From a black perspective

[lonewolf0507]

I am a black male from the Washington DC area. As I watched this travesty unfold in the last week or so. I am outraged at the way this administration has treated our Mother, Sister, Fathers, Brothers and babies.

We Black Americans are very tough people. For the most of us, we are taught to survive from birth. We are taught not to cry and for us to cry, the pain has to be severe.

The other day I had the opportunity to listen to a 66 year old gentleman who was openly crying. When asked why he said "It is a shame the way our government has treated us. It is not important that I be treated best, but the way they have treated out older generation, our mother, our grandmothers. No dignity"

Let me tell you this hurt me dearly, and now my heart is filled with anger, rage and a total dislike for this administration.

Those of you who have lived with us know, no matter what we respect our elders. You will always have some who do not follow this, but 99.9% of us do respect our elders. It is a shame what they have done to our elders. It is a shame. It is a shame what they have done to our people, It is a shame they will try to cover this up.

Too my brothers and sisters we must rise with rage and hold these people responsible.

[AspenRose]

1. I keep thinking about the babies, the children

eom

[smurfygirl]

2. let this be a lesson to all americans that the government has spit on

all of us. Not just black, and poor but everyone.
They have essentially said that we are on our own.
no help from this government.
My heart goes out to everyone in these dark days. The meek shall inherit the earth...just remember that.

[KingFlorez]

3. RESPECT

That's the one of the words that need to be put out there by progressives and even conservative democrats. Showing that this current government is not showing respect for the people, especially those most disavantaged. No respect for the traditions the US was built on. That is what we need to be saying to hold these people accountable.

[dave502d]

4. When i seen those old gentleman

All could think is how many story's they could tell and
not just about this week.

[oasis]

5. The elderly have put everything they had into building this country. The

Bush administration has brought great shame to this nation. Again.

[AnnieBW]

6. I'm White and I'm Pissed, too!

I'm a white female from the suburbs, and I'm pissed off at how the black and poor are being treated, too! We're not all a bunch of racist crackers!

[cmf]

7. When has the US government ever really treated Black people with respect?

I mean, it's just the same old shit, except that this time it was on TV for everyone to see the ugliness that poverty and institutional racism causes. And what makes me sad is that after it's over, nothing is really going to change. I don't have enough faith in the American people to think that they will learn anything meaningful from this, no matter how big a hell we raise.

(and fwiw, I'm Black, too.)

[tnlefty]

17. Tonight during dinner I told my spouse that if we don't rise up

and raise utter hell about this outrage, then I fear we are done as a nation. This can not stand. This injustice must be addressed and justice of some sort will have to precipate change.

[omega minimo]

36. You are RIGHT. This is the test, This is the WAKE UP CALL.

This moment must be seized.

[fortyfeetunder]

39. Starting September 24.

What happened was unacceptable. We cannot sit idly. Our voices must be heard. September 24, even if you can't go to Washington DC, let your voice be heard in your hometown.

The turning point was Ms. Sheehans' vigil. We can't turn back. Ever.

[omega minimo]

75. This is the moment NOW to DEMAND accountability NOW

NOW

2 weeks from NOW it will certainly be relevant. Still.

My wish and my CALL is for every single DUer to CONTACT CONGRESS AND THE MEDIA NOW AND SPEAK OUT ABOUT THIS crime against humanity.

GreenPartyVoters Action link has great info and tools to use.

:hi:

[az chela]

8. I am not black

I cant pretend to know how you feel,but I do know that I
Have never been more ashamed of this country and this government than
I am right now.
I have been against bush and his family and cronie friends since he was the governor of Texas.The family is all about greed and thinking they are royalty.I think they are dirt.
If there is a way to get them all behind bars I am for it !!!We cannot let them get away with this massacre,this has to be the end of their reign of terror.
Anything it takes to get them out of office we have to do.This is the final humiliation to the usa

[smurfygirl]

10. welcome to DU!!!!!

:hi:

[Booster]

21. I totally agree. As I watched I kept saying to myself "no one should

be treated this way. No one." It wasn't just that they were treated so badly, it was that they were being humiliated as much as a human can be. I remember the older black lady they were trying to get into a boat and she said "please don't put me on TV". That hurt, but she got into that boat as well as anybody could be expected to, and I was proud of her. They humiliated them, and I couldn't help but think that it was done totally on purpose, and I was ashamed of my own race. If I could I would look each and every one of the survivors in the eye and say "I'm sorry". It was just disgusting.

[Catherine Vincent]

9. Amen, brother.

When I saw the facial expressions of the elders there it really tore me up. No one should have to suffer the way they did.

[journalist3072]

11. Wonderful post...

I am an African-American female from DC, so it's great to see a fellow DCer leave such a wonderful post.

