NBC broadcasted a celebrity Katrina telethon tonight. In general, it was an unremarkable event, except for a certain two minute segment.
Kayne West (who is this guy anyway?) appeared on camera with Mike Myers to deliver a tag-team plea for cash. Myers delivered his lines with the sort of drama you’d expect, but when it was West’s turn, he decided that the speech he was to intone wasn’t quite his style, so he ditched the cue card and instead, stumbled and stammered his way through a Bush slam.
You gotta feel for Mike Myers. You can see him becoming uncomfortable throughout the segment, but still trying to keep his composure. He was doing O.K. until West blurted out, “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people”. Mike’s “quick turn of the head” toward West spoke volumes. Too bad the camera cut away. I have a feeling Mike wanted to slug him.
So, congratulations Kayne. NBC issued a statement saying they think you’re nuts, and the American Red Cross was forced to pull out the “we’re a neutral, impartial organization” speech.
You ruined the event, you idiot.
UPDATE: Kanye West booed by football crowd.
UPDATE II: ‘George Bush Hates Midgets‘
I’m glad I read the very first comment before starting mine, cause I have to agree with it 100%
When Kayne West is bold and sure enough to do what he did, knowing he was putting his career on the line and speaking with strong emotions from the heart, I’m sure the way he sounded was the least of his worries. In my opinion, he said what many black and white Americans have wanted to say for a good while now. That’s what I gather from the responses I have heard from friends. One more thing, how the hell do you know what Mike Myers was thinking, did he tell you??? I don’t feel shit for him….I think we need more people like Kayne West on television, people not afraid to do the (in the words of Bush himself) “popular” thing, people not afraid to speak from the heart. When I saw Mike Myers speak, I knew he was reading a script, his speech was emotionless. How am I supposed to feel bad and sympathize when I see no emotion, how am I supposed to believe him when he reads someone else’s words, how? Kayne, on the other hand showed compassion for the victims, and spoke the truth with his own words. I could hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. I have the utmost respect for Kayne. Fuck a script, I want the real shit!
Amazingly enough the majority of the posts here miss the point. Whether is the total ignorance of thinking that any manority can succeed by blaming everyone else or the establishment, or the blatant ignorance of those who chose to stay (not the ill or non-mobile)and ignore a category 5 hurricane. We’re seeing a lot of negative tv airplay by blacks, looting, etc. Because that is actually happening. I’m sure there are Whites, Hispanics, and messed up French Creole’s also looting and being parasites to other human beings in their city. Every ethnicity should take ownership of their own ethnic trash and deal with it. Blacks are the majority in New Orleans, therefore most of the ignorant trash and hooligans are black. Stop your silly bickering abou Kayne being justified. The TV show was a fundraiser to help the people in New Orleans, Mobile, and other affected areas. It wasn’t the time or the correct place for a political statement, no matter what you’re opinion is of him is. Kayne possibly offended a segment of possible charitable donors. Perhaps these donors equal less than 10%, but still would have a great monitary impact. He’s juvenile antics probably cost lives that could be saved with more donations. He should have done his job, played his role to the american people — just like all of the other celebrites repesenting other ethnic backgrounds and segments of america dutifully did. He is an ignorant 25 yr old punk that only cares about himself and what he believes is correct, not the negative impact he made that day.
Go ahead and make him a hero. Teach your children to be like him. You better plan for your own future because those who embrace Kayne’s selfish “me” society wont give a damn about your old ass.
Most of you should be ashamed with your black and white bashing of each other. Reading these comments makes me so happy to be Canadian.
Wow, Some people (blacks) are just dumb, it was bad enought to hear that monkey Kanye West blabber off, but to hear the shit those who are defending him are saying is just. . . hilarious. Wow.
To the idiot who posted the last response, you are so racist and UNEDUCATED that after I read your response, I laughed until my sides hurt!
Way to speak up and defend the neggative stereotypes in place for White America. Your elloquent use of the English vernacular (Monkeys) is quite astonishing…really. Keep up the good and, COWARDLY Klan work! I bet your “Paw” would have been proud.
Instead of focusing so much on Kanye’s statements and the background of his parents(who really cares?) why isn’t anyone addressing the flat out RACIST (Yes, I said it.) statements of Mrs. BARBARA BUSH? ”
“And so many of the people in the arena here, you
know, were underprivileged anyway, so this–this (she
chuckles slightly) is working very well for them.”
Wow Barbara, you certainly said a mouthful! Quick, somebody get ol’ Barbara a Nobel Peace Prize! Nevertheless, do you think ol’ Barbara’s IGNORANT and RACIST comments will receive even half of the same criticism as Mr. Kanye West’s comments…Nah. But afterall, this entire, larger issue as a whole has absolutely nothing to do with race…right? Right.
