain at bay. "This was a disaster waiting to happen," said John Rennie, editor-in-chief of US science and technology bible, Scientific American. "For years there has been a multitude of warnings that critical work on rebuilding the levees has been lagging and that the city was particularly vulnerable but these warnings effectively went unheeded," he told AFP. Rennie's magazine warned in 2001 that a degradation of the city's levee and pumping systems, new building developments and inadequate evacuation routes had put New Orleans at serious risk of a human catastrophe in which more than 250,000 people could be stranded and thousands killed. But federal government funding for US Army Corps of Engineers plans to raise and strengthen the levees of the city -- in which tens of thousands of people are now stranded and thousands feared dead -- dwindled as the United States went to war in Iraq and launched its fight against terrorism, Rennie said. "Catastrophes are fortunately very rare so we tend to take a false confidence from the fact that we've weathered lots of horrible disasters in the past," he told AFP. "Because authorities did not see this kind of disaster as a priority, they put off spending to divert the money elsewhere -- especially in the last couple of years when we have had a war to fight and homeland defence to worry about," Rennie added. The administration of President George W. Bush cut the 27.1 million-dollar budget requested by the Corps of Engineers for improving the levees in 2005 by more than 80 percent to 3.9 million, although Congress finally raised the grant to 5.7 million, compare to 10 million in 2001. The 100-million-dollar 2005 budget requested by the Southeast Louisiana Flood control project was slashed to 16.5 million dollars by Bush and Congress finally awarded 34 million to the scheme, compared to 69 million in 2001. VIVA BUSH!!

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 06:29 PM (Sj3ZZ)

206 Hi, All you americans have your debate controlled by the powers that be. They make you belive in the american dream with such success that even the homeless believe in it. No one will believe it anymore after the few couple of last days. Imperialistic Capitalism has failed. Neither the dems or the reps are enough to the left. There will be no peace as long as there is no equality of opportunity. pay 6% more in taxes so everyone can go to college! Everyone in the world outside the US knows Bush is the most stupid president ever. The guy can't even make a speech without reading the text even in this emergency. Shame on you all! Now the people may start realizing they are no better than iraqis in the eyes of the powerful. I don't care about your good intentions. Hell is full of them. As long as you pay US taxes, and could live in another country, you are guilty. "Operation American Freedom"!

Posted by: Philippe Laporte at September 03, 2005 06:35 PM (tu+iB)

207 Confederate I agree with you and I am black for the posters who seem to think there is a black clone gene going on out there. You can post facts until your fingers fall off but the liberals have many blacks, especially the poor, brain washed. They only care about them one in every three years (to get votes), for the other three they are the governments problem. Mayor Nagin is a complete spineless person (leader he is not) and incapable of leading anyone. He is the first line of responsibility for the citizens of New Orleans. Blanco is the second line and in charge of emergency evacuations for the state. Liberals mentality is that blacks are to stupid to be held accountable when they behave incompetant (we can't hurt their feelings, they can't help it). Kanye West should stick to rap (or go back to college since he titled his able College Dropout...maybe he should have called it NO COMMON SENSE). Al and Jesse are race pimps who's only means of income is by pimping poor blacks and shaking major companies with threats of boycotts (we won't even talk about how Jesse should be shot for treason, that's another story). They'll argue and blame the levee breaks until the cows come home but the fact remains that there is NO levee built anywhere that is capable to withstand a CAT5 hurricane and there can and will always be the major disaster that was stronger than the last. The fact is the state and local officials are reactive and not proactive (a typical liberal quality).

Posted by: Donna at September 03, 2005 06:42 PM (CqEjC)

208 Just watching evacuations shows how incompetant Lousiana governement is. An evacuation plan means you tell your citizens where to go in the event of an emergency. Telling people go to the Superdome is not an evacation plan. Why did people stop on an overpass? Because the idiots had not plan that they passed along to the citizens prior. Why are there so many people left in the city? Because the idiots have no clue who lived in the city (they only cared about the gambling and tourist money coming into the state). Stevie Wonder can see the chaos after the initial screw up of Nagin and Blanco was instigated by their total lack of any sort of emergency plan for the city regardless of what type of emergency ensued. Complete Idiots. Other Black Cities better be learning a lesson from this. Disgusting

Posted by: Donna at September 03, 2005 06:49 PM (CqEjC)

209 Donna - are you saying the FEMA? How about George and Co? Didn't the state declare a state of emergancy. And what resources do you think that the mayor really had when his city was destroyed and underwater. You Cons are sure funny. So you think violance (shooting Jesse jackson) is gonna solve anything? Haha. Hilarous. Had Bush done his job, you would have been calling him heroic. But now, after the world has seen him as a lame duck, you have to shift the blame. The NO Mayor said repeatedly he had run out of resources. And is it me, or aren't FEMA and Homeland Security Federal agencies?? And how come no one can defend Bush's record on Poverty during his term. This is just amazing.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 06:54 PM (Sj3ZZ)

210 Donna - where would you tell them to go? Would you tell them to get in their imaginary cars and leave. Would you have provided them all buses or cars to get out. I don't think NO or Louisiana is that rich. The gov't still can't get everyone out since they arrived. It's gonna take like 3 more days. They sent them to the Superdome b/c FEMA and the National Guard were supposed to come and help them afterwards. But that is where your great President failed. And isn't FEMA supposed to be coming up with national emergancy plans, especially for natural disasters. Do your homework. Where is Bill Clinton when you need him, George W.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 07:00 PM (Sj3ZZ)

211 Topher has a rich fantasy life.

Posted by: bill912 at September 03, 2005 07:14 PM (AIxuB)

212 Sean John, too.

Posted by: bill912 at September 03, 2005 07:29 PM (AIxuB)

213 Clinton FEMA Appointee Returns! From AP: The former head of the FEMA joined the Louisiana government Saturday to help direct the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. James Lee Witt, who ran FEMA from 1993 to 2001, said he will stay as long as he as needed.Witt has more than 25 years of disaster management experience. He was appointed to head FEMA in 1993, after President Clinton took office. FEMA had been strongly criticized in 1992 for its slow response to Hurricanes Andrew and Hugo; after Witt took over, it won praise for its vigorous reaction to Midwest floods and the 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles. At the National Hurricane Conference in March, Witt said putting FEMA under the Homeland Security Department hurt its ability to deal with natural disasters. I guess the Bush family has a bad history of dealing with Natural Disastrs. I give Mike Brown two weeks

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 07:57 PM (Sj3ZZ)

214 IMPORTANT http://www.hurricanehousing.org a project of moveon.org is offering free housing for Katrina evacuees all over the country. Over a 104,000 Beds have been volunteered from various organizations, churches, families, etc... Please spread the word!

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 08:07 PM (Sj3ZZ)

215 Philippe Laporte.... a French name? Gee... all of the Americans on this site are shocked at your hatred of us. Do you show American tourists the same amount of venom? Take note readers. Regardless of all our disagreements on this site, as an American, I am sick and tired of the French attacking us. Hey Philippe... shouldn't you be working on your resume to find a job? After all, the "successful" government that you support provides a 10% unemployment rate? Oh, and what do you pay in taxes?

Posted by: es197 at September 03, 2005 08:11 PM (GsK8A)

216 Sean, nice plagiarism of the AP article, but it is completely irrelevant: the section of the levee that failed was a section that hand been completed. It was finished, and it failed. Oops.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 08:21 PM (0fZB6)

217 Phillipe, is a fake Frenchman. He's from the part of Canada that othr Canadiens are trying to suceed from, so that shold tell you something right there.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 08:29 PM (0fZB6)

218 I copied and pasted the article for you. I am not trying to "plagiarize." Hahah. Yes, the levees that failed were complete to handle a Cat 3. But Bush and Co. did cut funding for improving the levees and for flood control projects. Please spread the word of www.hurricanehousing.org - its a good way for people to get housing near families in cities througout the country.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 08:32 PM (Sj3ZZ)

219 I am beyond sick of the blacks turning everything, and I do mean everything, into a racial issue. The NAACP is a prime example. They like to categorize themselves in their own litte black niche, but a non-black trying to categorize them in the same or similar niche is deemed offensive. Blacks act like they have every right to be a racist themselves, but demand that others be non-racist. The NAACP and everything about them is a disgraceful joke. And why have "all white" colleges been abolished, yet "all black" colleges (pagents, expos, contests, history month, etc.) been allowed to continue? In New Orleans, rescue and assistance attempts were met with gun shots and threats. White people have reported being threatened, assaulted, and harrassed simply for being white. Somehow I think that sort of behavior would have been alot less likely had the majority in this situation been of the caucasion persuasion. I understand that desperate times calls for desperate measures, but some of these people (predomianty of the black race) immediately resorted to acting like animals, and no cry of "oppression" can ever excuse that. The glorification of the "thug life" in rap and hip hop music is a contributing factor to the rampant violence amongst blacks as well. Most large American cities have statistics that show a high crime element among the black community, yet if that is voiced, or if blacks are targeted because of it, racism is screamed to the high heavens. The vapid chant of "I'm oppressed because I'm black" became obsolete with the incursion of civil rights and affirmative action. In reality, blacks are quickly losing their "favored minority" status to the Hispanics, and they don't like that one bit. If anything, the entire world has now seen African-Americans' "true colors", and that impression is going to last a very long time. Not everyone is going to walk away thinking sympathetically for them after this. The responsibility of public safety for New Orleans lies first and foremost with the City and State. Beyond that should be reliance on National assistance. Everyone was well aware that New Orleans was a city at high risk, yet planning was so poor that when the inevitable occurred, the finger pointing and accusations began almost immediately (if an upgrade in the levees was needed, why didn't they ask for State or Federal assistance long before this happened?). New Orleans, with a predominantly black population, a black mayor, and many black officials, is screaming the race card (and, quite frankly, no matter how bad it is, the mayor doesn't need to resort to acting like an unprofessional, foul mouthed jerk). Where was their plan for this disaster in the first place? You should always hope for the best, and plan for the worst. The pre-planning was obviously not in place. We all know that if people had been forced to leave beforehand, even if taken out against their will for their own safety, the extremely vile American Civil Liberties Union would be seeking out these people to file lawsuits galore on their behalf. My place of employment is matching 50 cents on every dollar for donations to the Red Cross. But after that talentless idiot Kanye West's rant, I seriously doubt if I will contribute to the Red Cross, because that is the charity that was sponsoring the event. I will do research and possibly consider another less biased charity. Puff Diddy and Beyonce's boyfriend (more talentless idiots) actually had the gonads to imply that they were contributing largely because it would mostly help out the black people. Can you imagine the backlash if a white entertainer even mentioned helping out white people? The double standard allowed these days is nauseating. I'm white (Caucasion-American) and proud of it, and I will never in a trillion years make an apology to anyone for that.