And I think you're absolutely right. It's absolutely disgraceful at the way our government has treated our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandparents.

These were American citizens who pay federal taxes like everyone else in this country. And for those who could not afford to evacuate, they did EXACTLY as they were told.

They went to the Superdome, trusting that their government (at the local, state AND federal level) would protect them, and look out for their interests. It was the debt owned to them, for being law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens.

And that debt was never paid to them.

What's more, I find it absolutely disgusting that Michael Brown, who was fired from his job at the International Arabian Horse Association for supervisory failure, would play blame the victim.

The Repugs are saying we are playing the blame game, but Michael Brown did it the moment he said the victims bore some responsibility for not evacuating. Never mind that many of them didn't have the means to, or were to frail in their health to.

If there is one good thing to come out of this, however, I believe it is the discussion that we are now having on race in this country, which is long overdue.

[MojoXN]

37. What an eloquent post...

Not only is the discussion on race WAY overdue, but so is the discussion on racial disparity with respect to poverty. Why is it that an overwhelming majority of the poor in N.O. were black? That is just plain NOT right. And the sad fact is, that's the situation in MOST American cities. For all of the high-minded rhetoric about equality, it is embarrasing to us as a people, as a nation, that we still have this MASSIVE inequality of wealth on racial lines.

Where's the America of the "American Dream?"

Though I think I know the answer to THAT question...

MojoXN

[journalist3072]

51. Thank you, and your're absolutely right

This country is WAY overdue for a true, honest conversation on race.

President Clinton tried to get that conversation going, with the Commission he had established as President. He even issued a report on it shortly before leaving office.

He felt like if everyone would just talk about the big elephant in the room, we could get somewhere and accomplish some things.

I also admire him because shortly before taking office in 1993, he was asked if there was any issue on which he WOULD NOT compromise. He said "The issue of race."

[MojoXN]

64. I can't believe the fact that...

the entire media is trying to COMPLETELY ignore the fact that 90+% of the people trapped in N.O. are black. If one WERE to raise the issue, you'd be shouted down by Rightists. Clinton was almost a Godsend. America prospered under Clinton like it never had before. And I fear, never will again. Pardon my pessimism. I certainly don't want to rain on anyone's parade. For questions (and I welcome them) please contact [e-mail] OR 304-336-4133. Te un noche bueno, mi amigos!

MojoXN

[Iris]

106. "Brown did it the moment he said the victims bore some of the

responsibility. . ."

You are so ON THE MONEY with this statement, j-3072! I keep posting the same thought everytime the blame game is mentioned and I think THIS is the point that should be made whenever the Republicans blame us for "playing the blame game." THEY started it.

[Zenlitened]

12. Please know that vast, vast numbers of white-Americans are on your side.

No person of conscience and decency could look upon those scenes and fail to hear some echo of the very worst chapters in American history.

It maybe that, as a white person, I cannot truly understand the full depth of the pain that you've expressed here.

But believe me, even a glimpse, even just an inkling, is enough to set me boiling over with anger.

:cry:

[PassingFair]

33. You give America too much credit, Zen...

I really believe that a SLIM majority, if it IS a majority at all, are on his side.
Too many racist *ssholes in this country.
I know too many who think like Barbara Bush.
:puke:

[w8liftinglady]

41. I'm afraid you're right...

...judging by the comments at my gym...and these people call themselves "Christians"

[alarimer]

55. It's those so-called Christians making the worst comments

too. It is like they have to feel superior to someone. But it is all hate-filled rhetoric.

[Zenlitened]

48. Hmmm... I suppose that's a possibility.

But then, I've never been accused of being an optimist before -- this is kind of a first for me! :D

I guess the task is to ensure that, whatever our numbers, we make our voices heard. Stand up and say what needs to be said. That's the only way we're going to get momentum back on our side.

:toast:

[PassingFair]

49. I plan on "playing the blame game"

...to win.

[omega minimo]

50. Nailed it again, ZL. IT'S UP TO US TO TELL PEOPLE HOW IT'S GONNA BE NOW

I ain't kiddin. And that includes CONGRESS.

"I guess the task is to ensure that, whatever our numbers, we make our voices heard. Stand up and say what needs to be said. "

:bounce:

[Zenlitened]

56. Thanks. I have to make an extra effort to include the word "please"...

... when writing to my Senators and Rep. lately. Because these aren't requests anymore, I'm sending 'em marching orders!

LOL! :D

[omega minimo]

63. We have a strong Senate Min. Ldr. Pelosi saying all the right things

and the AWESOME Congressional Black Caucus (already standing for the American people on election fraud and the Downing Street Minutes hearings.....).

Pelosi on TV today-- did you see it?

She is emphasizing ACCOUNTABILITY the magic word. Fuck the "blamegaming" bullshit.