To my black people…a message…Stop whining about the unfairness and inconsistencies of White America. Stop waiting for that boat of EQUALITY; That ship set sail long ago. And more over, stop trying to REASON with a country of people who truly, deep down, don’t want you here.
My advice…Continue to educate yourselves and acuire knowledge and prosperity. Then, make change. Stand strong and do not be dismayed by the value that White America has placed on our lives. Don’t be fooled into thinking that we have “arrived” and have no more work to do. The fight will forever be on so arm yourselves with the knowledge necessary to see a better tomorrow.
I’m having a hard time believing that Barbara Bush said that. Who knows, it may be true. But I’d like to see the footage of that.
Like Christopher said, you all are missing the point. Take the time you all are sitting here posting your opinions and do something! It’s not about racism, and everyone here is making it out to be. They need help. Donate.
And to Brian, who keeps mentioning “White America” and how whites don’t really want you here…you are now being racist. You are doing exactly what you are accusing “whites” of doing. Stereotyping. Not all white people are the same. Not all of us feel like “gladimnotblack” up there. So why don’t we focus on the real issue, help people.
I’ve seen a lot of footage of looting, destruction and heartbreak. But now I also see private citizens taking their own time, money and resources and lending a helping hand. THAT is what America is all about. So to Rick the Canadian, I’m glad I’m American, cause black and white bashing is not what we are all about.
“Wow Barbara, you certainly said a mouthful! Quick, somebody get ol’ Barbara a Nobel Peace Prize! Nevertheless, do you think ol’ Barbara’s IGNORANT and RACIST comments will receive even half of the same criticism as Mr. Kanye West’s comments…Nah. But afterall, this entire, larger issue as a whole has absolutely nothing to do with race…right?”
Barbara Bush is a best-selling “artist”?
People actually care what she says?
Stunning.
Unlike with Kanye, I don’t see a lot of people agreeing with her. Meanwhile, a bunch of racist black people couldn’t agree with West any quicker than they did.
“To my black people…a message…Stop whining about the unfairness and inconsistencies of White America. Stop waiting for that boat of EQUALITY; That ship set sail long ago. And more over, stop trying to REASON with a country of people who truly, deep down, don’t want you here.”
Yes, white people, deep down, just hate the whole lot of you. Suuure.
It’s almost comical that you believe that.
“My advice…Continue to educate yourselves and acuire knowledge and prosperity. Then, make change. Stand strong and do not be dismayed by the value that White America has placed on our lives.”
I could mention that it was Africans who initially sold the slaves (and continue to do so to this very day).
Seems whites respect your value to society far more than Africans do.
You need to seriously wake up to realize that 98% of whites don’t CARE. There isn’t hatred.
Being affected by this hurricane more than most on this forum I’ve got a couple of things to say. First I think the Kayne West incident was totally ill-responsible and does nothing to help the black community or our nation as a whole. Just look at the anger and division he has cause on this one forum. Why in God’s name, when artist are coming together to get people to open up their hearts and wallet, would someone throw out their personal views of hate and division? Maybe these things do exist and need to be discussed and addressed but surely the absolute wrong time and place that I’ve ever seen. I could hear a collective channel change across the nation. Pure genius.
I love the heart of this discussion over his comments any way. Why are blacks being called looters. Probably sheer numbers and lack of media coverage at the time. Every time I turned on the television during the looting, the act of stealing valuable things from a place, they were black. Is that the only color of looters at that time? No. Was it the only color you saw on television for three days straight? Yes. Probably due to the lack of media coverage any where else and the high percentage of blacks in New Orleans. The media only seemed to have a few clips that they played over and over. Mainly of blacks steeling non-essential items. One that stands out was a guy with a huge electric car for kids with two black security guards, in the same store, picking out shoes. There were a few shots scattered here and there of people getting the essentials but what kind of news story would that be? If it was in a majority white city doing the same thing you would see the same images. It’s how the media works. It’s called Sensationalism. Get over it or tun off the news. It always has and always will exist.
This event is a lot more than Kayne West’s stroke of genius to help this state and country out. Now we’re left to pick up the pieces, literally. I wonder If I will see him standing next to his people putting his back into it. I doubt it. Actions do truly speak louder than words. So I wish most here and across the country would stop talking and show some action.
It’s true, Bush Hates Blacks!
Can’t you see? What a criminal mastermind he is. That’s why he put Colin Powell in the position of Secretary of Defense. It’s also why he helped Condoleezza Rice into the position of Secretary of State. Now he has black people to back him up when it comes time for blacks to pull out the racist card. Genius!
