Back in December toward the end of 2008, I told you folks about Hurricane Katrina and the hidden race war in the aftermath of this country's largest natural disaster. In that post I highlighted just how people of color had to go into extreme survivalist mode by having to duck being the targets of armed racist citizens.
Back then, as highlighted in the post, the cops were too busy to investigate those claims. Today, it's reasonable to assume that those very cops were to busy doing some covering up of their misdeeds:
Now of course our good friends on the right side of the aisle who recently have been championing the fight for civil rights as they focused on the non-prosecution of the New Black Panther Party's Philadelphia chapter's voter intimidation charges, are shockingly silent on this one.
I'm guessing the loss of life and murder of people of color while George Bush did nothing but a fly-over, is not as important as getting white folks to pull the lever for John McCain intimidation free back in 2008. But then again maybe the embarrassment of finding out that it was George Bush who dropped those charges can be attributed to said silence.
Four of the men pictured above - Bowen, Gisevius, Faulcon and Villavaso - were part of the "Danzinger 7," who were originally indicted for the Danzinger bridge shooting in 2006. The case was eventually dismissed due to prosecutor errors which invalidated the case (see how that justice thing works?).
But in the fall of 2008, federal investigators picked up the case which subsequently lead to a string of guilty pleas by officers earlier this year. Here's to hoping that these officers who were sworm to protect and serve the community get what they deserve.
Yep, stay in that ass Attorney General Eric Holder. And big-ups to the concerned citizens who actively petitioned the gov't (via my blog and others) in the interest of justice.
So BP is spending $50 million in advertising to "fix" their image in the wake of the Deep Water Horizon "accident". I'm also hearing that they've spent over $48 million (closer to about $84 million) to date in compensating local fishermen and companies directly associated with the fishing industry. According to company officials, they have paid 18,000 claims along the Gulf Coast to date. With bureaucracy and red tape, as always, I'm sure the frustrations of many filing claims are yet to be seen.
Luckily for some - and I use luckily very cautiously - they're being paid by BP anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 a day to assist in cleanup, as they take on the expense of fuel and the employment of their boats. One fisherman from Grand Isle was quoted recently as saying:
‘What they’ve done is a tragedy. But it was bad before the spill. I was lucky if I made $1,000 a month. After the mortgage on my house and other bills, we had maybe $120 a month left to buy food. We lived on chicken wings. We couldn’t afford to eat our own shrimp. Now BP pays me $1,200 a day.’ (Source)
After reading the above quote, I was reminded of the many brave men and women who worked during recovery efforts at ground zero, after the twin towers fell on 9/11. As you might already know, several fishermen have succumbed to the fumes from the deadly mix of dispersant. And at $1,200 a day, though better than before financially for most. One has to wonder how any of them, like the 9/11 rescue workers, have just in the space of a few hours shortened their lifespan.
OK tell the truth: How many of you people out there had that fifty inch flat-screen plasma TV already picked out that you were gonna grab if Barack Obama was robbed in the presidential elections in 2008 and shit got ugly in the streets? Anyone? Anybody? Oh c'mon don't tell me I was the only one?!! Shit, I know some of you had an entire house of furniture and appliances picked out, no? As human beings we're just greedy like that and at times our animal instinct takes hold, right? Surely that last idea has manifested itself before our very eyes as we watch the situation in Haiti from a distance; and I'm sorry, but I hate to think that race has anything to do with it, but you already know...
In spite of what the media says, what we see happening in Haiti isn't looting folks. Looting is what black people in America do after police officers are acquitted of any wrong doing after being caught on tape beating a black man to near death. Looting is what you do when a black man is shot to death by a police officer at a train station for no apparent reason as seen on video on YouTube. Yes, I could go on and on with other examples but you get the drift, right? Looting is a foolish and opportunistic act done by "certain people" often in our own communities as a show of protest and rage. An act carried out by mobs which do more harm than good to our communities. In Haiti right now, it is very different than described above.
Isn't it quite telling how we're always reminded every year about the events of 9/11, but not the catastrophic event that was Hurricane Katrina? There are no memorial services, no moments of silence, no 24/7 documentaries on cable television that chronicles the event. Nope, it's almost as though it never happened. Here we are 4yrs later and people are still struggling in New Orleans. Well, for me, Hurricane Katrina is one event that has left a lasting impact on my life. No I wasn't there in New Orleans or nearby Biloxi Mississippi, but I did live on the Gulf Coast that day and several months after.