Posted by: No apologies at September 03, 2005 08:45 PM (M7kiy)

220 Sean John, At no point in American history has the government ever approved of building a levee system to handle a category 4 or 5 hurricane. As a matter of fact, no country has. Period. The improvement projects were proposed to raise older levee systems to Cat-3 standards, and that is all. they were cut back becuase so much of the money was being taken by corrupt Louisiana politicians. That was part of the NY Times reasoning for cutting funding, and Congress, Democrat and Republican, recognized this as well. Furthermore, no matter how many billions we waste on building levee systems, New Orleans will become the New Atlantis with 50-60 years. The Mississippi Delta has been steadily withdrawing for 8,000 years, and that process has rapidly accelerated within the past 100 years because--wait for it--levee systems and other human interference have foiled natural soil replentishment that occurs through seasonal flooding and sedimentation. By the time you read this, another football field's worth of protective marshland will sink beneath the waves forever. We are also, according to geologist and climatologists, coming out of a minor ice age, which is raising sea level, accelerating the inevitable. Perhaps you will blame these millenia-old geologic processes on Bush as well?

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 08:51 PM (0fZB6)

221 Confederate Yankee: Hello! I live in a city where a new stadium is being built. They have increased certain taxes in certain areas to cover this very large expense. Why couldn't this have been done in New Orleans, if they knew it was needed but funding was not available? People here are debating on the necessity of a new stadium, yet no one could have argued the necessity of improving the levees for the safetly of the population. As far as I'm concerned, yet another failure by the City and State government. A solution could have easily been found for this problem before it came to this.

Posted by: No apologies at September 03, 2005 09:12 PM (M7kiy)

222 From cradle to grave blacks are leeches on the rest of productive, working people. The poor among them get free housing, food stamps, welfare checks and free medical care, courtesy of liberal programs. I see hundreds of school buses standing idle that could have been comandeered to transport people out of N.O. before the storm hit. The Black mayor and White governor, democrats both, did nothing. And you people blame Bush ?

Posted by: McDuff Thoma at September 03, 2005 09:18 PM (oT63K)

223 Sean John, thanks for the housing link. It is up. McDuff, guess what you just earned for your blatant David Duke impersonation? a Free lifetime ban! Don't let the door hit you on the way out... Some of the very best people I've been honored to spend part of my life around have been black. I refuse to let this kind of universal racial tarring happen here. We can argue the merits of certain parts of cultures and subcultures without tarring entire races. I have no love for MS13 gang members, but I don't blame all Hispanics for it, any more than I blame all white people for the ranting of Fred Phelps. Lets try to get back on topic, okay? We can talk about the impact Kanye West's rant might have on Red Cross donations or donations in general, or we can talk about the conditions that led him into that rant, and what the proximate causes of those conditions were. Any more of this Stormfront/David Duke/Black Panther supremacy crap is going to lead to immediate, permanent bannings.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 09:34 PM (0fZB6)

224 "blacks are leeches on the rest of productive working people." Thanks McDuff for representing the Republican view. I am sure you speak for many conservatives. You are just racist as u call Kanye West to be. What type of person classifies a race as leeches. Let me guess, are you a Christian? Compassionate Conservatives - haha - it seems like a joke. If u are a Christina, you are a pure hypocrite. And before you blame the State and Local officials, isn't FEMA a FEDERAL AGENCY. Isn't this why FEMA was Created? And if you listen to the Mayor, he said that he did plead to the state and national government for help before and immediatly after the Hurricane. His pleas were ignored, and lack of communication hindered the responses. Before blaming Dems for Large governments - Look what the Bush Admi has been doing. Putting FEMA under Homeland to create more bureacracy. You guys also want "large gov't" in order to invade other countries. But I guess to McDuff - all blacks deserved this right? They are the leeches. I am so glad that people like you are not the majority here in California and in America. I thank God for that!

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 09:37 PM (Sj3ZZ)

225 I agree with Confederate - I am sort of tired with the arguing too. We have different viewpoints, and we have to respect each other for that. The governments and its agencies did fail the people of NO - all levels and all parties. I do not think George Bush is a racist! I do not believe all Republicans are racists! Do I believe that racism exists - yes! I am okay with what Kanye said what he did - not only b/c he has a right to but also it brings up the topic of race and class to the public for reasonable debate. I think the topic of class is more of importance to me. I just find it asthonishing that we are ignoring problems here to fix problems abroad. Poverty has been increasing every year for the past 4 years. The rich, on the other hand, are getting richer or staying stable at the minimum. I will be leaving this forum for a couple days b/c i gotta get back to my law books and start studying. Confederate - while we disagree, thanks for letting me express some viewpoints here and not banning me. Hopefully - we will continue our discussion of politics in the future. God Bless.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 09:46 PM (Sj3ZZ)

226 Sean John, you will have a stellar career in law, considering your way of turning everything around to fit your personal definitions, theories, and opinions (anyone who confers with moveon.org is obviously extremely one sided in their thinking, therefore not a fair minded candidate for the field of law). I'm sure your Liberal professors think you're the poster child for a perfect student. Glad to see the white man hasn't held you down from a lucrative law career. Just wondering, affirmative action involved in any way? I wouldn't believe you if you said it wasn't. And a mayor is representing a city at all times. Therefore, professionalism at all times is mandatory. I am all for BASIC EQUAL rights for people of all races. I am against the demanding or rewarding of rights and privileges on the sole basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation. And I believe McDuff Thoma is simply stating his opinion, which he is completely entitled to, just like a certain Mr. Kanye West. There is no law (yet) which demands opinions be in compliance with political correctness.

Posted by: No apologies at September 03, 2005 10:17 PM (M7kiy)

227 No Apologies - You are a disgrace my friend. I am not conferring to moveon.org, i am conferring to HELPING PEOPLE! www.hurricanehousing.org if offering free housing - for up to 6 months at some places for people who need it. Over 107,000 Beds are being offered. It is sad that you are trying to politicize AID for people. Purely sad. And for you to question me on getting into college is purely ignorant. I am not black, and I did not get into college with affirmative action. But what if I was? Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice benefited from Affirmative Action. Are you saying they are not qualified than? People like you give the Republican party a bad reputation among others.

Posted by: Sean John at September 03, 2005 10:33 PM (Sj3ZZ)

228 Sean-mighty big of you that you concede not all white people are racist.Poverty is Bush's fault?In all of America or just NO? And why didn't all the wards of the state acquire cars, houses and wealth in the fine, honest, robust economy of the Clinton years he must have done wonders for the poor. Honestly sean if you divided up equally all the wealth in America tomorrow, in a year the same people that have money, would acquire it again.And the people broke would be broke in a year. It goes to choice and decision making skills. Success is never an accident.

Posted by: scooter at September 03, 2005 10:50 PM (0f2vj)

229 confederate: you are so ignorant! I've never heard something so stupid about "fake frenchman" what's a fake frenchman? I'm was born and raised in Quebec the only province in Canada which is bilingual (french and english) and you must be an idiot american to say that other canadian are trying to take over the province of Quebec! What are you talking about??? I have some friends from other provinces and we all laughing at you right now. Anyway its very sad to see in 2005 your country is really divided by race. why so? you have a country with so much opportunities especially for black people. I am a canadian frech black woman and honestly I used to look up to this country dreaming that someday I will live there. but I realize how fortunate I am to live in Canada (free medication, health care and many more)because even though is not a perfect country the racism is not as bad as your country is facing. and I hope some of you who have been offended by 1 celebrity comments will donated some money for the people of New Orleans sorry about my bad english

Posted by: frenchwoman at September 03, 2005 11:33 PM (nK8qI)

230 You have friends in other provinces? Congratulations! As for your reading comprehension in English, I never claimed anyone wanted to take over Quebec (who would?), and in fact the just opposite is true; there is a movement in the western provinces to leave Canada becuase of your corrupt liberal (Quebec-focused) government. I wouldn't worry about it, however. Sharia law will clean it up soon enough.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 03, 2005 11:39 PM (0fZB6)

231 Sean John, thought you were quitting for the night to hit the law books? Funny how if you're not black, you chose the moniker "sean John". A black wannabe apparently then (how very pathetic). Don't even attempt to lay your liberal guilt trip on me, I guarantee it won't work. A liberal mindset such as yours is what will ruin this country. And you have the absolute gall to accuse me of politicizing aid for people, when you have to make a political mountain out of every conceivable molehill on the planet? Being from California, I'm not surprised to see that you've been fed a massive dose of liberal filth. People with a certain mindset, such as yours, are absolutely not a good candidate for any kind of law career. You're so ate up with your hatred for Bush, Republicans, and Conservatives in general (deny it all you want) that you can never be deemed a fair representative of the law. Liberals crack me up. They're the biggest hypocrites on the planet. As long as you're saying what they agree with, it's considered free speech. If not, you're a bigoted, homophobic imperialist out to destroy the world and the downtrodden. Free speech works both ways, not just the ways you agree with! Liberals and the ACLU will be the death of this country, not war or Republicans. For the record, I work for a company that is under government contract and deals with the so called poor and downtrodden, and I (and everyone I work with) can verify that there is massive abuse of the system by frauds and freeloaders which is bankrupting this economy. PUBLIC AID OF ANY KIND, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT! People of your ilk are the ones who are demanding that taxpayers pay for everyone else, and that is proving to be way too costly. I have an insight that you, "Mr. Save the World", don't have, and that is being a witness to the massive abuse to the system that is going on by so-called "people in need" everyday. Many are truly people in need, but a disturbing number are just flat out lazy or criminal. Hate to bust your bubble, but they're not all the perfect little "poor and downtrodden" that you envision them to be. Bluntly put, if it is not reigned in soon, there will be nothing there for those in the future who are truly downtrodden or have earned it. And yes, Ann Coulter is a Goddess! Tall, blonde, beautiful, smart, and not afraid to tell a liberal exactly where he/she can slam it. Rock on Ann! Proud to be a Republican!