She told of asking Bush if he would fire FEMA Brown and described his cluelessness at "why would I?" "Because of what went wrong last week, of what didn't go RIGHT..."

Bush: "What din't go right?"

Pelosi said he was "in denial" and "dangerous."

DANGEROUS.

Thank god some women have............. backbone. :evilgrin:

[Zenlitened]

66. Ka-powie!

Awesome!

:woohoo:

[omega minimo]

46. Echo or clarion call?

"No person of conscience and decency could look upon those scenes and fail to hear some echo of the very worst chapters in American history."

I think you hit it. This is key.

Everyone in America with a heart and eyes to see will respond and stand with us in demanding justice.

The disgust for the Bush Klan will be universal. Time for change.

[wellstone_democrat]

13. I'm sick

absolutely sick every minute now. It is the most shameful episode in modern history. I want everyone held accountable. Every single goddamn one of them--- I will not rest until all the dead are counted, all Americans displaced are given restitution and an apology.

This is a national disgrace.

[msgadget]

14. Thank you, Lonewolf -eom-

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

15. I'm white. I can't even imagine how this grates you to your core.

Just know that you have a partner in ending racial stereotyping and injustice over here. I don't want to live in a racist world. I want people who do to hurry up and die.

[kikiek]

16. I'm not black, but I will stand with you to hold them responsible. I do

believe with my whole heart the response was motivated by race and class. In addition the elderly are disregarded and disrespected by our country unless they're wealthy.

[joneschick]

18. total dislike??!!?? Dude, you have every right to embrace your anger

The shame of this mis-administration knows no bounds. I'm sputtering, trying to take in all the disrespect exposed with this ghastly travesty. It breaks my heart. Going forward from here simply can not be status quo. This must be a turning point for what was a great country. I truly wish I had some comfort to offer. Please believe that there are many that honor the respect and dignity of the elders.

Namaste.

[Lindsay]

19. Beautifully said, lonewolf0507.

One of the things the monsters in government have failed to understand is the value of the older generations - foundations of the family, keepers of traditions, understanding born of the unique perspective of experience.

And they've totally missed the importance of family. I see those featured on television and they're not only looking for husbands, wives and children, but brothers, sisters, grandmas, cousins, nieces, nephews. To separate families as they've done is cruel and unfeeling.

No government has the right to treat human beings this way. And we will hold them responsible.

[MojoXN]

20. It is a shame what hey have done to AMERICANS...

Poor Americans. And in New Orleans, poor, often as not, meant black. Old, young, man, woman, innocent, guilty, all of them were judged by the same standard. The standard of callousness. As far as I'm concerned, the color of the skin doesn't matter. My countrymen are my countrymen. Do I believe that if a rich, white community was hit, the response would have been quicker? Absolutely. Do I believe that the various tiers of government were criminally negligent in not even TRYING to save people for FIVE DAYS? Yes. I don't wish to sound condescending, please don't take my remarks as such, but this is a tragedy beyond old and young, beyond black and white, beyond rich and poor. Our government failed ALL of us. I cannot, and will not, rely on my government for anything ever again. I would look upon anyone who would have faith in the American government as a half-wit, or at the very least, someone totally absorbed in the "myth of America." Look, sorry about the rant, I hope that I haven't offended you, and yol bolsun!

MojoXN

[FlaGranny]

89. MojoXN

You said "I cannot, and will not, rely on my government for anything ever again," and it struck me that that is exactly how they want us to feel. They DO NOT WANT government to work for the people. Could it be that this "incompetent" government (and I mean more than New Orleans) is doing their damnedest to make us reject government? We know that their eventual goal is to have a government that does nothing but make war and enrich the military/industrial complex.

Edit: Added word.

[Lancer]

22. If only we felt like we could say from a "human" perspective. . .

I understand exactly what you are saying, and you have said it beautifully. What the aftermath of this tragedy has revealed is that the racial divide in our country was never fully closed. I wanted to believe that we had advanced so much further as a society than the events of last week have shown us.

The greatest possible lesson to learn from Katrina is that NO ONE, rich, poor, black or white, or anything in between is immune to tragedy. Unfortunately, I watched stranded pets being treated better than their owners, who were shuttled to one hellhole after another, if indeed they were rescued in the first place.

IMHO

[Helga Scow Stern]

23. It has broken many, many hearts

to see elders--and people and animals of all ages--treated this way.

Anytime anyone is treated with less than respect and compassion, it hurts everyone of us on a very deep level.

Those were all of our elders, all of our grandparents and children and babies, all of our sisters and brothers and husbands and wives.

Many around the world have seen first hand now how it feels when someone is treated without respect.

The whole world is mourning with you, brother.

We must not forget.

