I came across this piece that famed novelist Anne Rice wrote as New Orleans sank. It is as true today as it was two years ago.
But to my country I want to say this: During this crisis you failed us. You looked down on us; you dismissed our victims; you dismissed us. You want our Jazz Fest, you want our Mardi Gras, you want our cooking and our music. Then when you saw us in real trouble, when you saw a tiny minority preying on the weak among us, you called us "Sin City," and turned your backs.Well, we are a lot more than all that. And though we may seem the most exotic, the most atmospheric and, at times, the most downtrodden part of this land, we are still part of it. We are Americans. We are you.
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Globally, the whole Katrina debacle was a blow to the image of the U.S. From Asia, it looked horrible. The response to the Tsunami was faster. We didn't care about the political questions. While watching all we could ask was, "Why isn't someone helping those people?"
Regardless of one's politics, it's a situation that should not have taken place in the wealthiest nation on earth.
Lest it potentially be misunderstood, amend my fourth sentence to read, "We didn't care about the political questions of NO or who was to blame."
Wow, Dave. Thank you again for such a supportive post. I am touched by your Christian perspective on New Orleans. That is a lot coming from someone who thinks we should round up all God people and send them to the Holy land to work it out.
Here's a gift for you and your readers. Please don't let the title scare you. It is just the way I saw it.
http://bourgeoisnievete.blogspot.com/2007/08/crucifixion-road-home.html
And let's also remember that when those neighborhoods were established, they were not in as much danger. They way the entire North American watershed has been managed helped to create the problem. Also, there is the historical fact of slavery and poverty. Many people in the 9th ward and surrounding areas were there because there was literally no other place for them to go.
Hindsight may look 20/20 - but only if you have selective vision.
If N.O had been wealthy white area, or if someone important had lived there, more would have been done. GWB was told the levees would break and that there would be a loss of life. he did nothing.
He went down there, gave a speech, unloaded lights, generators, had planes flying overhead and then packed up all that stuff and left. He claims to be man of God, yet he could care less about helping the needy-which Jesus said was the only way to salvation. His mother was caught on tape stating that the refugees were better off in the shelters than in their own homes. The family is not in touch with reality.
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