Hurricane Gustav is coming, and the people in New Orleans are packing up to leave. Its sad that its taken another hurricane to focus our collective attention on New Orleans again. Let’s hope that what we discover in the next few days is that practical and political lessons have been learnt from the disaster three years ago. Really, I hope that that is the case. After 1500 deaths, and thousands of people still homeless and traumatised all this time later, I really, really hope that my normal cynicism will be proved wrong and that this time at least one person with half a brain will be in charge.
Interesting, though, that its coming just before the election. No doubt it will make a nice addition to the spectacle. Though it seems to be mostly McCain that is talking about it so far – no doubt at first pissed that it would deflect from his grand moment collecting the nomination with his Barbie VP by his side, now he’s probably rubbing his hands in glee at the chance to get all sorrowful and sympathetic, and show what a great leader he is in times of trouble. Glen Ford (via ZNet) has some interesting things to say about Obama and Katrina.
(I have been trying to catch up on some reading about the election recently, just in case when I get home anyone expects me to take it seriously. My usual response of ‘its all a farce’ probably needs some more backing up. Maybe I’ll blog about it at some point, but for now I’d like to direct you to this rather garish but still very thought provoking site Black Commentator. )
Reminders of Katrina. Will we find out the powers that be still hate black people?
P.S. I was slightly amused by how the corporate media have been shyly praising Cuba’s response to the hurricane. As expected, they evacuated everyone ahead of time and no one died. Again.