[Tsiyu]

71. Mine is one of those broken

I try to show a good face to the world, but inside it hurts so badly to have seen my brothers and sisters treated this way.

But nothing died with this broken heart.

My will to fight racism and oppression and greed and warmongering is alive and stronger than ever.

[omega minimo]

24. This is a test of the American people's response to criminal negligence

perpetrated on a sub-group-- a test of our tolerance of ANY sub-group being treated so. A test of our tolerance for any community being treated so.

We must demand representation from our elected officials and demand accountability of this administration via an independent investigation. Bushco. must go. We want our country back.

We must stand in solidarity and honor those who have needlessly suffered. Honor them with our commitment to JUSTICE.

I was struck by the dignity of the hurricane survivors and the strength that you mentioned. Truly inspiring and heartbreaking.

:grouphug:

[spuddonna]

25. You are absolutely right.

The people responsible must be held accountable.

My heart is breaking for all the people of New Orleans, and as Jesse Jackson said, I am outraged that the media is colluding with the state to criminalize the black people of New Orleans.

As Mayor Nagin said, a small percentage of the population has committed crime and created fear, and now that fear is being used to justify the inhumanity to our fellow man that is happening in New Orleans.

I know that the brave members of the Black Caucus will stand and once again fight for the people of NO, just as they have fought this administration in the past. I just hope our white Democratic leadership wakes up and joins them this time...

Peace and love, and apologies from a white and heartbroken woman... :(

[Cleita]

26. I watched the Black Congressional Caucus debate this or

really present the facts and ask questions as to why this evening? They are the people who are going to save this country. You should be very proud.

[Pam-Moby]

27. I am not black, but

I can tell you that I feel this administration is heartless and I am just as outraged. Not one day has passed without shedding many tears here over this. This just breaks my heart.

[firefox]

28. You might want to read this

There is an article up at CounterPunch by CHARMAINE NEVILLE who is a third generation black singer from NO- http://www.counterpunch.org/neville09072005.html

[donheld]

29. But still you'll rise

Maya Angelou - Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

:hug::hug::hug:

[CatWoman]

30. Hi, Lonewolf

:hi:

I'm black, and I live in Georgia.

What we are seeing is the last bit of pretense -- the masks have come off.

It's all out now. And they don't give a shit, either.

They have Diebold. They will stay in power. They will never relinquish it. And they can do pretty much what they want, with little or no recrimination.

They stole this election and got Bush in power by telling us that we either didn't have the right to vote, or that we are too stupid to vote.

It's gone steadily downhill from there.

But I must admit that the overwhelming amount of disdain and hatred the Bush govt. has shown during this debacle surprised even me.

They want to exterminate us. They tried to exterminate those people in New Orleans. The rest of us are next. Even those Blacks who vote Republican. Those dumb motherfuckers don't believe they are not one of "them". Even the black preachers who continue to suck at the Bush teat. They are nothing but traitors. Judas collecting his silver pieces.

Some people say it's the poor they hate, which is true. But they hate us even more.

It was just too "personal" the way those people in New Orleans were denied food, water and medical care.

THEY WERE DENIED THE RIGHT TO EXIST.

Several rescue teams and organizations were turned back. Even the Red Cross. Phone lines were cut. Pleas for help were ignored.

They want to exterminate us.

[Pirate Smile]

62. I can honestly say that last week was the most shocked I have ever

been in my life. I would have never thought even the Bush Administration would sink so low.

[NYC]

80. I didn't think they would DARE to sink so low.

They did. Now what?

How many people are truly livid about this? How many will turn their backs? I suppose a lot of that depends on how the media handle it. Will they continue to report, or will they allow it to be swept under the rug?

If this gets swept under the rug, we can expect a repeat performance.

[txindy]

31. That was a very eloquent post. You're absolutely right, it is a shame.

A terrible shame. I've never been more horrified than I was all of these days watching the betrayal the people of NO were subjected to over and over, again. It broke my heart and filled me with rage against those who treated them this way. As you said, we must hold these people in the gov't. responsible.

:hug: I am so sorry you're hurting like this, too. :hug:

[stevedeshazer]

32. Thanks, great post.

Out of everything else that happened this awful week the single thing that really pissed me off most was seeing how babies and women and the elderly were treated.

Those of us who are in the middle of life have a great capacity to cope with whatever happens.

But the youngest and oldest need the most help, and our country LET THEM DOWN.

This administration has spit in their faces.

You are my brother.

[me b zola]

34. I stand with you, lone wolf.

I have been in constant rage & sorrow as I have watched this crime against humanity unfold before my eyes.

We know what happened. We saw it happen. We read the accounts from credible sources of how relief was denied.

This atrocity was committed against American citizens!