Or perhaps blame should be placed on people who loot and commit crime because they don’t have the moral fiber not to steal, don’t care about their fellow man who is also going through the same struggle when they take his food, are too lazy to get a job so they can buy their own supplies, and blame the government when food shelter cigs & booze aren’t delivered to them in a reasonable manner? No, blasphemy! Death to Whity!
Dumb Liberals. Grow up. The government isn’t your mom. Take responsibility for yourself and use your time to do something instead of assign blame.
Seriously, when are blacks gonna wake up and say hey, thats enough, you blacks complain about everything that happends, oh, there not quick enough, oh they hate us, oh they need to pay retribution for the slave days… wake up blacks… do you guys really expect everybody to say how high, when you blacks yell jump…
You blacks use up all our sources because you’d rather stay home on welfare instead of getting off of the couch or porch to get a job…. You blacks are shooting officers, stealing and when we point it out, you say we are being racist… face it the truth hurts….
Where would you blacks be without music, and sport.. you wanna know… what ever is going on rite now in hurricane valley, thats how it will be forever, if you blacks dont have sports and music… quit being a cry baby…
Idiots….stop arguing over something as if it were a debate. The damage has been done, people of all sorts were fucking stupid, no one group was right…And for those of you that complain about Bush or Kanye, note how their speaking capabilities are about the same.
This is for the comments about Kayne West. He is a Grammy Award winner and obviously someone who isn’t afraid to say what everyone else is thinking. B/C of “yo dawg” Prez B aid to those people took its time to reach the people of the NOLA, however look how quickly it took him to kill, um,redeem the people of Iraq? And have you even opened your eyes and seen what the hell is going on? All the Elephants can say is “let’s not focus on who did what and focus on how we can help” Well guess what? They’ve been surviving without the help of “yo dawg, Prez B”. How come it is that two different pics of people taking products for survival so miscontrued? The Black pic – looting but the White pic – surviving? Did you notice that b/c I did and so did Mr. West!!!!
i don’t care that he said it i just think that it was the wrong time. you are trying to get donations for the huricane. if you wish to make such statements then do them though an interview or have some statement released to the media so they can print it. he did get the shock factor but he also turned alot of people off with the statement. people who might have been concidering donating money.
look, the situation isnt with kanye west, or george bush. the situation is new orleans. its very important not to veer from the subject and task at hand. as far as kanye west, he can say whatever he wants anywhere he wants to whoever he wants. this is america. and even though i think he might be wrong, i do respect the fact that he had the balls to say it out loud on national television.
as far as new orleans goes, we all need to help. i live in baton rouge, nothing is keeping me from putting on a pair of shoes and walking my fat white ass to new orleans…except maybe my fat white ass.
so i do what i can around baton rouge, where most of the refugees have migrated to, being it only 45 minutes from new orleans. and i, myself, welcome our neighbors to the east. even if it takes me 45 minutes to get to work, which is only 10 minutes away. baton rouge has doubled in population in the last week, and i think i speak for most of the people in baton rouge when i say that i hope that everyone envoloved in the hurricane katrina disasters lives return to normal soon. that familys are in touch with each other, and friends not parted.
-tj
Oh please. Using Kanye West’s comments to not donate is a pathetic excuse. If anyone really wanted to donate in the first place, they would look past a single person’s comments.
Personally, I agree with what he said… it did take too long for help, when Bush didn’t have to think twice about sending our resources out to Iraq to “protect our families”. Well, why did it take so long, when our “families” were out there drowning and dying?
I can tell you right now, that if New Orleans was 70% white people, and the rest black, you would have all the little ass kissers there on day 1, and the rest of America driving their cars with little american flags and stickers.
And as for “dumb whiter person”‘s comment… These people were taken from their home, thrown into a country where they were forced to do labor for the white men, had to fight for their own rights, and then when they finally got their rights, they had to live with all the racism around them… I’m sorry, but that’s not something you forget overnight, buddy. But I’m sure you wouldn’t know what I’m talking about, being white, you never had to face the challenges that us minorities have to deal with on a daily basis.
My bad, I meant, Josh’s comment.
hey i saw a bunch of young new orleans refugees smoking cigarettes outside the stadium taking it easy all day long. Shouldn’t they be getting off their butts and helping with the rescue Operation….ohhh that’s called work..sheesh god forbid
Get our troops back from Iraq and lets, for ONCE, focus on our OWN country, our OWN people and our OWN problems.