I lived in Pensacola Florida back then, and even to this day it's hard for me to even forget the events leading up to that day, and the days afterward. I don't know what was more terrifying: not knowing where the hurricane would hit land and being in its path, or watching what people endured and realizing that I too could have met such a fate. I'm sorry, but the combination of fear, disappointment, and the eventual anger was enough to make me move from the Gulf Coast the following year.
For the first time in my life I stared southern bred racism directly in the eye, as I watched displaced Black people bussed in to a shelter I volunteered at because "certain people" didn't want them in their "Lilly White" towns or neighborhoods in nearby Alabama. I met and spoke to people at that shelter who had no clue where they were, or even where other family members may be. I saw entire families sleeping in cars, babies and grown men crying; I saw a lot. To this day I don't know if it was worse watching what most people saw on television or living and seeing what I saw firsthand; I can't imagine being at ground zero, could you? And just think: four years later and people are still not where they should be.
I also remember the shock and horror of watching the World Trade Center fall on September 11th. I remember watching and thinking about my mother and the rest of my family and friends in New York City. Yes, that was indeed a morning full of terror, but I got over it eventually. I wish I could say the same thing about the events following Hurricane Katrina because I'm still mad. Sure it could be debated that the gov't had the power to prevent the 9/11 event; a debate often riddled with conspiracies. But I'm sorry, what they did not do in the wake of Katrina, or even in not repairing the levees in years prior is not debatable.
To me, it was no conspiracy, but instead affirmations that the lives of poor people - especially people of color - are disposable. But hey, I guess this would explain why it's easy for "certain people" to argue against social policies in this great nation of ours. After all, the underclass must be preserved at all costs, no? How ironic is it that Katrina has hit this country again in the form of our current economic meltdown? Payback maybe? How ironic is it that there are people who still believe that the gov't shouldn’t do anything to assist it's citizenry in these times while people are drowning...
Hurricane Katrina, just like 9/11 is one event that should never be forgotten. Yes, and just like my man Mos Def says in the song Katrina Clap: "Stop being cheap nigga, freedom ain't free!!" But I guess James Baldwin said it best when he said: "To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time."
And now, I delectably present to you a song, most suitable for the occasion:
"Don't tell me the federal response was slow!" - President George W. Bush
Remember that old Saturday Night Live sketch where Eddie Murphy played Buckwheat? Remember that?
Buckwheat was representative of the perceptions of the Black man in America. As funny as it was seeing this character, I must admit that it was rather clever.
The sketch in particular was a take on the shooting of President Ronald Reagan back in the day. I was a youngster, but I could remember everyone being saddened by the news. But when Buckwheat got shot, we laughed. Having said that, is it any wonder that the lives of Black men and other ethnic minorities are in fact a joke in America? I'll let you ponder that one while I move on.
Speaking of Presidents, did you catch President Bush's final press conference? It was a press conference but for obvious reasons, I consider it to be more like a post game interview the likes of professional athletes. Why do I say that? Well, just like the professional athlete, he gave little props to the competition, and never once held himself accountable. He never at least once said, "Damn I kinda fucked that up didn't I?" Nope never once he did. Instead, he passed the buck, and came off sounding like Terrell "I can do no wrong" Owens who plays for the Dallas Cowboys.
He even went on record as saying that not finding the weapons of mass destruction was a disappointment. He said it was no mistake, but a disappointment. How about it being a lie all along? Nope, that would be to noble to admit culpability. Instead, just blame it on the officiating. That's right, blame the referees. Yup, it's all about the wrong information he was given.
This coming from the highest office in the land, its easy to understand our culture of placing blame on the victims. I say that because I still hear people today who are quick to blame the victims of the hurricane Katrina aftermath. I still hear today in response to the now infamous Air Force One flyover photo-op, that those people were foolish and should have left town. On this site recently I read a comment from an individual who said "those people" stayed behind intentionally in the face of Katrina, just so that they would be able to loot.
::BLANK STARE::
So, per the current lame duck President, the federal response time was quite appropriate. Never mind all the well documented evidence the likes of eating birthday cake with John McCain on the very morning the storm made its landfall. Yup never mind that. But yet, he pledged his support to ending poverty and racial strife in the aftermath that ensued. Well I'm sorry Mr. Bush, but it looks like you just shot Buckwheat again on live TV. This time around, we're not laughing.