I am doing everything that I know to do to hold these bastards accountable.


I am so, so sorry.


:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[GreenPartyVoter]

35. I am beyond ready to kick this administration out. I know that most

other Americans are with me. We need to do this. We cannot let these people get away with any more!

------------------------------------------------------
Ditch Bu$h and save the Gulf: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=106&topic_id=22507&mesg_id=22507

Then save the nation!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm

[omega minimo]

58. EVERBUDDY HONOR THOSE WHO SUFFERED GO TO THIS ACTION LINK DU IT

GreenPartyVoter collected a ton of cool links for info and action. This is where YOU can make a difference and SPEAK FOR THOSE WHO WERE SMASHED UNDER BUSHCO'S BOOT.

[GreenPartyVoter]

61. Thanks for that kick! *wave*

NGU!

[omega minimo]

67. NGU 2U2

(I have no idea what that means) (but it reminds me of Dana Carvey's Poppy Bush: "Nah Gunna Duit")


:hi:

[GreenPartyVoter]

69. *lol* Never Give Up... by grabthar's hammer.

[omega minimo]

70. If this CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY doesn't wake up this ZOMBIE NATION

after 25 years of waiting, I just might GU :hide:

Til then

:kick:
:bounce:

:kick:
:bounce:


:kick:
:bounce:

[buff2]

38. I don't know if you've seen any of my posts...

But I have been sick all week over this. I have cried so much....and feel so helpless.Watching all this unfold on TV is a wake-up call for all of us. I am white,and I stand with you. If there is an uprising I would be honored to march with you.Please don't think we are all like those racists running this country.We all have to stand together and get rid of this bunch or we are ALL going to be doomed.Hang in there.....we are all in this together. :grouphug:

[spacelady]

40. Dear lonewolf0507, I am a white female transplant from the Midwest

I have lived in a suburb close to Mobile, AL for 9 years. I love this place & will stay forever. I have a question about how the feds are defining "Dignity". What is your opinion about releasing photos about the dead & dying? Is "dignity" about showing the truth of the magnitude of this travesty or about respecting privacy? I realize you are only one person, but what are your impressions of the way this should be handled?

[G_j]