Maybe if our government had not cut funding to eradicate the problems of the century old levees in New Orleans and not blown it on Iraq, the death toll would have been less. Please read this article below. It wasn’t shocking to find this out, but I guess deep down I always hoped there would be something admirable about the Bush Administration. This doesn’t help:
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001051313
Everyone has a motive. Maybe Kayne West wanted to sell more records, maybe he’s a schizo, maybe he just wanted to get something off his chest, maybe he’s the reincarnation of Malcolm X, maybe deep down inside his rant was what we were ALL thinking, but were too coward to admit.
In the end, none of us know what we’d say in a situation like that, and none of us can speculate how we’d act after our city was destroyed by a storm that was, yes Mr. President, predicted for years.
The celebrity world has poisoned our ethics with materialism and nonsense and has warped our sense of reality. Why not listen to what your family has to say, or your friends, or for GOD SAKE what your heart says and not take stock in what the clowns of Hollywood and D.C. and the media say. They’ve clouded my judgment long enough.
Where’s John Kerry when you need him?
Kaynes comment was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The race issue is pointless at this time. What really scares me is they want to rebuild this deathtrap that is 20 feet below sealevel. How many billions will be spent building new levees now. Every dwelling filled with water now will grow mold that is a major health hazard. Everyone needs to move to Baton Rouge and start fresh with a port that is safe from the effects of hurricanes.
“Maybe if our government had not cut funding to eradicate the problems of the century old levees in New Orleans and not blown it on Iraq, the death toll would have been less.”
Actually, if New Orleans spent ANY money on the levees, it would have been less of an issue. There was TONS of government matching funds that they failed to get because they refused to actually spend anything on the levee system.
“Personally, I agree with what he said… it did take too long for help, when Bush didn’t have to think twice about sending our resources out to Iraq to “protect our families”.”
We did talk about Iraq for a year before doing anything, mind you.
“I can tell you right now, that if New Orleans was 70% white people, and the rest black, you would have all the little ass kissers there on day 1, and the rest of America driving their cars with little american flags and stickers.”
You can tell us that.
You’d be mind-numbingly incorrect, but c’est la vie.
“And as for “dumb whiter person”‘s comment… These people were taken from their home, thrown into a country where they were forced to do labor for the white men, had to fight for their own rights, and then when they finally got their rights, they had to live with all the racism around them… I’m sorry, but that’s not something you forget overnight, buddy. But I’m sure you wouldn’t know what I’m talking about, being white, you never had to face the challenges that us minorities have to deal with on a daily basis.”
Again, the lack of resentment for those who SOLD the slaves is a little baffling.
“Congratulations to the brilliant commenter at IP address 69.153.3.149. You’ve been permanently banned from adding any more comments to this site.
Let’s have intelligent dialog here people. Keep it clean, keep it civil. Otherwise, you’ll join the commenter above.
The management”
Why doesn’t this surprise me…another example of how people in power flex their muscles just because they can…thanks for further proving how great America is. How proud you must be.
Seriously, I’m just so tired of human : So quick to hate and judge but so slow to consider and change… and so hypocritical!
I’m Black and there are days that I am almost ashamed to be. When I saw Kayne’s tirade (on a Red Cross funding raising show of all places) I was literally embarrassed. There are times when I’ve felt singled out (I grew up in a predominately white town in middle class NJ) but I never really entertained notions that the ‘government’ was ‘out to get me’. Kayne, that’s more ignorant and racist than anything any white person has said on national telelvision recently, what does that say about us? Does that help the cause of equality and the eventual eradication of racial lines? No! It’s people like you that make rash and sensationalist remarks that create more hate and division between the people of this nation. How many white people out there will look at their black neighbor’s sons differently not because they are black and now dislike them, but because they think the black kids hate THEM! Most white people in this nation (like the people I grew up with) can go most of the their lives without getting to know a black person, that empty spot where an opinion of a black person should be is replaced by you, Kayne, hateful, ignorant, and angry. It’s in human nature is to respond to hostility physical or mental with hostility. My father was always a big Jessie J fan and there is this phrase he’s coined: Perpetuating the Cycle… and that’s what you are doing Kayne, making it far worse.
“George Bush doesn’t care about Black People” and “…respond as slow as possible…”
– Honestly, do you really think that that kind of racism still exists in this world, Kayne? Do you really think that anyone (except the 00.0001% of the people in this country that are evil and sadistic racists) wouldn’t send help to people suffering from a catastrophic disaster just because they aren’t like them and their family members? Utterly ridiculous. That kind of hate doesn’t exist anymore in civilized society! Goto a Laker game where 90% of the people are there are white people paying hundreds of dollars just to see a few black atheletes for 2 hours then the white parents buying pictures and shirts for their kids who they proudly say their kid wants to be like one of those black guys when they grow up. Do you even realize how many white people to this day will proclaim Kobe’s innocence and consider that white girl a lying sociopath? The lack of response and preparation had nothing to do with George Bush’s or his group of advisors’ opinion of us and everything to with our enormous and poorly ran state governments and their lack of communication to the federal government.