Posted by: No apologies at September 03, 2005 11:43 PM (M7kiy)

232 This was not one event. It was 2. If it was just the hurricane, we could have acted sooner. It was not until the storm past that the real catashrophe began. The flood is what made it difficult and the mayor did not stick around himself to help out. The gov had resources avail and the Pres now has stepped in to make up for the failures of local officials. It did not take long for the race card to be thrown. In FLA last year, the hispanic population were displaced as well, but the race card was not played. Of course the majority of people effected would be black since the area is majority black. To blame the president and white people is not the answer and proof positive AGAIN that hollywood and entertainers will use any forum to express there opinion, no matter if it hurts the people they claim they want to help. Ask Kanye how much he will spend on a party, then ask how much he personally sent to the relief effort. Look further to see the amount of white people hurt or killed simply because they are there and lost everything too. Those stories get lost. The lutors if black or white, should be punished sverely. They live in a city with one of the most corrupt cities in the country. Black stars love to talk about how it is Bush's fault, but they are so tight with the help they give. Serena will give $100 for each ACe she hits. THis might total a couple of thousand of dollars, can she spare it. The discrepency between rich black america and poor america is partly because they love to have the money from the poor for the music, but where are they to return to the poor. The outpooring of help that is coming in is from white, black, asian, christian, jew, islamic. So lets focus on the help, blame will come and it may not make the NAACP as happy as they think.

Posted by: mg at September 03, 2005 11:48 PM (syNVi)

233 NOT A CENT UNTILL THE REAL RACIST COME ON TV AND TAKE REPONSIBILITY FOR THE STUPID REMARKS BY KANE AND JACKSON THE MOST HARM TO BLACK AMERICANS COMES FROM THE SO-CALLED ACTIVST WHAT A SHAME THEY DONT GET IT!

Posted by: JOSE at September 04, 2005 12:33 AM (8ZBW9)

234 Kanye shouldn't have said what he said on the Red Cross program. Kanye is right. Bush is wrong, always has been and is going down. Get over it. Please. I live in Vancouver, BC Canada and this disaster will trickle down and affect me as well. No one in Canada wanted to see Bush in power nor join the US in star wars space programs. We're all going to hell if we don't smarten up as a human race.

Posted by: R3SP3CTâ„¢ at September 04, 2005 12:39 AM (slUbA)

235 Frenchwomen-- I would like to address "free medication health care",sorry no such thing dear.Somebody is paying for medication and healthcare because it is not free. That is a liberal myth example we(the U.S.)have a school lunch program some call free school lunches and I see the delivery trucks make the deliveries and i can assure you there is NO free lunch program. Only a fool would believe otherwis.Someone paying for somebody else's does not equal free......you follow the logic....think about it.

Posted by: scooter at September 04, 2005 12:42 AM (0f2vj)

236 "Freed 25 Million people? We have made it a haven for terrorists. Most people are living in fear, and want us out. Posted by: Sean John at September 3, 2005 01:50 AM " It was already a "haven" for terrorists, had been so for over a generation. Even had terrorist training camps with a jet airliner to practice hijacking on. Difference now is they are getting shot at, they may BE there, but as a "haven" there is a lot left to be desired. LOL

Posted by: Dan Kauffman at September 04, 2005 01:18 AM (hxRR8)

237 kayne west is a racist bottom line. I challenge Mr. West to research statistics on how much money white people gave versus black people. oh wait that would be considered racist. The whole world is watching these thugs rape little children and murder people. America is suppose to be the elite country. I do not care what color your skin is, this is absurd. If white people were doing these horrible things they would be held accountable. It seems that excuses are being made by many people in the black community.

Posted by: concernedcitizen at September 04, 2005 01:21 AM (4naSR)

238 "Liberals crack me up. They're the biggest hypocrites on the planet." You sir crack me up. Conservatives calling liberals hypocrites? Pot calling the kettle black I say. Not sure which mindset disgusts me more.

Posted by: Helix at September 04, 2005 01:24 AM (rRgzh)

239 The more I read, the more dishearted I become over the racial and political arguements. I am a nurse on the list of volunteers to be called to help and my husband who is in the airforce and just returned from Iraq is now leaving tomorrow to Biloxi to assist in aiding the victims there. We believe in saving lives and it doesn't matter what their race is or political party choice, the fact is that I see children's faces on the news and their color is of no consequence and they as well as their family members deserve a chance to live. Try to look past hatred and help those that are in need. I don't believe that people who have had everything taken from them are asking for a handout, they are asking for things needed for survival. I am a mother of two young children and I can tell you that if those were my children over there, I would swallow my pride and ask for assistance so that we could survive. Yes, some may argue that they could have taken the warning and left but for some that wasen't an option and it really isn't the point now. They need help and whoever can donate time or money should do it because that could be you over there or your children and I don't think that these arguements are helping anyone. By the grace of God this country will overcome these obstacles.

Posted by: Janae at September 04, 2005 01:33 AM (CG3eS)

240 I saw no problem with Kanye West statements,lots of Americans feel the same way he does. I guess the media doesn't want anyone that speaks about the crisis to veer away from the script and speak there opinion. The majority of Americans agree that response was to slow,and this made the situation like a "cancer" If you dont catch it in time it will spread. Its expected that tension and problems would grow with 20,000 people stuck in dome for those days;with no air-conditioning,unsanitary conditions,and no proper toliet facilities. Afterwards to come out and have to wait days in the heat for someone to rescue you,with no food or water. Why couldn't they at least dropped the people some food and water that could have helped the situation,and eased tension and frustation.

Posted by: Lee at September 04, 2005 01:45 AM (9RMb/)

241 Just 7 generations removed from slavery...A mere 3 generations removed from the acceptance of civil rights activism...Slavery lasted well over 19 generations...to all you bigoted, close minded, limited exposure to cultures beyond middle class white...there are few who sit and wait for handouts...have you ever heard of accomodation? he who rules makes the law, and gets to decide the rules...

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 02:03 AM (ZUQyx)

242 We are entering unprecedented times Americans!! Let's just think a minute...,Any shortcomings the masses of blacks experience in relation to whites is simply do to the hundreds of years worth of head start slavery provided Europeans...The ability to properly develop and exercise family virtues, financially plan, not to mention draw upon the pride of ancestral knowledge..BLACKS didn't have that stupid!!! Capitalism and the society we now inhabit is the fruit of slave labor!!! This country is the first in modern history to that afforded great masses of man the leisure to spend his time developing arts and sciences, to develop a surplus of food and other necessities, because slave labor provided that...

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 02:09 AM (ZUQyx)

243 it is late. And i am late to this whole blog thing. But I would value a discussion with confederate yankee at some point...i know your kind...who half heartedly trivialize the hardships of others...rationalizing their misfortunes so they make sense to you..ultimatley your thoughts serve to justify your superiority...that's ethnocentrism at its purest...hmmm...just because people are poor doesn't make them lazy and lethargic...

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 02:14 AM (ZUQyx)

244 Ethnocentrism?! Well, if some black guy says whites are racist and actually wanna shoot the poor blacks and provide aid as sloooowwwwlly as possible.....then I guess if he has the right to speak it, I also have the right to fricken withhold giving any of my money to any organizations that support this spew. To all the bleeding hearts on here, just understand that Bush spoke for total evacuation 2 days before the clamity. Even if you are poor you sure as hell can walk....and if you are disabled you surely can find support to get the hell out of dodge. No one trivializes hardships but its very difficult to support the thought process of helping those who are not willing to help themselves. And if NewWorldMind wants an example, one of the poor ladies in NO spoke on nationwide tv that her food was not warm and was bitterly disappointed. Of course, it was an MRE like those our military eats, and this poor almost starved welfare wannabe was tough enough to bitch that she was not served HOT cuisine. LO I will be with you always.

Posted by: ddee at September 04, 2005 02:47 AM (nTpVy)

245 This is too sad...and sadly I'm not speaking of the hurricane disaster. This was touched on earlier, but the Red Cross is by far the best organization these people can count on. For people to allow 1 man's comments, right or wrong, to determine whether or not these people will recieve the donations they need, is ridiculous! Are we that simple of a nation? THESE PEOPLE NEED ASSISTANCE! BOTTOM LINE!!! To answer my previous qwery, I chose the answer,...YES. Yes we are that simple. This can easily be proven by the post made here. It's amazing how quickly the focus was lost and rediricted. To what? RACE! If anything people's concerns and comments are doing nothing more than supporting Kanye's decision that suggested the lack of support was relative to this issue. I say that becuase it seems the very post made here initially had a hidden agenda. Everyone has their own opinions they want to subject the world to, and are just waiting to leak them at the 1st given opportunity. As did Kanye....so be careful to criticize. I think it was brave of him to speak his mind in this forum,....STUPID, but brave. Daily we let the media dictate our way of thinking. We constantly let them implant garbage in our subconcience. Prime example, we've let them mislead America into thinking if you vote for democrats you support blacks and you support whites if you vote republican. This does nothing more than blanket the real issues.....but I digress.(that was MY opportunity) Bottom line,... I can appreciate a good debate, but in this case there shouldn't be any. These people need help! So who said what, and who didn't do what, should be saved for ANOTHER date and time.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 02:51 AM (Ad+n9)

246 Hey ddee. I don't remember him saying anything about white people..........you've been implanted.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 03:00 AM (Ad+n9)

247 This "Them vs. Us" mentallity is OUR down fall as a nation. Racism is so subliminal now, we don't even realize when WE'RE being racist. Just becuase 50 yrs ago everyone was to be made "equal", does not mean individual's scales aren't still tipped.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 03:06 AM (Ad+n9)

248 It is interesting, NWM, how hardships and misfortunes develop, among certain populations, isn't it? The more active the nanny-state socialists - national socialists, if you will - try to interject themselves into "saving" minorities, the more fragmented those societies become. Both abortion and out-of-wedlock pregnancy have sky-rocketed since Johnson created the "Great Society," to the point 3 of 5 black babies are aborted, and the vast majority of black children will not know what life in a two family home is like. Interestingly enough, minorities that have not recieved the same amont of "help" from "progressives" have far outstripped blacks culturally and economically, even though they also came over poor, and initially faced the same prejudices as any new minority. The "progressive" political movement has created a self-genocidal subculture with the black community, and black leaders have so wrapped theemselves up within the Democratic Party as to become such a known "lock" as a voting block, that neither their Democratic masters nor the Republicans that have been fighting to free them since the 1860s feel that they can be changed. Black sycophant leaders, a large segment of "black victim" culture and the nanny-state socialists Democratic Party have all but destroyed black America. While the party that created the Ku Klux Klan has traded in their hoods, they've been no less effective in their murder. I do not think myself innately superior to anyone, NWM. That is why I find black Americans being led into the slavery of professional victimhood by their own leaders, and the continued failures of Democrat-led socialism, to be so abhorent.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 04, 2005 03:07 AM (0fZB6)

249 Well let me refresh that liberal memory....''see a black family they are looting, see a white family and they are looking for food''.....his inference is white when he says 'they've given them permission to come down and shoot us''....so there, now go implant that big foot into your liberal pie hole. West was going to call his business manager to find out what the most amount was that he could give....last I heard it was around $3.....''George Bush doesn't care about black people''.....are you then saying our Pres is not white?