42. I find it rather amazing

when people don't see that we have serious race discrimination in this country when study after study has shown that the justice system is racist. The prison industrial complex is a huge money pot.
There is a major percentage of the population incarcerated, many who have lost the right to vote.
Whites fare FAR better in the justice system, you just can't tell me racism isn't entrenched in our 'system'.

````
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=10&ItemID=5758

The New American Apartheid
Part I
by Randall G. Shelden
and William B. Brown
June 22, 2004

www.sheldensays.com Printer Friendly Version

Modern prisoners occupy the lowest rungs on the social class ladder, and they always have. The modern prison system (along with local jails) is a collection of ghettos or poorhouses reserved primarily for the unskilled, the uneducated, and the powerless. In increasing numbers this system is being reserved for racial minorities, especially blacks, which is why we are calling it the New American Apartheid. This is the same segment of American society that has experienced some of the most drastic reductions in income and they have been targeted for their involvement in drugs and the subsequent violence that extends from the lack of legitimate means of goal attainment.

An argument could certainly be made that blacks, especially males, are superfluous and expendable in American society (that is, they are not direct contributors to corporate profits). With constant corporate downsizing and deindustrialization during the past couple of decades came the elimination of millions of jobs that previously helped minorities to get out of poverty. Specific social control apparatuses have been deemed necessary to control human frustrations in the aftermath of diminished opportunities. The criminal justice system has been selected as the primary apparatus to apply social control mechanisms on the unskilled, the uneducated, the powerless and ethnic minorities.

While residential segregation continues unabated, policies which reek of apartheid have risen along side of it. It is apparent that the criminal justice system has been engaged in a systematic attack on blacks and that going to jail or prison has become a common event in the lives of millions of racial minorities. The modern penal system accommodates the “new American apartheid.”

The most recent imprisonment data reaffirm this. At the end of 2002, blacks constituted 45.1 percent of the total prison population (with an incarceration rate more than seven times greater than whites); Latinos constituted 18 percent and whites only 34 percent. In other words, racial minorities made up two-thirds of the entire prison population. This in direct contrast to what it was in the 1930s, when whites were overwhelmingly the numerical majority of all prisoners, constituting around 70 percent of the prison population.

..lots more..

[oasis]

93. "The New Aparteid". It's time for America to wake up. (eom)

[titoresque]

43. While you rise ......

and when you do, I will be arm in arm, hand in hand!
I am white.....and I am ashamed and sickened, and I AM your sister......so count on me, and my entire family!

Peace and Love to you and your family.

[yorkiemommie1]

44. i hope lots of people register to vote,

after seeing the mess we are in. i hope their votes get counted, too!

[GOPFighter]

45. Spot on!

11% of African Americans voted for Bush in 2004. I think he can kiss most of that support good-by! I think what is happening in America is the rich are becoming increasingly isolated and out of touch with the rest of us. I think Bush and people like him honestly believe the poor are less deserving of help. They seemed shocked when all the reporters started getting angry at what they were seeing. Just look at what Barbara Bush said about the "underpriveledged"!

BTW, I'm also from the DC area. Great post!

[NYC]

83. 11% = how many people?

I want to know how many votes that will be. Thanks.

[faithnotgreed]

47. oh lonewolf - we are with you friend

lay it out

were glad youre here
sending hugs and prayers for you

[bleever]

52. I'm a white boy, but in the early sixties I had learned that this was true

and your post touched me deeply.

Nominated.

[crispini]

53. I am on your side!

I am ashamed and embarrassed to be an American today. I am white, but I think this is a horrible thing our government has done in their disdain. If we as a nation cannot care for our sick, our young, our elderly, and the poorest among us (regardless of their color!), what are we worth? NOTHING! we are no better than animals if we do not care for those HUMANS who require our care.

Can I ask a stupid question? I saw the t-shirt that someone posted with the words of Kanye West: "George Bush doesn't care about black people." I was so impressed with his courage saying this, I would really like to wear this in his honor but I don't know if it's appropriate for me to wear this since I am white. Thoughts?

[seabeyond]

54. we must rise ......... please do, please do

and let us rise with you. hand in hand.

i am disgusted too.

so many are disgusted too. we are the majority.

thank you for sharing, i appreciate.

[Tim4319]

57. Respect!

[Jamastiene]

59. I can't stand it when I see blatant racism and the msm basically

pretending they don't see it. What happened in NOLA was BLATANT RACISM. I don't think anyone can convince me otherwise at this point, unless to say it was also classism. Had that been the Hamptons or Beverly Hills or any are where mostly white rich fat cats live, they would have had tons of rescuers in there in time to save most of the people who managed to sruvive the hurricane. I'm so sickened by all this.

[Tatiana]

60. As an African-American female, I feel the pain too.

Actually it's a type of rage/depression/fear-type pain.

You know the feeling you get when something is so hurtful, so painful that you get this feeling of nausea in your stomach and your mouth opens wide, but no sound comes out?

What really got me was the elderly and older survivors. One older lady, she could have been my own "Big Mama" was in tears outside the Superdome. This may have been Tuesday or Wednesday. She had tears in her eyes, but there was something more. There was shame. She kept saying, "We're not animals. We don't live like this here, this is not how we live." All I could see was chaos. At the time, I didn't know about the horror she had faced in there. I didn't know about the smeared feces, the dead bodies just left there, the assaults on the victims... God, I'm crying all over again.

That woman could have been my own grandmother. Some of those men could have been my grandfather, my great-uncle, my pastor. I think Oprah made an important point yesterday. These people deserved some dignity. Regardless of their status, whether they were poor or middle-class, they deserved not only to die, but to live with dignity.