“… they’ve given them permission to go down and shoot us”
– Are you kidding me? I’m assuming he was referring to the “stop looting and violence by any means” order to the National Guard and quasi-police forces. At what point does your racism make you think that the National Guard commanders will look at the president and *wink*, then go and order their white, black, and latino etc. troops to shoot the niggers!
Racism goes both ways. I was ashamed when I heard Kayne use the all encompassing word “us” with his comments as if we’re all behind him in his hateful and angry remarks and the rest of you should too. Cool heads and civility will prevail, not anger… ever.
Kayne you may really believe all you said on TV about the media portrayal of blacks in the disaster.I was flipping channels and thought it was a Saturday night live comedy sketch but soon realized you were dead serious.I donated a lot of money to this fund and did not appreciate your tone.In my humble opinion you are like the folks that shot at rescuers . You hurt your own kind. When I donated money I did not say to the people processing my donation make sure this only goes white folks.Come on Johnny Cochran quit playing the race card. One day it will bite you in the butt. Fortunately for you and your kind I did not let your opinion bother me. Let me put it another way home be “New Orleans is a town of more than 80 percent blacks therfore it is statistical probability that the media will portray blacks.statistical probability that blacks will loot, statistical probability that balacks will shoot at recuers.What I viewed as a white person were good people put in a third world situation and some will behave badly. You sir behaved badly. Do your concert , get paid and don’t mess up again for your peoples sake. If I were black I say you need to shut up I am white and still say shut up.
Well, it cost donations. Because I was going to but after his big fat mouth I didn’t. Isn’t that what this show was about, getting donations? Oh, no I’m sorry it was “The Kayne West Show – Bash Bush Night”. I should of read the TV guide first, my fault. Oh well, next time I will investigate further about what I am going to watch so I don’t get supprised by ignorant ass opinions.
Point is, if he wants to make these comments, that’s fine, don’t LIE to the public and tell them that this is a relief effort, and for people to watch singing and dancing and for everyone to come together and donate what they can toward this tragedy. Do you think people would have watched if the the TV Guide said. “Dissaster Relief and Bash Bush show”, do you think people would have watched, less would have. THe point is the networks lied to us about what we we’re gonna watch. I couldn’t give 2 flips in the wind on what Kayne West says, even if what he says is true, I don’t care. Who is this guy anyway?
I would like to say that I think the fact that Mr. West blurted out on National television, That our President doesn’t care for the blacks, just goes to show his ignorance and the mentality that our culture uses. Everytime something isn’t going the way we want it we automatically pull out the race card.
Is it not obvious that the mass population of New Orleans is ‘African Americans’? Of course there will be tons of blacks still in New Orleans. I read someones comment about it being in the numbers. That is true.
All of the looters were not black. True. BUT, they were the majority.
And FYI The local government is responsible when a natural disaster hits THEIR state. So if anyone should be blamed and “bashed” save it for our lovely Democratic GOv’t here in Lousiana.
I would like to say to those who disagree with Mr. West are missing the point. He is telling it like it is. Come on already; the majority of the popular of New Orleans are African American and its refreshing to hear honesty these days.
Yes there were black faces who looted, there were white faces too. Its a reality nonbelievers. The way african americans are being treated is a reality that hasn’t really been addressed and its time that it needs to be addressed. Face it, the President doesn’t care about people who aren’t rich at all and the victims (NOT REFUGEES) deserve to be helped, not neglected. This is an outrage.
Its not about money, its about speaking your mind and letting people what you think and feel than lying to yourself and other people. The blame should be directly at the Government and the President, not the Governor and Mayor Nagin. The President cut funds for the levees since taking office and making FEMA a joke. That is where the real blame should be, not people who witnessed this tragedy.
I suggest you think about that!
This thing is getting old…. and why are we writing on someone’s blog?
I hate to add my voice to an article that itself had no real point, but then to a long list of comments as well.