Posted by: ddee at September 04, 2005 03:08 AM (nTpVy)

250 ddee: can you deny that poor suffering is less important to this country than middle-class or rich suffering? Don't write as if conservatives understand what it means to be impartial. The concerns of those who don't share your life experiences and ideologies are unimportant, period. I thought the headline to this sight was intriguing and hilarious: Because liberalism is a persistent vegetative state!!!! I and others like myself are 'liberal' in the essence we see a necessity for change. Kanye West, though trembling and unsure, spoke his mind...and like it or not, the young man struck a chord with millions (black/white and every other color) who happen to agree with him. The poor and disadvantageous will always have amongst their ranks people who 'make it'. But there will always be poor...otherwise there could be no rich...but a people's shortcoming should never be an indictment on their character, or drive...there are far too many factors that contribute.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 03:19 AM (ZUQyx)

251 Marshall, just so you know, the race issue was brought into the equation by liberals on the web far in advance of anything Kanye West had to say. They are trying to create a racial issue for political gain in what should be purely a rescue effort. Sadly, Mr.West, who is rumored to be a reader of far left political web sites, bought these lies and propogated them. Unfortunately, they forced this debate upon all of it, and we now have to refight the race issues of 30 years ago again when we would all rather do other things. Want easy proof? Here you go. That post was made well before Mr. West's speech, and what does it show? It shows a direct comparison of the content of top liberal blogs and top conservatives blogs. ALL of the top liberal blogs were busy bashing the President of members of his adminstration, and many of them were saying that a kind of racist genocide was in the works. By comparison, all of the top conservative blogs were soliciting donations for hurricane victims. Oh, there is certainly racism at play. It just isn't coming from where you think, and we sure as hell aren't going to let the race-baiters of the left get away with their lies again.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 04, 2005 03:23 AM (0fZB6)

252 Confederete Yankee--What you said is impressive to the point I somewhat agree with you regarding the cancerous 'black victim' culture...however, the importance you overlook through the gap in your political analyses, is that the section of the lower classes that are able to overcome hereditary disadvantages are always slighted, shafted, ignored, unwelcomed...simply looked at as seperate... For example, i dropped out of high school, grew up in a hard poor 'hood. Turned that around into a master's degree. Do you know how I see myself? just like you do when you look in the mirror. AS AN INTELLIGENT, HARD WORKING, WARM BLOODED AMERICAN!!!

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 03:33 AM (ZUQyx)

253 One last though from liberal California’s Joseph Cannon: My original reaction to the Katrina catastrophe was going to be: “NOT ONE DIME." For an hour or so, I contemplated the idea of turning it into a crusade: No-one in the blue states (where the money is) should give one dime of aid to the victims of this hurricane, which devastated Bush-friendly regions ... So why was I thinking of starting a movement against giving aid to the stricken areas? Because these are red states. They voted for Bush. These ninnies obviously wanted these policies, and they deserve to live with the consequences of their votes. A large part of me still believes that many of these W-worshipping numbskulls deserve to suffer and to die. They brought it on themselves. Let them look to Jayzuss for aid: It’s time they stopped leeching off the more productive blue staters ... So, at least, I started to write. But then (to paraphrase the old song) I thought I’d better think it out again. Many of the victims, the ones who have suffered the most, are poor. The hardest hit were the blue state folk living among the red state maniacs. New Orleans, we should note, went heavily for Kerry. In other words, New Orleans, if you had voted for Bush, your liberal "allies" would have sat back and watched you drown with complete indifference. Think about that the next time Reverend Sharpton and his buddy Michael Moore come pandering by...

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 04, 2005 03:37 AM (0fZB6)

254 Liberal in the essence for necessary change huh. You got kids? How bout showing some of your hero's lyrics to your girls... ha ha Kanye will be a big hit i'm sure........ .......................................... "I'm so shy that you thought it was bashfull but this bastard's flow will bash a skull And I will, cut your girl like Pastor Troy And I don't, usually smoke but pass the 'dro And I won't, give you that money that you askin fo' Why you think, me and Dame cool, we assholes That's why we here your music in fast fo' Cuz we don't wanna here that weak shit no mo' [Chorus: Kanye West] N-now, th-th-through ya motherfuckin hands" There is far worse but I guess only blacks can call 'all' people nigga's and ho's. And you will support the 'essence' for the change they would like to see....raping, doping, and blaming the man!

Posted by: ddee at September 04, 2005 03:39 AM (nTpVy)

255 Kanye West said what he said because he and millions of others believe Bush doesn't care about blacks...i agree...but not because Bush is a racist, simply because he has yet to grasp the concept that blacks are his brethren in the same vein as a white conservative with six digits stashed away in a retirement fund, who hunts and plays golf in his leisure...

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 03:40 AM (ZUQyx)

256 I'm with Jim on this one, being that I live in Texas, the state that has bent over backwards to help these victums, only to be crapped on by liberals in their disgusting use of a disaster to promote their political agenda, I too will NOT send one f-ing dime of my money to Red Cross, there are too many other avenues for help. I have already driven to Texas Stadium to donote a bunch of stuff. If the Red Cross can get Kanye West to make a public apology, I might reconsider giving them a few bucks too, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Posted by: RG at September 04, 2005 03:43 AM (sxXbC)

257 Wow. Wow wow wow. I started looking on the internet tonight for an answer to the question of why it seems (at least in popular media) that so many black Americans chose not to leave New Orleans and the surrounding area previous to the HurricaneÂ’s hit. Though I have not fully answered that question for myself yet, reading these posts has left me with a more pressing question. Why does the black population as a whole in the US choose to remain in that country and not move somewhere where they will actually be respected as human beings and not have to deal with the condescending and inhumane racism that has been demonstrated on this site. And its not like it would have to be a permanent exodus. They could just wait till the rest of the country descended into chaos fighting over who would have to do all the dirty work that had been previously done by the black population, and perform a magnificent coup on their return

Posted by: Bronwyn at September 04, 2005 03:46 AM (t6Zlp)

258 To cite lyrics used in the context of entertainment aimed at an audience you obviously have no direct experience with, nullifies any point you just tried to make...I have three children, two of them daughters, all very worldly...you obviously don't understand that there are varying ideas of what constitutes masculinty...hip-hop is an expression of hyper-masculinty, so it is harsh, profane...not for or by people like you...Raping, doping and blaming the man?! What world do you live in? Is that what you think those lyrics espouse? I honestly believe you are ridiculous, isolated and stubborn...as if the space in your mind has no more room for new things!!

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 03:55 AM (ZUQyx)

259 Bronwyn, since your island nation made it a common practice to effectively hunt the native blacks, I don't see where you've got a whole lot to crow about, Quigley.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 04, 2005 04:01 AM (0fZB6)

260 ddee: Liberal? My oppinion being different from yours does not make me a liberal. But Honestly, your 5yr old "so there" comment is a red flag to not indulge in OBJECTIVE banter with you any futher. C.Y.: Thanks for the info., but I rarley waist my time and energy on the MILLIONS of different oppinions that fly across the web...but I believe you. I really don't think that Kanye's comments had any affiliation with those of whom you speak off. If you've ever seen any of his inter-views you know that plain and simple this dude is a nut. He really needs no reason to spew ignorance, so this instance should not be overlooked as anything different. I believe he seen an opportunity to subject the world to a bad idea, and went with it. But like I said before, the media, AND political buffs will take any and every opportunity to spin this thing in every-which-way possible. BTW- I did want to add that although I don't agree with Kanye's methods, I do feel and understand his anger overe the media. I turned on the news, FOX, the day after the hurricane to see what all happend and got.... Anchorman: This woman(black) has water up to her chest,(camera cuts to a boat) the camera man says she's on her way to lute a supermarket! (the boat scene) Anchorman: This man(white) is helping with rescue efforts(he lifts the old white lady onto the boat) (next scene) Anchorman: Police are dealing with luting...(minorities walking away with various items. I mean come on! Stealing in wrong....But Food?!?! And furthermore the media's coverage is hurting relief aids way more than Kanye's efforts. It's putting out an image that these people are not really in need if they have time to steal. It's irresponsible, and detrimental to the masses of those who NEED help.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 04:01 AM (Ad+n9)

261 I think the debate in this blog can be defined in another way. Since this is basically a blame game here. I am asking politely that everyone look at themselves and the position they are advocating right now. Some elements in almost every post here are accurate. All levels of government deserve some blame. They dropped the ball horrificly. The federal government is responsible for the defense of our nation, foreign and domestic. But, those in NOLA who could have evacuated and didn't share some blame, but regrettably, they had/have to pay the worst price for it. They are primarily black. Is there an element of institutionalized racism in our society. I have to say yes solely based on the fact that blacks seem to pay a much deeper price for their failings. That isn't right. Is the black community in general somewhat to blame for this, yes. Self-destructive behavior is, by definition, self-destructive. That doesn't mean that those who have made more productive choices in their lives are absent of responsibility. It is an obligation for ethical behavior. Just ask Jesus. Argue all you want, but those who fulfill their obligation know it in their heart. Those that don't, will never get it. Kanye West's message was emotional and horribly timed. I don't know whether or not W cares about black people, but I know he represents many succesful people and there seems to be an absence of fulfillment of obligation. Kanye might be right or I am just not seeing the love. But if you learn about Kanye West, and his heartfelt and honest songs about Jesus and the problem of low self-esteem, you will learn this he is truely a good guy. A good guy with some flaws. Just like all of us. Instead of advocating how absolutely right we are, realize that we are flawed people with a tremendous capacity for good that far outweighs the flaws. And then prove it, give everthing you can to help these poor people. It is Our obligation, and it feels really good to do it.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 04:07 AM (iLKxM)

262 jeremy--Kanye West...heartfelt and honest...A good guy with some flaws. Just like all of us. I like that. It's not about being right for the sake of being right. Liberal, conservative, black white...whatever. Compassion and genuine care for your brethren are what makes this country unique.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 04:14 AM (ZUQyx)

263 Hey Jeremy...this is a blog site called "Confederate Yankee"....but I hear you. Hey I have a question. Who has actually been to NO before the hurricanes. 1 word.....Projects! These people did not have the luxary of taking an unplanned vacation. So to just get up and leave was not an option, but I'm almost certain it crossed their mind.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 04:21 AM (Ad+n9)

264 Marshall, I have to be honest here, I just jumped on here about an hour ago and have never been here before.....what does confederate yankee mean?