This administration, specifically Bush, will account for their lack of human compassion -- indeed, their lack of love for these brothers and sisters; aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. They not only left thousands to die, but humiliated and damaged in an almost-irreparable way the ones that managed to survive.

I say "almost" because we are nothing but a people, much like the Native Americans, of survivors. We'll make it through and we'll rise again at the end of the day. New Orleans will be rebuilt and our Nation will never be the same again.

Those survivors will regain their dignity and know that in spite of their best effort, the evil ones did not destroy them.

I'm reminded of Matthew 25:

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

[Nikki Stone 1]

65. kicking and recommending

:kick:

[MidwestMomma]

68. Respect for elders is one of the many reasons I so admire

Black Americans.

I think many Americans could learn from their example.

I saw Jamie Foxx on Oprah and he was so torn up by the grandmas that had been lost.

Much love to all my fellow Americans this night. If I could hold you all safe, I surely would.

Sharon

[Sunkiss BlueStar]

72. Without African grandmas knowledge is lost

They are the Foundation of the African family, and now we have witnessed their demise by the child of Barbara Fucking Bush. What more can i say.

fugwb

[JackDragna]

73. Unfair! This government is unbiased!

I mean, they treat pretty much everyone like throw-away, useless pieces of crap unless the people make $100,000 or more. How dare you accuse them of racism! Never mind how a significant portion of the poor just happen to be black. That's not to be discussed.

[shugah]

74. i fear your rage

as i watched this travesty unfold i was outraged at the way my mother, sister, father, brother, and all of our babies were treated.

but the media and administration let me know that those people were not really my mother, sister, father, brother, and all of our babies.

we are us, and you are them.

i cannot fully fathom the depth of your rage, but i do have a rage of my own - and my tears fall freely every day for your/my mother, sister, father, brother, and all of our babies.

all of my heart and soul wishes that there is a way to rebuild all that has been lost. i don't hold much hope, but i will continue to cling desparately to the idealism that has come before me - richard the 3rd, carrie chapman catt, schindler, mahatma ghandi, martin luther king, the concierge at the hotel rwanda, so many...

it is all shame, what has happened. i cannot tell you to let go of your rage. i wish i could. i'm sorry.

[Gman]

76. Rise with rage!

We should be in the streets now, black and white alike. If not now, never. If they get away with this, it is truly over.

[Bluebear]

77. I am your brother. White as paper, but your brother still.

You are not alone. We will not let this be forgetten, lonewolf.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

78. I'm so so sorry. All of us here support you - please don't forget.

We are also hurting - though many here are white (me included) and we probably can't begin to be as hurt as our black friends here - we are there for you.

Many of us here are very ashamed of the way this country has acted. I've always known that there are many people in this country who are racist - but I never knew that there were so many that were this bad. I honestly feel like I'm in a foreign country.

[SeattleGirl]

79. I'm standing with you, lonewolf

I'm white, and I'm pissed beyond words at what has happened. I see face after face after face, most of them black. I cry for all of them, regardless of race, but when I looked at the black faces, it tore me up. How much more does a single race have to take? Why are there still people who think those of dark skin are somehow less worthy than those with white skin. I have NEVER felt that way in my life.

I spent a lot of time in Arkansas when I was growing up, and still have vivid memories of the "Whites Only" and "Colored" signs at restrooms, etc. Even at the age of 5, when I lived in Arkansas and heard the "N word" tossed around all the time, I could not understand why someone with skin different than mine was not as good as me in some people's eyes. I was taught to respect my elders, ALL elders, not just my white ones (kind of surprising in that atmosphere, huh?)

I have lived in Seattle for 22 years, 21 of them in areas with the largest black population in the city. It's not Watts in the 60's but there is definitely racial tension here. Fortunately, in the area in which I have lived for 12 years, I know my neighbors, the clerks and restaurant workers, and we treat each other as PEOPLE, not as "I'm better than you", "You're worse than me" crap.

A month or so ago, I went down to the liquor store which is about a mile from my house. I went into the grocery store next door first, then thought I'd stop to pick up some libations. There were about 6 or 7 people standing in front of the door. There was nothing unusual about it, as people often gather and chat in the parking lots, or in front of the stores. I started to go into the liquor store, and one of the men said, "You can't go in until they let you." I asked him what he was talking about. He said they had the door locked, and were only letting in 5 people at a time. I had never run into this in the 12 years I've lived here, so I asked what was going on. This group included about 5 blacks and 2 whites. One of the black men said, "Well, you know, can't have too many of us niggers in there at once." (Forgive my use of that nasty word; I'm just quoting the man.) I blew up. I said, "Well, gee, why don't they just put up a "White's Only" sign and cut to the chase?"

Just then, a police officer came and opened the door (armed police officers in the stores in my neighborhood are not unusual). I asked him what was going on. He said that he was just protecting the employees. I told him that I found this whole thing morally offensive. He said that there are sometimes fights in the parking lot, and sometimes rowdy people in the store. I told him I knew that, and while I did not want the employees or any innocent bystander to get hurt, I was outraged that they would do this. I mean, this was an armed police officer who is stationed in the store every Friday and Saturday. What the fuck did they need to lock the door for? In this neighborhood where there are so many black people living? I told the officer I was not angry at him, but that I just thought it was absolutely the wrong thing to do. He acknowledged what I said, but was rather emotionless about it (which I suppose he had to be).

I cried all the way home, sobbed actually. I came into the house and my husband asked what was wrong. I told him, and as I was talking, I cried harder and harder. It took me a long time to stop.

I don't think I am the only one who talked to the police officer or the store manager, because it has not been locked since then.