We're not laughing because as he in his exit tries to re-write history, or his legacy as some have already referred to it as, we the people who were here, now know the truth all too well. But just in case I'm not alive to read it, just as he, Mr. Bush himself so eloquently espoused, I'm glad that in this information age, true journalism is the first line of history. Who knows, maybe somewhere far into the future stuff like this blog entry would be dug up just like the Dead Sea Scrolls; Who knows. But if that were ever to happen, I could only hope that it could be worshiped like the bible, and the truth. I say that with full knowledge that history, is often written by the victors, and not the victims. And that means you too Buckwheat.
In closing, I'll ask you this question: With all the talk of the fear of the assassination of Barack Obama (i.e. Buckwheat), would it sadden you if the same predicament would befall President George Bush anytime soon? I don't know if its just me, but there has been an increase in firearms purchases since Obama's election. And I suspect that the majority of these new purchases have been made by White citizens. They attribute it to their fear of them losing their right to bear arms. But could it be their fear of a Black America instead? Could it be the reason there has been an increase in Black hate crimes since November 4th? Could it be the reason there is a hyper vigilance by the police when it comes to encountering Black males lately? I mean seriously, could it be that the police are just doing their best to protect Black men from all these gun totting White citizens? I mean after all, Buckwheat got shot didn't he? If I remember correctly, he was always wukin pa nub in all da wong places, wukin pa nub.
Like most of you, I made it through Christmas unscathed. Though modest, this year in comparison to others, our family had a good time. It was my 1yr old's first actual Christmas and I learned one important lesson: 1yr olds don't give a shit about the gifts; its the wrapping paper that's important. Who knew?
Shit, just like switching to GEICO, I could've saved a lot of money, by just purchasing wrapping paper alone. I thought that was an important lesson learned. She taught me in just one day that its the simple stuff that matter; to hell with the elaborate presentation. Oh well, if only we as adults adopted that line of thinking, maybe life would be different for all. Instead of trying to impress others, maybe we should concentrate on the simple things like....
JUSTICE!
You know, something as small and insignificant like good ole American justice? You know, something that as an American, you're guaranteed per the constitution? What the hell are you talking about RiPPa? I'm talking about the gentleman pictured above. His name is Donnell Herrington. He's from New Orleans. He's not a rapper, nor has he been nominated for 8 Grammy Awards like a now famous New Orleans resident. Nope, he's not that famous, but he should be. Well, maybe not Grammy famous, but never the less, his story should be heard.
Thanks to the fine folks at The Nation magazine, and the good people at Democracy Now, I now know this man's story. You see, he is a survivor of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy of 2005. Surely by now you people all know how that episode went down. Like the majority of the people left stranded as they waited for their tax payer dollars to go to work, Donnell endured. Though the images of people on rooftops will (and should) never be forgotten by many, his story must be heard. You see, while Donnell was caught in the struggle of trying to survive a few days after the storm, he was shot, and almost lost his life. Oh well, thats what he gets for looting and tearing up the place like the rest of those Negroes! Yeah, I know that's what some of you may think, but he was no looter. He was just a man trying to stay alive.
Check it out...
Are you with me so far?
So why no investigation? Here we are 3yrs later, and still nothing? Hell, in the first few days after the storm, we were inundated with media images of Black people looting; people who were looked upon as savages. Somehow, someway, Donnell's story was swept under the rug. Why? Because he, like so many others were Black victims. I can't help but to think that if he were White, and his assailants were Black, things would have been different.
Conveniently, the New Orleans Police Department, are now looking into the story. Yup, 3yrs after the fact that Donnell and others sought justice, they now see it fit to do their jobs. What if A.C. Thompson, a White investigative reporter never divulged this information? Why did it have to take a White reporter to validate and spark interest in this story?
So why are you bringing all of this up RiPPa? I am because there's a level of vigilance that's required within any democracy. If there isn't any justice for all, how can we call ourselves the greatest nation in the world? I'm sorry, but I believe an injustice anywhere affects us all whether we believe it or not. This is why it's important that you take the time to do something about this.
Do what?
Take the time to click THIS LINK and do your part to affect change. Thats right! The organization ColorOfChange.org is currently sending letters to the Govenor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, as well as the Louisiana Attorney General to ensure that justice be served. Oh and did I mention that the White would be racist vigilante fuckers have even acknowledged their actions? Seems like with so much "witnesses" that this would be an open and shut case. But, as we all know, things are not that easy for a Black man.
If you don't believe me, just go ask the Black man who was shot after the storm who ran to the police for help. Yeah, a good Samaritan took him to the police for help, but they tossed him into the backseat of a car and let him bleed to death. After which, they burned the car containing his body behind the police station. Oh yeah, and they did all of this after beating the shit out of the good Samaritan for bringing him there.