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 04:23 AM (iLKxM)

265 LOL. You gotta love the innocent. Harder to debate with those types. My first time too champ. You have to ask him for an exact definnition....But he's a right-winger.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 04:27 AM (Ad+n9)

266 um, actually i'm not australian, if that's what you were going for. what's a quigely? really i'm curious.

Posted by: Bronwyn at September 04, 2005 04:32 AM (t6Zlp)

267 Marshall, Yeah, I just looked up at the top. I don't know if you would be wise to call me innocent though. I am an MA in political theory and a three time published author on International Relations. I currently volunteer for a non-partisan civil intelligence organization with a former justice department insider. I meant what I said, we all have more good in us than evil, regardless of political affiliation. But, I guess you could could call me "a greenie" when it comes to this blog. But when it comes to debate, I will return every fireball of hate sent to me with a reponse that is both accurate and positive.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 04:34 AM (iLKxM)

268 Marshall, BTW I wasn't referring to you as sending me fireballs of hate.....sorry if I kinda made it sound that way, I am talking about anyone who wants to. It's kinda fun though.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 04:36 AM (iLKxM)

269 Confederate Yankee doesn't care about black people. We are them...Numbers and statistics...that's all we can be to those whose TIME, RHYTHM, ORIENTATION or LOCATION dictates they never have to physically/mentally/emotionally cross paths with non-whites. We will forever (at least till the end of our lifetime) be them. Always have, always will be. God bless all the victims of the horrific hurricane. They'll get help. And Kanye West will skyrocket to superstardom and continue to be a groundbreaking artist, and right wingers will find more issues help them feel disgruntled!!! LOL!!

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 04:39 AM (ZUQyx)

270 It's fine Jeremy. I said innocent for the very reason you just stated. Innocent by-stander, not caught up in the politics of this subject.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 04:43 AM (Ad+n9)

271 NewWordMind- I subtly disagree with you. It is true that all of us have a life cycle where we tend to attract like kinds, whether color, social class, occupation and the like. Shoot, I find myself passing the freaking commuters every single day. So that is true there. But everybody meets a minority somewhere, (or for a minority, they will meet a white person somewhere) whether in a "significant" moment or not, the manner someone reacts to the moment is the measure of character. I am not going to say that "right wingers" don't and will never care about black people, I am saying it is your obligation, especially if you have the ability to have a good life, to care about those that don't. It is the staple of christianity. You may not be worthy of God's love, but God loves you anyway. And you are obligated to love your neighbor. And like I said before, it feels really good when you do.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 04:48 AM (iLKxM)

272 Half Yankee, Dang! here I am just a middle class citizen of the US, family of four living in South Carolina, with an Internet connection who will not be giving any money to anybody. This one post by you the bad boy Confederate Yankee has blown the comments out of the water and there's not much to add. Actually, I feel more compassion for the folks in Mississippi and elsewhere than for the folks remaining in New Orleans. They got hit just as bad by a natural disaster than the N. O. folks who should have known better than to let their city die in a flood that just maybe could have been prevented. But I hope that they make it ok.

Posted by: Southern(USA)whiteboy at September 04, 2005 05:00 AM (zxjPs)

273 Jeremy It is not simply crossing paths that connects us, it is those emotional/mental experiences which we collectively share that connects us. Broadly stated, there is a disconnection that allows for the authors of some earlier blogs to turn their attention to all blacks (they) in response to an unfavorable comment made by Kanye West. No different than when all liberals are attributed when Michael Moore and Cindy Sheehan surface. As white people, the rules of decorum and propriety you hold regarding such sensibilites as style of dress, manner of speech etc, also extend to patterns of thought...and herein lies the disconnect b/w American races. with the white race being dominant, blacks have to accomodate their sensibilites to make whites comfortable. This is actually fine. We are all Americans. My wife is white. However, in those instances when no accomodation is present, it is then blacks are considered inferior, illegitimate or 'they'.,,and whites don't connect... non-whites need to play by those rules of the dominant culture, to accomadate, to connect in order to be successful. Get it? You don't have to accomodate other races to be successful. it isn't even necessary to be conscious of our existence, less you find a personal reason to... By the way, I am polynesian/native American/black/peurto rican...with both of my parents providing half

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 05:03 AM (ZUQyx)

274 this site made the top of google for kayne west red ccross? Confederate yankee? Am I hallucinating? West spoke from the heart... and "confederate yankee" complains... "confederate yankee"? lol some of the comments above too are just plain racist so go figure.. I wish google had a crap filter

Posted by: sane yankee at September 04, 2005 05:12 AM (kQVBp)

275 NewWorldMind, I have to disagree with you somewhat, and I can use myself as an example. I am white, whiter than white can be. Most of my friends are white, a few of my friends are of other races. I have degrees and do professional work with mostly white people. If you passed me on the street I am afraid by your response that if you met me in a random encounter on the street you would not see me for who I truely am. I already posted my political credentials earlier, but what I failed to mention is that I gave up a consulting job to produce rap records for people I knew in my hometown, much like Kanye. It never amounted to much except a chance to showcase local talent who didn't have the technical knowhow to produce. You may be inclined to think that I am limited by what I appear to be. Many, many white people are like that, look who buys rap records, suburbanites. The whites can connect.....if you will let them. It might come across in an uncomfortable way at first. And sometimes it can be insensitive and insincere, but it's a start. And it's better to try than to not understand. People fear what they can't understand. It's human nature man.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 05:16 AM (iLKxM)

276 lol

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 05:16 AM (Ad+n9)

277 Jeremy As i wrote earlier, it is those emotional/mental experiences which we collectively share that connects us. It would seem you and I in our experiences are capable of connecting.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 05:26 AM (ZUQyx)

278 NMW & Jeremy, you two debating are like trying to get two magnets of the same polarization to connect....but you're trying. But Jeremy a connection or encounter doesn't constitute an understanding. ...and NWM the disconect of american races stems from the lack of knowledge of America's TRUE demographic make-up, economics, and HISTORY of all the cultures that have LANDED here from the beginning. America is sheltered due to television, environment, and up-bringing.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 05:27 AM (Ad+n9)

279 Jeremy Last thing... The point behind anything I've blogged is that many folks do not want, or have not had these connections...thus the feelings of seperatism and callousness... Kanye West undoubtedly believes our president has not had these connections... I've never been to any blog site before this morning, It was interesting.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 05:30 AM (ZUQyx)

280 NewWorldMind But would you connect with someone who lobbed a racial slur at you? Of course it hurts, I am a skinny dude, been short and skinny all my life. I was picked on real bad as a kid because of it. 10 years of "Jeremy Germs". By High School, many of my former bullies were among my best friends. Because you can only bully for so long. Then they look silly and you look stronger then them. Every injustice you endure that is handled with dignity only makes you look more dignified and respectable. That's why rappers have credibility. The Bitches and 40's and Bling only attract the undignified. It'll look stupid too after a while. Dignity and respect is what lasts. You gain dignity by challenging those that bear you injustice.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 05:33 AM (iLKxM)

281 Marshall--good point I think we're all sheltered in our own little groups to an extent. But could there be any other way. I wrote earlier... A genration is 15 years OK? 19 generations of slavery or slave like relations. (1619-1865) Another 7 generations of blatant racism, lynching etc. (1865-1965) Do the math: We're less than 3 full generations deep in being cordial (1965-2005)! I'm only 25!! I think we're doing OK considering things from a historical perspective!

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 05:39 AM (ZUQyx)

282 NewWorldMan, And what I am saying that instead of saying that these people, for this example, need to be challenged through principles that they understand...more or less, to locate the connection instead of bashing someone for having no connection. You and I both know that we are all connected in some manner. Use your gifts to find the connection. And I challenge anybody on all sides who disagree with me. Sure, all the "right wingers" have stopped writing, but someone is gonna read this. It helps to drive the message home if I am not criticizing who they are.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 05:40 AM (iLKxM)

283 Jeremy-- Yours and my sentiments seem to stem from introspective analysis. I don't know if most people do that with regard to their relations with others. At least not Confederate Yankee.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 05:43 AM (ZUQyx)

284 NewWorldMan Then we are here for a reason. Look, I'm sorry to bust you out here, but I gotta be honest, the cheap shots at Confederate Yankee isn't helping. You seem to want to chastise him, I am asking him to reply. It's a lot easier to dissmis your messages when it's negative. He can ignore this right now if he wants to..but it's on his blog. Someone out there will read this. Now I think generally, your heart is in the right place, and the oppression that you are talking about exists and has existed. It doesn't have to exist forever. People do learn subtly whether they like it or not.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 05:49 AM (iLKxM)

285 NewWorldMind Sorry for the improper heading, Rush was in my head for some reason. But what I am getting at is that me and you are fisherman, and fisherman don't catch one everytime we cast. But that doesn't mean we stop being fisherman

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 05:51 AM (iLKxM)

286 Diginty? I've been to many countries, some 3rd world. In the poor countries I've been in, I've seen one common factor that minorities of the US share. PRIDE! When you have nothing and are oppressed it's hard to maintain diginity, and even harder to challenge those who are oppressing you. But pride is share throughout a culture, and in most cases is to the detriment of that culture. When you have NOTHING all you can do is be proud of who you are, so being "skinny" doesn't quite relate to being called the "n" word. Bad comparison. Now blacks are to proud; so proud they scoff at opportunities availible to them for the sake of that connection with that of their peers. I THINK(?)that's the connection NWM was speaking of.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 06:01 AM (Ad+n9)

287 Jeremy i don't mean to be negative, but I do, even in this small space of a site, want to be visible. It's just not as simple as people would like it to be. Kanye is not just a nut (When does TIME put nuts on the cover?) The poor aren't simply welfare recipients, and conservatives aren't just racist. I don't like to debate for the sake of vanity, just so i can win. i just happen to believe: What's right is right. I am not political or religious. But i beleive in God and I beleive he orchestrates our movements as he does the shifting of the tides. And remember this, God loves those who mourn. Those are his people. Not the lazy, the boisterous, or the hateful, or the bigoted, or the closed-minded, or the entitlement laden... Those who mourn...