The only thing I really want to say is, Who gives a fuck if Mike Myers is uncomfortable? Who gives a fuck if you’re uncomfortable? All the priveleged know how to do in this country is get uncomfortable. They certainly don’t know how to change things. Or think about themselves as anything but the good fucking guy. Or make decisions that benefit anyone but themselves. And you may not recognize what was going on in Kanye’s mind and heart on that screen because you’ve never experienced it. It’s simply called emotion. He felt emotional for those black people left to drown in New Orleans. Those same people that are suffering so that I can’t understand how heartless of a person it takes not to cry for their pain. So, who cares if he stammered and stumbled through it? It was from his heart.But this is exactly what I’d imagine you would miss. This is clearly the problem with our administration and with the white people in this country. Because I don’t feel that the administration caused the hurricane and then laughed as black people drowned FOR DAYS! No, I think what really happened is that there were too many white men who couldn’t be torn up and emotional and reactive enough about nappy headed black people. Nothing conscious, but that unconscious bullshit you carry everyday. I just thank God that he didn’t say something NBC would stand behind. Here’s a quick tip: When you are saying something in the interest of big business you’re rarely saying something in the interest of the people. You may think he ruined the event, but doesn’t seem so bad when you think of all the dead families, dead babies, dead elders that died on the government’s watch. Get some perspective, get some heart, and get out of your comfort zone!!!
I haven’t read all of the postings, but I feel I cannot at this point, as this has become a political bashing and made into so many things that it is not. There has been a horrific natural disaster- plain and simple. Are there people at fault, who could’ve done things differently? There sure is fault, neglect, poor planning…but there is also compassion, perserverence and Americans coming together for their fellow countrymen. I read so many posts blaming Bush. That is truly pathetic. Please- look further. There could have been national guard deployed- under the governer- she did not do it- and I suppose we’ll all find out soon why- she could have asked for the guard to become federalized- she didn’t…Did you see all of the flooded school buses there? Those could have been used to get all walks of life out before this tragedy…but it didn’t happen. It’s sad, but true. Some are making this into race…I agree with one post who indicates the numbers are what they are. There are ‘black’ people as you note in significant numbers- it makes sense that these are the people left, or at least those that we see. To make claims that the President does not like black people…that if others don’t agree with that, we hate black people too…I have two beautiful black children and I only hope and pray that they see people with their hearts and never by the standards this American society has placed on others through their judgements and political bashing. My children are beautiful boys and will hopefully grow up to become independent, free-thinking men- but men of integrity, honor, respect, dignity…and they would see a tragedy for what it is- not for what it isn’t- and they would make the difference where they could- mo matter who their leader is, who their neighbor is, no matter their income or political party—they will make a difference using their minds and hearts. We pray each night for these victims- of all walks of life- and hope they find some peace.
I have read some of the posts here and I think that alot of people are looking to blame others for there problems, yes this was a horrible thing to have happen. I’m not a supporter of Bush but I dont think he ignored the situation, I also beleve that Kayne has the right to think and believe how ever he wants but a support benfit concert to help people is not the place to voice this. This is a time to get together not to point fingers. And just an FYI for most of you who dont know the goverment can not send in National Guard troops to any state with out the permision of that state goverment. This is to protect the soverenty of the states to govern them selves. Also they do have to wait till they have enough food to support a large population before they can bring it in other wise you just end up with people rioting over it. I was in the Army in the 101st Air Assault unit and for anyone to tell me that 5 to 6 days was to long to get stuff into place dont know what they where talking about. My unit when on alert could go anywhere in the world in 24 hours. This ment that all our equipment was packed and ready to go and we where on 1 hour call.. meaning we could not go more then an hour from post. So for you to tell me that 5-6 days was to slow you have no idea. We where only moving 3000-5000 people and that was for like 2 weeks. Try 20000+ and you dont have and ending time for support or the logistical base to go from. You cant just drop food in and expect people to be civil about it they will riot and take as much as they can cause they dont know when they will get more. An let not mention the people that where shoting at the releaf helecopters and at the Army corp of Eng that where trying to fix the levies. People need to stop pointing fingers and just work at solving the problem not whos to blame.
Wow! The last person to post a comment on here made more sense than the rest of the posts combined. We are lucky, lucky to live in America, lucky that our government cares at all, lucky that we can help. Pointing fingers doesn’t help, arguing about what the president did wrong or the governor did wrong or the mayor did wrong doesn’t help. Recognize that you are an American and that you are damn lucky to be one or get out. WE are ALL in this together. Nothing is more irritating than an American complaining about his/her country. If you don’t like it leave. Go somewhere better….can you find it? Probably not. And if you did they probably wouldn’t want you because you’re a whiner. Stop your bitching, get on the bandwagon to help and recognize that we live in America and the only way to make it better is to build each other up, not tear each other down. And learn how your government runs….then you can understand how things do/don’t get done and complain with a leg to stand on.
“No, I think what really happened is that there were too many white men who couldn’t be torn up and emotional and reactive enough about nappy headed black people.”