Look, as easy as it was for people to want change by voting for Barack Obama, I'd be seriously disappointed if nothing gets done about this at all. As easy as it was for so many to get involved in his campaign and give him your support. It should be just as easy to lend your support to see that justice be served. After all, a president only serves for 8yrs at the most. But our constitution, the one guarantee we're supposed to have, lasts a lifetime. So do me a favor: Get involed, sign that letter, and pass this on so that others can help as well.
"Happy peanuts soar, over chocolate covered mountain tops and waterfalls of caramel, prancing nougat in the meadow sings a song of satisfaction to the world"
I don't know if you people ever heard of this one, but 2yrs ago, here in Memphis, this story was a big deal. A local church here in Memphis wanted to help victims of hurricane Katrina. They decided to purchase a home and select one displaced family to live in it with the hopes of providing them a new beginning. They purchased a $75,000 home and decided to give the home to a family who as it was reported,begged to be selected. These folks told the church that they liked it here in Memphis and they were gonna move in, and make this city home. Instead, they sold the home for $88,000 and jetted back to New Orleans.
When I heard this story,I was kinda like whoa! Why would somebody do such a thing? Why would somebody be so ungrateful? Well, as the story unfolded, it was reported that they (the church) gave the house to these people with no strings attached. They didn't sign a "contract" which legally bounded them to live in the house. So in my opinion, they could do what the hell they wanted with it once it was given to them.
Now I'm known to clown stupid people on here,but I've never clowned a church. Oh well there is a first time for everything. The church was pissed! They felt like they were played by these people. I say, fuck it...you gave them a blank check! I can't get mad at these people, but I can laugh at the church. Am I wrong? You tell me.
Allow me to introduce you to 57-year old Jacquelyn Sherman. Jackie is a retired librarian from New Orleans. Like most there she lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. While living in a three-bedroom house with 26 OTHER PEOPLE the 1st month after Katrina Jackie decided to go shopping with her sister. On the way, they stopped in at a Casino where Jackie threw $20 in a slot machine and hit a $1.6 Million jackpot. This of course created the classic two sided debate... What the hell is a Hurricane Evacuee doing gambling away their money?
Well I say...
GAMBLE THAT HURRICANE MONEY BABY!
I can only imagine the level of hopelessness that Jackie has been feeling the month after the hurricane. At some point you have to take a break from what has become your horrible existence and RELAX. Leaving religion out of this issue lets just breakdown why people gamble...adrenaline, that rush from almost winning. It's entertainment. You go to the movies...to be entertained. You go to a football game...to be entertained. So why not go and risk $20...to be entertained. At least at a casino you have a shot of winning back some of the money you wasted. Never have you spent $150 at Disney World and some guy gives you $75 on your way out. And the people that are pissed that she's out gambling while she has nothing, you're forgetting one small detail...ITS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!
You donated money to the Katrina cause and now you're mad because they aren't spending YOUR money the way you wanted them to. Get over it, Jesus will still give you full credit for donating money in the first place. If you really think every evacuee is a great person then you're lying to yourself. New Orleans is like any other city it's got some assholes. So just because you don't see anyone squandering their federal aid checks doesn't mean it's not happening. You give the money in good faith and walk away from the situation.
Let's take a look at Jackie's previous 45 days after the hurricane and decide if she should've been gambling. Jackie sat on a roof for 2-3 days for help that never came, probably waded through some waist high gumbo of turds, sewage, gasoline, and dead bodies to get to a corner store and steal some Crunch N Munch. On the fifth day she's finally airlifted to another city split up from her family, sleeping on a cold floor for days. She finally does find her family who's now living 26 deep in a 3 bedroom apartment. You ever taken a shower behind 25 PEOPLE! Do you know how many different hairs are on the soap by then? And lets not forget ol' Jackie doesn't have any new clothes or anything and she finally decides to do something to entertain herself. Something that'll get her mind off the horrible month she had last week. $20 on a slot machine. No different than the $20 you spent on beer and touch screen solitaire at the pool hall.
There's no need to criticize someone because you don't agree with how they choose to entertain themselves. Hell if it were up to me I'd rent a helicopter and drop strippers, alcohol and drugs to all the evacuees. Drugs, strippers, and gambling won't solve anyone's post-Katrina problems, but if doing something entertaining will get your mind off your problems for just a minute, doesn't that help you retain just a bit of your sanity?
“He who warned uh, the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms, uh by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed.” -- Sarah Palin on Paul Revere