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 06:01 AM (ZUQyx)

288 Marshall, You raise a good point about pride, but pride is a fuel, it must be well aimed. And the tide is turning toward steering that pride. I still find anger to be more destructive than pride. But I was thinking NWM was talking about white people not connecting with blacks. But it works both ways. But it works alike for all colors. White and Black folks need to chill with the "Mean Muggin" A lot of people in this world wear their anger on their faces. Once again, doing good things for others makes anger go away.....The question is.....how do you get people to help others.....a big freaking hurricane will help.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:08 AM (iLKxM)

289 In terms of connections Marshall... To give a deeper insight, many blacks who have been transgenerationally poor have developed a value system in which success in life does not necessarily correspond with mainstream society. You've heard of hood rich? It's gotten to the point, at least in my generation, where millions don't even bother attempting to join the workforce. There are so many other profitable (though often dangerous or unacceptable) avenues, that some would rather forego attempts at accomodation; and never aim to assimilate. Do you follow me? It is isolation on a profound psychological level, often beyond the realm preceding generations of blacks understanding. When I say illegitimate, I mean, does not count, does not matter. That is the way many have felt for generations...

Posted by: newWorldMind at September 04, 2005 06:11 AM (ZUQyx)

290 NewWorldMind I would bet that 3/4ths of the drug dealers left in NOLA were civil and helpful. The angry ones were violent. The MO of JayZ, Biggie, Pac, and countless others is to get rich through hustling and then give back to your community.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:15 AM (iLKxM)

291 i don't wanna get carried away, I think this country is OK really in terms of race relations overall. It's just not perfect, I don't think that's hard to disagree with. People get emotional in times of distress... conversations like this b/w strangers is a positive and reassuring sign.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 06:17 AM (ZUQyx)

292 I feel ignored. NWM I briefly stated what you just said in the demographics, economics, & history comment...and yes 'hood rich is a term I'm familiar with, I'm amoungst it everyday. And I don't believe anything is past someone's understanding. It all depends on the patients of those willing to teach. Jeremy, Last time I checked America's Black youth were as about as "well aimed" as TEK-9. You would be angry too if you were lost and had no clue how to escape the rut you're in.

Posted by: Marshall at September 04, 2005 06:22 AM (Ad+n9)

293 I couldn't agree with you more. We need more convos like this and a lot of the divisive talk would go away. That's the message I want to send home here. But you don't have to have this conversation just in a blog. You can have it anywhere. Maybe not with everyone, but with someone. That's why things will get better. But I think a lot of people lose their better nature and start taking snipes at divisions. It's easier to do. But if that's the conversation en vogue, people will jump in. It's like a snowball.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:23 AM (iLKxM)

294 Marshall, You can get out of the hood if you ask to. But, like you said, pride gets in the way. There are a lot of middle class blacks out there. The "hood" is a mindset, not a place. Now what do you do to get out of the mental hood. Self-evident. You have to realize that you are in the hood and you don't want to be. Simple enough. Unless pride gets in the way. But if you realize that this is not the attitude I want carry for my life. The reason kids in the hood think there is no future is because they are constantly bombarded with images that portray them as having no future.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:30 AM (iLKxM)

295 Marshall Black youth is terribly misplaced, and consistently encourage to be moreso within and outside the hood. I'm signing off now, but conversations like this are powerful because there is an honesty and candidness that goes beyond--the same old who did what, you don't know shit convo. Things will get better, I'd like to see this sort of topical rapport spill into a Bill Maher/Rush Limbaugh type format. That's when change will come.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 06:33 AM (ZUQyx)

296 But the truth is there is a future. With humility. Not self-loathing, but humility. The humility in knowing that they exist for a reason. with that humility comes the want for knowledge. Like I have been saying. The most important piece of knowledge is that when you help others, you feel better about yourself. The better you feel about yourself, the more you rise above the hood mentality. It is kinda a catch-22. The more you think things are hopless, the more hopless things will be. The more you think you are worth something, the more worthy you will become.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:34 AM (iLKxM)

297 NWM, Thank you for your thoughtful comments too. It is needed and important. I ask you to do me a favor though. Help a white person tommorow. I am not being smart, I'm being serious. Come back on here and e-mail me about it. One love brother,

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:36 AM (iLKxM)

298 jeremy, With all due respect, Getting out of the hood is far from simple. It's more recognizing that there is a hood and you are in it, you have to have first hand exposure with the 'middle class' to where you feel there is a place for you beyond its realm. And that is where the importance of this whole disconnect comes in...This is where right-wingers fond of talking about a 'victim mentality'have a field day... What doesn't get fed dies. there comes a point where exposure and a sense of belonging become critical. (by the way, not all blacks come from the slums, some are born quite well off

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 06:41 AM (ZUQyx)

299 NWM, First of all you are right with that last comment and I was specifically referring to less fortunate blacks for sure and I apoligize for the misstep. I didn't say it was easy. Especially adjusting to the middle class. Once again though, with humility is the ability to learn. There is one thing about the middle class, especially lower middle class....they appreciate effort, and they give people second chances. Like I said before, the conversation may not come out right, but it will start. We all get used to someone the more we are around them. As far as what doesn't get fed, if you are all alone in the world, God is still walking with you. The best way to get to know someone, ask them a question. You win twice: You gain knowledge and you make a connection. It's hard, especially for the shy, but you get used to it.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:48 AM (iLKxM)

300 Well fellas it was nice conversing. I'm doing my part to have these conversation in my book that's due out in the fall. For more info, contact me on my email address. It really pains me to exit such stimulating convo........but I got to go.

Posted by: marshall at September 04, 2005 06:48 AM (Ad+n9)

301 What's your book, I know major publishers

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:51 AM (iLKxM)

302 If you are making a book of timely blog conversations and it was done right, I think you are on to something.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:52 AM (iLKxM)

303 I too am a day past my bedtime so night yall, I'll check back on here later....You guys realize that we hijacked a right-wing blog with logic. It can happen.....I'm not a democrat, and I am not a republican either. But, I think we just nixed the misguided notion that there are not good ideas out there.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 06:55 AM (iLKxM)

304 NWM: "Confederate Yankee...I know your kind." Prejudice comes shining through!

Posted by: bill912 at September 04, 2005 09:13 AM (jttPx)

305 Sean Jean You have obivously never been to a trailer park! Deep within these dwellings lay WHITE people believe it or not, who are just as repressed, just as looked down, and just as poor as the black people you so deperately try to defend. I was vraised a young poor, shy white girl who grew up in the projects in the very ghetto southern state of Georgia. I was relentlessly black balled and I got jumped on an almost daily bases for no other reason than just because I happened to be 1 out of the maybe 8 white people in thw whole neighborhood. My mother was a crack head and my father died when I was very small. That was the only family I had until I was taken by childeren's services and moved areound form place to place. Statistically I should have 3 kids by now by 3 different men,living it up in the projects on welfare just like good ol' mom, and hit the crack pipe. I, on the other hand, went into the army when I was barely 17, got my self out of that enviroment. Now I am 23, I own my own house, drive a brand new car, have a college degree, and have a career in real estate. With that said, I think it is very ignorant of you to assume that just because you are white, you have money. The reality is trash is trash regardless of what color you are, and nobody likes poor white trash, just like no one likes ghetto blacks. All those poor helpless blacks that you keep talking about can get off their asses, and get jobs as well as ample grants from the govenment for education, and get their shit together just like I did. There is no excuse for laziness!!!! So stop making them. The only people repressing black people, are other black people making rap songs about how cool it is and actualling giving "street cred" fo those who get welfare checks, and how pimp you are if you have 5 girls knocked up, and how big of a thug you are if broke the law and landed yourself in jail, prison, or on probation.

Posted by: Brandy at September 04, 2005 09:20 AM (MtwjO)

306 Kayne Wests protest against the Federal, State, and Local governments preparation for and response to the Hurricane is a legitimate complaint. It did not orginate with West nor did it come from the Left wing blowhorns, but rather from the street, from the refugees. Mr. West took advantage of the situation to give air to a grievance screamed from the center of the destruction. Mr. West took advantage of the networks airing the telethon. The media is dominated by private companies that speak for their owners and shareholders. It is non democratic, and largely non consensual. All the governments in our country may speak a good speak about freedom of the press, but that is all it amounts to. It is an illusion. Freedom for a select few to voice their views and commands. It takes what some would deem unscrupulous tactics at times to get a view heard. Everyone from the 'right', the 'middle', and the 'left' can attest to that! Or it takes a hurricane to rip away the facade to expose the ugly truth about great poverty and inequality. We all live under the same boot. One cannot use the internet as the great savior and proof of freedom of the press. If that were the case putting a note in a bottle and tossing it into the vast sea could be considered proof of freedom of the press. George Bush is the frontman. He sits at the top, the most visible, the one that History watches. He, with the help of his handlers, molded an image of a no nonsense can-do person. Whether that was fact or fantasy is not for me to say. Basically I guess its all part of the game. In the end Mr. West was expressing a view held by many in the South. What would any of you do? Sit by, swallow your beliefs? Smile for the cameras? Smile!

