alansmithee

I wasn't talking so much about the gov't as to the general lack of compassion/sympathy in the hurricane vicims in relation to what the victims of the WTC attacks recieved. I've seen opinions that would support what I stated on many message boards, and even somewhat in the news. To me, it's just something that is bringing forward yet again the large racial divide in the country. I dont' recall anyone complaining about aid for 9/11 victims, yet there are numerous posts even on this board complaining about sending aid to New Orleans. And even though the situations aren't exactly parallel, I would say that NO is the worse, simply because the area of affect is greater, there's going to be more lasting impact, and those affected are less able to provide for themselves (especially considering that many of their workplaces and homes were also decimated). If you were a WTC survivor, chances are that you would still have a home to go to, and at least have access to clean food and water. The same cannot be said for the hurricane victims.

Also, many blacks feel that part of the current problem in NO is the lack of sympathy from whites. Kanye West did an interview on NBC where he talked about much the same thing (only he placed more blame on the administration for racist motives than on the general populace). Now, obviously he doesn't speak for all blacks, but on other forums (and in real life) I have heard much of the same feelings echoed. And NBC was troubled enough by what he said to edit it out of their central/pacific time zone telecasts. If anyone's interested, the interview can be found on MSNBC's site (which seems slightly odd that they would leave it there while editing it from TV).