Why No Mention of Hurricane Katrina?

[AnnieBW]

In all of the ads that we've talked about this season, I'm struck by the stunning lack of use of Hurricane Katrina images to bludgeon the Repubs with. Maybe because it's seen as an Administration problem, not a Congressional problem. But where are the ads saying that so-and-so blocked legislation for Katrina victims? Why aren't I seeing ads with "Republicans want to have government so small they can drown it in a bathtub" with images of people floating in the floodwaters? Or, is that too over-the-top even for an election season that's featured racist and homophobic attacks?

[ellacott]

1. I've wondered about that also

It's a little disappointing.

[rudy23]

2. Doesn't poll well. Too black. (nt)

[pooja]

3. Because it was a year ago and most people have moved on....

The issues now are dealing with insurance rates and property taxes for those effected by the aftermaths of what Katrina did to the southern states and Florida. (Florida isn't a real southern state). anyway... the fight is now how do people afford to live in the area after a devastating hurricane has increased their premiums by double every year. $6000.000 for insurance every year is a little hard on people making 30,000 or less...

[jobycom]

4. Because they'd have a response to those.

True or not, they'd hit back by blaming Nagin and Blanco, and then claim that the storm was just a catastrophic event. They'd add that the Dems were desperate to blame them for anything. So most Dems won't bring it up. Easier to hit them on issues they can't defend against, rather than getting into a debate over Katrina.

Plus, Katrina was the point when people realized how ineffective Bush was. Dems don't want to weaken that by getting into a debate that could backfire with some voters.

That's what I'd suspect, anyway.

[EFerrari]

8. I think you're right AND it's disgusting. n/t

[rudy23]

5. Why not ask why there's no action on Katrina period?

Why not make these demands, not just for political purposes, but for reality purposes?

I know you mean no harm, but the impression down here is that many Democrats only care about N.O. if they can parlay it into an attack on *. Which he deserves, but where is the outrage over the neglect by both parties of the Katrina victims during the recovery period?

Where are the voices of our leadership when it comes to helping these people? Are people aware that families are still living in trailers?

[Lil Red]

6. Exactly. The neglect is ongoing and obscene! (n/t)

[AnnieBW]

7. Bingo!

That's the point I was trying to make, although my drug-addled brain didn't quite state it. (I've got an upper respiratory infection and am on decongestants.) Although they keep saying that the Gulf Coast is recovering, we still have people living in FEMA trailers and worse. The people that used to live there can't afford to come back because the insurance and rents are too high. And everybody's getting screwed.

[frustrated_lefty]

9. Opinion of a Katrina survivor:

Nobody feels comfortable talking about Katrina in any substantive way. The people who screwed up just wish it would go away. The people who gave everything within their power to help find it an uncomfortable subject because they've already done what they could. More information about the effects of Katrina makes good, honest people feel helpless. They've already given til it hurts. The fact that there's still suffering really drives that helpless feeling home. Most people really lean towards letting those memories fade into the past. It's unfortunate, but, I think, it's true and it's understandable.

For myself, there are two points I'd like to stress. One, the kindness, the generosity, the sheer humanity displayed by the people of America in the aftermath of Katrina boggles the mind. Many, if not most, Katrina survivors saw it at the time, recognized the fact that our fellow human beings leant a hand, gave a shoulder to lean on in those most desperate moments. We were, in all truth, lifted by our brothers and our sisters and the experience was humbling. Two, when you hear more of Katrina, please understand there is no request for aid, no call for assistance being directed towards you. Don't look into your wallet or your bank account to see what you can do. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen, hear our words, accept the truth of them, and remind us you've got our backs. You came through when it was needed. It's time for the survivors of Katrina to take care of business.

Apologies, this has run astray of a reply to the OP, but it needed to be said.

-fl

[QuestionAll...]

11. that kindness also boggles the books of the corporate government.

no humanity, please. ca ca ching and influence only.
they should have good reason to be afraid of human kindness. It's evident.

[QuidditchFan]

10. Granted that it was one big, big pile of poop, but next to Iraq

It is a substantially smaller pile of poop. And while I am on poop, there are just so many piles to pick from these days, aren't there?

[frustrated_lefty]

12. What?

How do you measure out the value and merit in the face of so much loss? I have no idea whether I agree or disagree with your statements. The matter-of-factness is/was too stunning.