Posted by: Bryan at September 04, 2005 09:40 AM (/V3Zz)

307 Here's a portion of a Washington Post story I found on another blog. And, here is its link. Behind the scenes, a power struggle emerged, as federal officials tried to wrest authority from Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D). Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state's emergency operations center said Saturday. The administration sought unified control over all local police and state National Guard units reporting to the governor. Louisiana officials rejected the request after talks throughout the night, concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law. Some officials in the state suspected a political motive behind the request. "Quite frankly, if they'd been able to pull off taking it away from the locals, they then could have blamed everything on the locals," said the source, who does not have the authority to speak publicly. A senior administration official said that Bush has clear legal authority to federalize National Guard units to quell civil disturbances under the Insurrection Act and will continue to try to unify the chains of command that are split among the president, the Louisiana governor and the New Orleans mayor. Louisiana did not reach out to a multi-state mutual aid compact for assistance until Wednesday, three state and federal officials said. As of Saturday, Blanco still had not declared a state of emergency, the senior Bush official said. "The federal government stands ready to work with state and local officials to secure New Orleans and the state of Louisiana," White House spokesman Dan Bartlett said. "The president will not let any form of bureaucracy get in the way of protecting the citizens of Louisiana." Blanco made two moves Saturday that protected her independence from the federal government: She created a philanthropic fund for the state's victims and hired James Lee Witt, Federal Emergency Management Agency director in the Clinton administration, to advise her on the relief effort. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/03/AR2005090301680.html Nothing about this disaster or the relief efforts is about racism. And to claim so, by any "entertainer" or any political leader is completely abhorrent. I'm originally from New York and was so proud of the response from my home state and the country after 9/11. This is a time for our political leaders to pull Americans together (as Guiliani did). Any leader who causes diviseness and stirs the pot during this trying time is pathetic, but dangerous.

Posted by: es197 at September 04, 2005 09:41 AM (GsK8A)

308 Hasnt anyone taken a political science course? If you had you would know that EVERYTHING is political. Bush hugging and kissing two survivors is political. Its all apart of the system.

Posted by: Bryan at September 04, 2005 09:43 AM (/V3Zz)

309 Bryan is another with a rich fantasy life.

Posted by: bill912 at September 04, 2005 10:20 AM (jttPx)

310 In the end Mr. West was expressing a view held by many in the South." Would that be the belief that "George Bush doesn't like black people", or some of his eariler statements, such as that man (meaning of course, The MAN) created AIDs to kill blacks in Africa? Or how about that crack was create to destroy the Black Panther Party? West is a not only a racist in his own right, but an idiot. Sorry, but I don't know many people who would hold with his hysterical views.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 04, 2005 10:45 AM (0fZB6)

311 This is to all the white people posting on this board, and all the other whites for that matter. Why do you even try to debate with these racist blacks? There is NOTHING that will ever change the black mindset because the liberals had too much mind control over their generation. The only sad part is that the very blacks that are brainwashed are passing it on to their next generations. Whites and blacks will NEVER get along. We whites and blacks were made different from each other, we came from different lands and and we do not even THINK alike. What we saw in New Orleans is basically this: we saw what happens to the blacks when you take away the white man from propping them up. IT IS THAT SIMPLE.

Posted by: WhiteyTheMan at September 04, 2005 10:46 AM (St/99)

312 To state the obvious... an analysis of America's response to this disaster is absolutely critical and of course, politics will play a role in that analysis. But, accusing America of not responding fast enough due to racism? And to state that our President hates black people? There is no defense of such a statement. You can disagree with everything Bush is doing politically but that kind of accusation which is coming from Kayne West AND OTHERS is just plain wrong. Wrong! This country, just like every other country, has its share of racists and other problems. So, Canada, don't look down your nose at us! The majority of Americans are good people, not racists. And these good Americans are donating time, money and supplies to people of every color. From everything I have read, the blame for the delayed response can be shared at every local, state & federal level. However, to say we didn't respond fast enough because of race is not only embarrassing our nation but it is embarrassing us based on a lie. Some of our leaders seem to enjoy fueling resentment and bitterness. We have to turn our backs to them and shut our ears. Look at what you see today and the response from our American citizens... especially those Texans. My hat is off to you!

Posted by: es197 at September 04, 2005 10:56 AM (GsK8A)

313 To Whiteytheman: about my last comment that every country has its "share of racists"... I think we just found one of them. Go away you slime. Take your hate speech somewhere else.

Posted by: es197 at September 04, 2005 11:02 AM (GsK8A)

314 I do believe that Kanye West also stated on a radio interview that he believes black people are more racist than white people because they feel they have the right to be.

Posted by: 201en at September 04, 2005 11:45 AM (i4u8Q)

315 Confederate Yankee doesn't care about black people! Any statements whites make about blacks (and vice versa) not aimed at an understanding is just bashing, it's pointless and counterproductive. And since i know that, my takes are worthless here.... Kanye was right...George Bush doesn't care about black people, not because he is racist, simply because I don't think he has a connection, feel true empathy, with others of varying culturual/economic backgrounds.... He's not racist, he simply doesn't care.

Posted by: NewWorldMind at September 04, 2005 12:27 PM (ZUQyx)

316 It seems to me that the only thing that wasn't racist in this whole horrible event was the Hurricane.Let me prove it.It killed Blacks,Whites,Animals,Plant life and everything else that had the missfortune to be in it's path.Grow up all of you and HELP OUT

Posted by: kenupnorth at September 04, 2005 12:28 PM (KjxWQ)

317 NWM, Back already?

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 01:17 PM (iLKxM)

318 And once again, to those of you who are calling Kanye a racist and ignorant again, don't know his full story. He has become very emotional given the circumstances. He comes from a black activist party, so his views may lean that way. BUT, if you learn about him and his music, you will learn that he is truely a good person. A good person with some flaws. Anybody who would rather blast someone than try to find the good in someone and build on that has the same flaw.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 01:22 PM (iLKxM)

319 As for WhiteytheMan, you are simply incorrect and falsely pessimistic. There is a human connection that transcends race. For elaboration, please ask Jesus Christ to guide you to the truth. Unless he is too liberal for your political spectrum. White and black people can and do get along on many fronts, even down here in the south. Once you jump on that bandwagon too and see past the anger and hatred from all sides, you will see a shift in perspective that will allow you to see how important you really are and your capacity to help solve problems instead of blaming others for their flaws.

Posted by: Jeremy at September 04, 2005 01:43 PM (iLKxM)

320 Brandy congratulations you have overcome much and i applaud you. Someone above mentioned its tough to get out of the "hood", yes it takes hard work and a strong desire to change your lot in life whatever that may be. When they rebuild NO people of any race who move back into "projects" dominated by violence and inhabited by failures they doom themselves to the same fate.Life is full of choices and we live with are decisions daily. It may be tough to get out of the "hood" but for smart people that witnessed the bad behaviour in NO it would be tougher to go back to the "hood" and cohabitate with the murderers and rapists (few though they are) that will surely return to those haunts they know best. NO victims of Katrina save yourselfs and relocate to a calm suburban or rural community and not to the cesspool that is public housing.

Posted by: scooter at September 04, 2005 02:14 PM (0f2vj)

321 As this comment thread has completely devolved, it is being locked. Help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, whether they are white, black, pink, brown or yellow. The original intent of this thread was to point out that Kanye West, long-time conspiracy theorist, dropout, and general idiot, made appalled people turn away from those in need with comments he made during a telethon. Kanye West cost the Red Cross money with his racist conspiracy theories, and that is a fact that I gathered from talking to Red Cross call center supervisors, personally. It is not up for debate. All that is water under the bridge. If you are pissed at the Red Cross (you should not be), donate to another worthy charity like Mercy Corps or Samaritan' Purse. If you are pissed at NBC for not dumping West's comments before they hit the airwaves (you should be, because they could have), call or write NBC to voice your displeasure for their role in needless politicizing this telethon. But above all, take care of those in need. Once that is done, there will be a debate on culture, but that can wait for now. Perhaps a tectonic shift in the understanding of the expectation of failure being built into certain cultures (not races, but cultures) by the policies of "handout liberalism" might make the unwilling sacrifices of Hurricane Katrina worthwhile in decades to come.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at September 04, 2005 02:44 PM (0fZB6)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Previous:

Hurricane Katrina's Harsh Sentence

Orleans Prison Riot

Several people have commented on previous posts that they are looking for relatives that were either guards or prisoners at Orleans Parish prison, the central prison in New Orleans located approximately one mile northwest of the Louisiana Superdome. I decided to try to find out what I could to help them. What I found instead made me ill.

I cannot tell you about the location of individual prisoners and guards, but I can pass along the following:

• Rumors of rioting and hostage-taking among the prisoners are false.
  
• At this time, no prisoner is confirmed among the known fatalities.
  
• At this time, no guard is confirmed among the known fatailties.
  
• More than 7,600 OPP inmates were scheduled to be completely evacuated from New Orleans as of September 1 (yesterday).
  
• Inmates are housed throughout the Louisiana Prison system, except for Washington Correctional Institute near Angie, which was damaged in Hurricane Katrina.
  

It is quite possible, even probable, that all prisoners have been evacuated from New Orleans by this time.

It is unexplained why these 7,600 prisoners got out well in advance of citizens a mile away who are dying by the hour at the Superdome, in beseiged hospitals, and elsewhere throughout New Orleans.

For more information:

Inmate evacuees arrive in area
Storm prompts massive transfer of inmates
South Louisiana inmates bound for lockup in Bossier Parish
Prisoners, public school students displaced by Katrina

Update: CNN's Hurricane Safe List. Those who got it out so far and who have been able to contact CNN or other agencies.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:09 PM | Comments (17) | Add Comment
Post contains 276 words, total size 2 kb.

A wonderul compilation of Katrina-related quotes from Chrenkoff.

Der Commissar at the Politburo Diktat offers a side-by-side comparison of posts on left-of-center and right-of-center blogs.

Michelle Malkin has a compendium called The Blame Game.

Professional "nigger victim" Randall Robinson spreads the sensational lie that black in New Orleans are reduced to eating their dead becuase of white people. I would write a response to this racist, but the Huffington Post routinely censors reasonable fact-based refutations of their rhetoric, so it would be a waste of time.

Among the lowest of bottomfeeders, however, is this scum called "demgurl" (h/t LGF). Her comment in full:

I did not stop to help a * supporter today.