Tuned out of reality for a while, eh?
Yes, white people just didn’t care about black people.
Not “Hey, it’s a little difficult to deliver food and prevent massive diseases in a flooded city laden with sewage and other such foul ingredients”.
If Bush’s DAUGHTERS were in NO — nothing would have changed. Bush actually had to consider using the Insurrection Act to federalize troops in that area (it has not been used since the Civil War, mind you).
Quite honestly, the reason why our country continues to suffer is because of the ignorance of those who want to make this a race issue. It is too easy to stand on a pedestal watching the news reports and form opinions based on them. None of us truly have a right to judge what is or isn’t going on down there. We are not under water. We are not cut off from all forms of communicaiton.
If some people in this blog would think for a second, countless Americans were displaced or completely cut off from civilization not due to race discrimination, but because of pure logistics. In a city the size of New Orleans, the process to go door by door, building by building, car by car would seem to be almost at a standstill. Those who are trapped by water or a lack of a way to get out are being found by the minute. There is progress being made, albeit slow.
We can move forward in this country, but not until those of us screaming racial discrimination shut our mouths for a second and lend a helping hand to someone, regardless of color. Put your efforts into donating money, volunteering your time, holding a fundraiser in your community. That is the only way we will make progress.
“Actually, if New Orleans spent ANY money on the levees, it would have been less of an issue. There was TONS of government matching funds that they failed to get because they refused to actually spend anything on the levee system.”
TONS is a relative term. You need the money before you can ACTUALLY spend anything. There were 2 projects by the Corps of Engineers on the boards that never reached fruition due to the increased spending on Iraq/Homeland Security and the effort to “control” the deficit. Though I suspect that after this hurricane, New Orleans will now be under the microscope of development feasibility. Will people want to move back into the same low-lying area albeit with “fixed” levees? What about property value?
My point is that, like after any major event, we have an opportunity to reassess our priorities as a country and hopefully correct, or at least mitigate the organizational problems surrounding FEMA.
If this deep, boring hole of discrimination plaguing our government is the cause for the lackadaisical response time, it’s not b/c of racism, it’s money and class system prejudice. I don’t care if the predominate “color” of people in the New Orleans area is purple………It’s what’s in their pockets that makes the government jump.
Haven’t we come to grips with the ubiquity of sexism and racism and classism in our world and not allow that to define us STILL, after all the freedom our democracy has given us to help change those perceptions?
We obviously care about our country, or we wouldn’t be sounding off in this forum with our heartfelt opinions and concerns. I for one have felt inspired to understand how the government works (the deployment of the Nat’l Guard, for example) and to get involved on some level. Hopefully, we can all do something to help humanity. Humanity defined as:
“the quality or state of being humane.”
Hay MikeSC they have a word for what you said in your post its “prejudice”
Definitions:
1. opinion formed beforehand: a preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes
2. holding of ill-informed opinions: the holding of preformed opinions based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes
3. irrational dislike of somebody: an unfounded hatred, fear, or mistrust of a person or group, especially one of a particular religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual preference, or social status
Assuming that all white people dont like or care for blacks would fit in here. I have served with and work with alot of people of different ethnicity. I stood shoulder to shoulder with them and I would have died with the ones I served with in the military. Every one bleeds red either on or off a battlefield. Dont lable people that you know nothing about.
MikeSC I appoligize for what I posted above it took me a few readings of what you wrote to figure out you where responding to other posts above.
The post of “No, I think what really happened is that there were too many white men who couldn’t be torn up and emotional and reactive enough about nappy headed black people.”
and “Yes, white people just didn’t care about black people.” The person that wrote these would fall under the definition of “prejudice”
Again I appoligize to MikeSC for my mistake.
Reading these posts has been very frustrating. Black people who blame white people for all of their problems are WRONG. White people who think there is no reason for blacks to distrust our government, and feel that they are treated as “less” because of their color and financial status are also WRONG.
Kayne West’s statements did not improve the situation, but what would have been the improvement if he had stuck to the script. Look at his face during the segment. He looks angry. A lot of people, black and white are angry. They’re angry because they don’t understand why this happened in the first place, and they especially cannot understand the response to the situation.
He had every right to make his comments. The show gave him the opportunity to be heard. He’ll probably face consequences for his comments. That’s life. A lot of people completely agree with him.
As for whether or not Bush cares about black people – I don’t think he cares about ANYONE who doesn’t completely agree with him.
It is about humanity as someone said, but things in this country always come back to race becaue it is our nation’s dirty not well kept secret, and the issues have NEVER been dealt with.
