With thousands left feeling like it’s the third world down there in New Orleans, will you accept that this is the finest example of rich vs. poor in the States we’ve had in recent times? Since the majority of those who remained in the path of Katrina were the poor, infirm and elderly, it’s safe to say they haven’t been given the number one priority they would if they were gun toting members of the House of Representatives. Or am I just watching yet another reality TV show? Come on, get a grip on it, you’ve got enough servicemen and women off fighting wars on terrorism to easily populate the entirity of N.O. several times over in the first place.
It’s not exactly a question of race – that’s a secondary and related issue – it’s a question of wealth. Every time I’ve been to the US I’ve been totally convinced that it’s all about how much you have (money, possessions, wealth, whatever). Try going to New York on a budget or any other US City. I’m sure those cities affected in this incident are no different.
Right now, I’m watching a correspondant on the BBC World who’s criticising the US for a shoot to kill policy on looters and asking whether any mayor in the UK could get away without providing for those wishing to leave a major UK city prior to an incident like an impending chemical attack or other city evacuation. Valid points. But Bush’ll be back off on holiday soon so won’t answer.
Jon.