I had no idea how deeply my hate for that man ran. My lack of an interaction, with a * supporter is still haunting me a couple of hours later.

I was on my home and was on the ramp getting off the highway. I saw a mini-van on the side of the road. There was a lady standing next to the van and in her arms she held her child. I can only assume her mini-van had broken down. I don't know, perhaps with so many gad stations being out of gas, she had also run out. I slowed down and started to pull over to offer her a ride. At the very last second I noticed a "W" sticker on the back of her vehicle and I sped up and drove off.

I feel really bad as a human being. That child is not responsible for their parent's belief system. They are innocent and do not deserve to be out in the heat. (It is warm but not so bad that they would even break a sweat) I try not to punish people for what they believe.

On the other hand, so many hateful thoughts went through my head. I wondered how a person could see what was going on in NO and still have one of those awful stickers on their car. How could they support an awful excuse for a human being that has let our country down and is letting Americans die after they have made it through the storm? How can someone be so blind and so stupid?

I thought that if she loves * so much, maybe he would come along and help her the same way he is rescuing all of those poor people in the weather stricken part of our country. Let's see what her hero can do for her.

I never did go back. I was so upset with that sticker and with the fact that someone would support an idiot who is so clearly running our country into the ground.

So why am I writing this? It is not to boast, I really feel bad about passing this child and not picking up their mother. Perhaps it is for a catharsis of sorts? That would be an educated guess. I suppose it is because I feel conflicted and I am writing this to try and sort through what I am feeling. There are two emotional sides, for me, on this incident and neither seems completely right or wrong to me. Even writing this, I am still not able to work through what happened. I feel like I am floating between right and wrong and am unable to grab either side.

Thanks for listening.

I hope she's not a nurse or a doctor.

It will come as a shock to good people, but the liberal message board this was posted on had all the compassion in the world... for her.

Liberalism is a persistent vegetative state.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 07:48 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 619 words, total size 4 kb.

The original Battle of New Orleans was a victory for a mixed bag of regular Army units, frontiersmen, former slaves, and outlaws. 190 years later, gunshots echo over the same patch of ground, as their descendants of the winners fire upon one another.

Armed gangs of violent young men rape and pillage their way across a city shattered by Hurricane Katrina. National Guard units and police officers trying to evacuate trapped citizens have come under gunfire, as have ambulances and rescue helicopters. Looting prevails. Bodies lie in the street, some apparent drowning victims, some clearly victims of gunshot wounds.

This is to the Second Battle of New Orleans.

There will be no winners, only survivors

Local, state, and federal government plans seem to have failed in almost every possible way, and continue to fail those rocked by what will be likely be remembered as the most destructive hurricane in American history.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was late in issuing a mandatory evacuation order, and when one was given, he failed to provide to provide the resources to make that evacuation possible for those most in need. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, perhaps the person single most responsible for the citizens of her state, has completely failed to implement or coordinate either an evacuation or a rescue and recovery effort. The federal government failed (perhaps in an impossible bid) to conquer Mother Nature, and failing that, has been slow to marshal forces and deliver aid. The layers of government failed, and the administration of law failed as well.

There is only one law now along the Gulf Coast, and that is the law of strength, the law of the gun. It has happened before.

Glenn Reynolds:

NEW YORK TIMES: Owners Take Up Arms as Looters Press Their Advantage

If you've got a week's supplies, and a gun, you'll usually do okay after a disaster. If you don't, you're in much bigger trouble, because it generally takes that long for some sort of order to be restored. We saw that after Andrew, and we're seeing it again.

It will happen again.

It will come in the form of another hurricane, or an earthquake, an outbreak of disease, or another eventuality of which we have not dared dream, even in our darkest thoughts. When that time comes, the only thing that may preserve your life and property may be the possession of and willingness to use a firearm.

Not all firearms are suitable for civilian defense. Most, in fact, are entirely unsuitable for the kind of situation brought about in natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

A civilian defense firearm must:

• be easy to load, unload
  
• easy to make safe
  
• be easy to clean
  
• be rugged and tolerant of abuse
  
• use common, readily available ammunition of sufficient power
  
• carry a minimum of five rounds of ammunition
  
• be reasonably abundant (for acquiring spare parts)
  

Easy to Load and Unload
Loading ammunition into a civilian defense firearm must be easy. Most civilians will not handle their firearms often in the course of an average year. They must have firearms that are designed with enough ease of use so that once the loading and unloading process is once learned, it is easy to recall even after extended amounts of time. Almost all firearms meet these minimum criteria.

Easy to Make Safe
Firearms must be able to easily store, with the ability to chamber and fire a round of ammunition blocked, to keep it safe from access by children and Howard Dean supporters—a gun lock of some sort. Firearms should also ideally have a recognizable loaded-chamber indicator and easy-to-engage and/or redundant safety systems. Most modern firearms meet the former criteria of being able to accept gunlocks, and many firearms meet the later.

Be Easy to Clean
Civilian defense firearms must be able to be field-stripped and cleaned, and reassembled with minimal tools or no tools at all in a short amount of time, with a minimal danger of losing or damaging critical parts. More difficult in some older designs, or newer designs that will not long last.

Be Rugged and Tolerant of Abuse
Civilian defense firearms in a survival setting are likely to suffer accidental abuse, face improper storage and cleaning, use less than perfect-quality ammunition—and still perform flawlessly when needed. A hard task for many firearms.

Use Common, Readily Available Ammunition of Sufficient Power
This dual criteria is essential to meet. You cache of ammunition may get damaged or lost, or in nightmare Snake Plissken scenarios, you might even shoot it all up. You should choose a caliber of ammunition common to your area. That ammunition must be capable of killing animals both wild and domestic that are common to your area, from alligators to pit bulls. It must also be capable of stopping humans quickly and lethally, but must not be overly powerful for the task at hand. This I one of the more difficult criteria to satisfy.

Carry a Minimum of Five Rounds of Ammunition
You may not always hit what you aim at, and you may have multiple targets. If you cannot hit your target with five shots, significantly more ammunition only contributes to environmental lead poisoning downrange. In addition, after five rounds, your target, if human, is not likely to stay within range. If an animal, it will either be feasting or running as well. This

While a surprising number of firearms did past these tests, a few designs stood out.

12-gauge Pump-Action Shotgun

A 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is perhaps the most common, powerful, adaptable, and useful firearm available for person defense. The unmistakable shuck-shuck sound of a pump shotgun chambering a round makes even the most thuggish brute reconsider his intentions, and should he continue down the wrong path, a simple point and squeeze will arrange an immediate consultation with the deity of his choice.

Pumps such as the Mossburg 500 series and the Remington 870 series (pictured) are used to hunt everything from birds the bears, and are in common use by police and military units worldwide. Ammunition is readily available and can be specialized to certain tasks, an advantage most other weapons lack. Pump action shotguns typically carry sufficient amounts of ammunition, and they can be fired extremely rapidly in trained hands.

SKS

The choice of the cheap, tawdry Simonov carbine might be off-putting to some, but it might be the perfect rifle for our stated purposes. It uses the universally accessible 7.62x39mm (.30 Russian) military round found almost everywhere in the world in bulk, for cheap. The round reasonably duplicates the ballistics of the lever-action .30/30s, while the rifle itself has the advantages of being easier to load, and unload that the lever guns. The simple safety can be checked by touch. It carries its own cleaning kit in the butt of the rifle, and is compact in design.

.30/30 Lever-Action Rifle

A staple of hunters for years, the .30/30 lever-actions from Marlin (pictured) and Winchester are perhaps the most common rifles in the closets of American hunters today. They are easy to load, easy to carry, have good power at reason ranges beyond what a shotgun can provide, and are quick to use. The downside is that they are a bit more difficult to fieldstrip than most pump shotguns, and while the ammunition is common, they are also harder to easily unload.

9mm Safe-Action Pistols

Any handgun is at a distinct disadvantage against shotguns and rifles for many reason starting with practical accuracy, and knock-down power. On the other hand, they are far more easily concealed. Of semi-automatic pistols, the so-called "safe-action" designs from Springfield Armory and Glock (pictured) are nearly identical in appearance and function. Both feature similar, though proprietary safety systems that prevent accidental discharges while enabling the user to get the weapon up and ready to fire quickly. They are lightweight, and having polymer frames, are extremely resistant to corrosion. They are also relatively easy to shoot, load, and clean ,The 9x19mm NATO round is also nearly universal, making it easy to obtain while still providing acceptable stopping power.

.357 Magnum Stainless Revolver

Once nearly universal among police forces, the .38 Special/.375 Magnum police type revolvers (Smith & Wesson pictured)simply refuse to fade completely away. The can use both .38 and .357 Magnum ammunition (in the .357 chambered guns only) and are very easy to load and unload. Shooting a revolver is not as intuitive as shooting a pistol, but its simple reliability and legendary stopping power, along with a reasonable amount of concealablity make it an acceptable choice.

In Review
Pump-action shotguns are the best all around personal defense weapon. Lever –action and semi-automatic carbines are the best rifles for a multitude of reasons not perhaps the least of which is a proven track record in killing other humans when the need arose. Pistols and revolvers common to police agencies are also often the best choice of handguns. And while not a conscious criteria, the rifles and shotguns mentioned in this post can all be purchased for less than $300 (often under $200), making them quite affordable as well when compared to other firearms.

If you are black and poor like most disaster victims seem to be, that is an important factor, even if nobody wants to talk about it.

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My brother Phin of phin's blog and Apothegm Designs is holding a blog auction to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims. I'll let him tell you about it himself:

On Monday Hugh Hewitt suggested the blogging community band together to raise funds and awareness for the charities helping provide relief to the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Glenn Reynolds suggested the date of Thursday, September 1st and offered to provide links. The Truth Laid Bear has setup a tracking page to help keep count.

In trying to do our part we, your friendly Apothegm Designers, are auctioning off a custom blog design (within reason) to the highest bidder. Samples of our work can be seen at the Apothegm Designs Website.

The bidding starts at a bargain of $150 and the funds will be donated to The American Red Cross, or the winning bidder's charity of choice.

Bidding is open in the comments of this post until Midnight September 2nd.

They do good (very good) blog and web design work (here, The Llama Butchers, The Jawa Report, and others), and the money raised goes to the winner's charity of choice.

Besides, your blog looks like crap. ;-)

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 12:14 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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