Oprah’s Angel Network gave a TOTAL of ONE Million dollars.
Diddy & Jay-Z combined gave a TOTAL of ONE Million dollars.
JOHN GRISHAM ALONE gave FIVE Million dollars.
All the arguing back in the forth in the world will never change that sentiment in itself.
Those that lived dependent on a government that they bash will continue to look to that government to ‘save’ them & those that do not will break their backs to rebuild their lives verses waiting on a handout.
To EVERY race:
STOP HAVING BABIES YOU CAN NOT AFFORD TO TAKE PROPER CARE OF. It was painfully obvious that the “POOR” are reproducing like rats. Why is that?
But RICH blacks do.
Thus, crack is Jesse Jackson’s fault.
That was easy. And as factually accurate as “The CIA brought crack into the inner cities”
“Also cocaine was first introduced to us(afro-americans) by the white man.”
Any idiot should know that the white man was involved in bringing cocaine into the black community. Name some rich black people from the 1960’s or 70’s. Hell Oprah didn’t even hit the scene until the 80’s. Illegal drug distribution is a multi-billion dollar industry and you would have to be insane to think that the president would sit around and allow that to happen without him knowing. Would you allow billions of dollars to float through your back door without getting a piece of it. Crooked cops, crooked president,screwed up elections, fucked up school systems, gas is almost the price of gold lol, what the hell is next.
http://www.geocities.com/egospark/four.html
I agree with some of you and some I do not. It was the not the mayor, but the govenor of the state who denied assistance from George W. May I remind you the govenor is white, as well George Bush. I agree that George Bush may have responded a bit slowly to “implement” a plan to get supplies to those who needed aid. Its just a shame how some people react in these times. At least Kayne had the courage to go in front of million to voice his opinion, which is the least I can say for a lot of people.
I believe Kanye West (Recognize who he is!) did the right thing. Bush doesn’t care about black people. The media does try to portray us as “Bad People”. Seeing as how they only showed black people looting and the few white people they hadn’t rescued looking for food, I feel as though Kanye was being Pro-Black and I don’t feel he did anything out of the way. If Katrina would have hit Beverly Hills Bush would have had it back to new, i’m sorry, Better than ever by now. Fuck whoever wrote to the original message, the people that booed Kanye, and BUSH!
I only got about 15 posts down before I became too disgusted to go any further. So if any of this is redundant, please excuse me.
This whole black/white thing is tired. Put it to bed. You ignorant people ranting about the separation of blacks and whites are the only thing maintaining that separation in today’s society.
Your stupid. Your ignorant. You are not only part of America’s racial problem, you ARE America’s racial problem. Anyone who is (as the previous poster stated) “Pro-Black” is advocating the division of races by favoring one side. In simple terms, they’re a racist. And anyone supporting, and even worse, applauding, somone who endorses “Pro-Black”, “Pro-White”, or “Pro- any race” are also supporting the continued division of the races. You are nothing more than hypocritical racists.
I am ashamed to say i am a white american right now. If the f***ing goverment did not try to blame everything on someone else much of this could be prevented. If one person in charge said it was there responsibility and got people out of there. If one person said because these people elected them to be in charge that they should respect that they thought you could do the job and you do nothing except sit on your rich fat ass, or be on vacation, sipping on expensive wine with some high quality-secretary which you just hired to look at. If one of you just said that once it was over that you would send people to help, and actually do it. When clebrities that voted you to office so you could be rich and get anything you wanted, when they could have voted for the people who would give it all back. But no, they chose you. While the people are paying you to live a great life while they have a 25,000 dollar a year job. Then they pay for your mistakes with taking out money that they would have spent on there family.
Wait…. Wait…. Ok think about it, You all are hating on my nigga Bush. When Mr.Kayne West, Mr. big bad I stand up for the little guy, only can think about how much ice he has in his chain or diamonds in his pinky ring. All these celebrities that are critizing Bush should can it. Next time you are watching VH1 and u see a Rapper or whoever spending 300,000 dollars on a car, 10,000,0000 on a house or 2,000,0000 on a pinky ring. THINK they aren’t helping the people that are in need. No, what they are doing is enjoying the capitalistic system here in the United States. Basically, everyone for themselves. Also, New Orleans and the rest of the coast that got hit should not look to the federal goverment for MASSIVE rebuilding funds. I make MY OWN MONEY. I’m pretty sure I know how to spend the money I make, and not the government. Another thing, there is no such thing as price gouging! YOU voluntairly PAY a price for good/service, no one puts a gun to your head and makes you pay.
Quanity Supplied V. Quanity Demanded
WHICHA BAMM
all this from your typical College Student
(500)