Anyway, this long-winded post is to let you know that you have a lot of people, of many colors, who find what happened in Louisiana and Mississippi to our black brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers absolutely outrageous. I have been speaking out on this, and I will continue to do so. Today, I called my senators and representative to tell them about the stories I had read and heard of some of the dislocated Katrina people being kept behind fences with armed soldiers on them.

THIS IS NOT MY AMERICA! AND I WILL NOT SHUT UP ABOUT THIS SHIT AND THE DESPICABLE WAY MY FELLOW CITIZENS ARE BEING TREATED!

[Spiffarino]

81. As a white American

...I am ashamed and disgusted by what our government has become.

There must be no let-up in the absolute hell we bestow on the administration from this day forward. We must give them what they have given all but the richest in this nation: NO mercy.

They have only contempt for those of us in the bottom 98%; it's time to give it back to them times 200.

[Spike from MN]

82. I am beyond outraged

at the way the survivors in NO have been treated. I am white and I am positively LIVID at the way people have been treated. I would see an old black lady in a wheelchair that hadn't had water for three days and think "That could be MY mother." I would see an old black man asking for help and think "That could be MY dad." I may not be black but goddamnit I'm with you. I'm with you all the way. We just don't treat elders like that. It's just not right. It's not the way I was brought up.

As a person of Scandinavian heritage, I was also taught to not cry. (Or at least, that's the way it was in my family.) But I looked at how the old people, the young people, and everybody in between were treated and I couldn't take it. There is just NO EXCUSE for treating people that way. NONE WHATSOEVER. It absolutely infuriated me. "No dignity." That's a phrase you should NEVER have to hear from an elder. Unfortunately, he was only being honest.

I am 100% with you that the people responsible for this must be held accountable. There is just no excuse for what they have done.

[Cookie wookie]

84. As I write this my heart is breaking and the tears are

welling up again. The week was a nightmare and today it still feels unbearable. I keep thinking about what they said about the superdome and convention center being the places of last resort. What I think of is Dante's Inferno: "All hope abandon ye who enter here."

What happened was genocide, deliberate genocide. Racist yes yes. It was racist and also showed this administration and their supporters complete and utter contempt for the poor. I've been poor. I know what it's like. And there is often so much more humanity and dignity in those who are poor than those who are rich.

This was no different from what the Nazis did to the Jews. These people intentionally let people go hungry and die, babies die of thirst. The horror of it is a stain on this country that can never be washed away. History will tell the true story of this evil event.

Lonewolf, I'm white, but I'll be with you and your brothers and sisters until the end. God help us all.

[omega minimo]

85. Open Letter to Congress includes contact info & links

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4620024

Y2Katrina: Open Letter to our Representatives in Congress

<snip>

The American people are outraged and we resent the implication that we consider the mistreatment of these citizens unremarkable-- acceptable because they were already disenfranchised and on the lowest rungs of the social ladder.
The American people recognize the humanity of these survivors-- we recognize ourselves in their faces. We see our children in their babies held up to the open sky, their dying elders, dehydrating and unfed for days. The American people DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

We recognize the vulnerability of our communities to the lack of preparedness, lack of awareness (that certain citizens even exist or matter) and lack of accountability of government agencies charged, empowered and funded to protect us.
We demand accountability from our government and representation by our national representatives in the Congress of the United States.

The American People understand that what was perpetrated on the disenfranchised citizens of New Orleans is truly “unacceptable.” Now that the President is back from vacation, he is available to provide answers and solutions to this deadly debacle, or explain to Congress and The American people why the U.S. government's malign neglect was justified.

[omega minimo]

86. WHY AM I YELLING?

:boring:



:kick:




you ARE the leader you are waiting for.

[Avalon Sparks]

87. I full of rage about this~

I'm a white woman from Dallas and my heart is broken for these Americans. I can't sleep, I can't think about almost anything else. I feel guilty and ashamed and mad and anxious and I want justice. It physically hurts in my stomache and my chest and even in my head to see, hear and learn of what actually happened last week. I didn't want to watch Oprah's show, and I don't want to watch news about it on TV (I don't normally watch TV anyway) but I've made myself do it. For the first time in my life I hyperventilated from sobbing so hard, when I watched Oprah's show. I made myself watch to honor these Americans and to hear and see their stories and witness there dignity. They have humbled me with their grace and hope. I try to imagine it happening to me and my family, and when I hold my pet I imagine what it would feel like to even begin to think about not being able to take her after the 18 years we've spent together, on a rescue bus, I think about all the comforts I have and what these Americans went though and I ... oh shit there aren't even any words because I can't imagine it I just can't-

I've made myself watch the news and I feel guilty for watching too - I never look over at car wrecks I don't want to watch people in pain - but I swear I've made myself watch so I never forget these images and I never forget what this administration let happen to these American people. Don't worry my brother, I am at your side filled with rage and a million other emotions and I demand justice and accountability for those responsible for this horror and pain.

[KT2000]

88. I saw him too

and he said something so important that had been missing from the whole story. The lack of respect for the elders and the loss of dignity they have had to endure from the hurricane - by this nation.

Another thing thing that america does not get is that the families are extended ones. Families stick together, the elderly are cared for by family and relatives live close. This is the ideal american life that white america believes it lives because they see it on tv. Black america really does live it.

We can understand a flood and loss of things but when a nation that screams family values cannot honor that, we are lost.

[tamtam]

90. Amen brother

Black people have been through quite a bit over the years. There are some parts of the country that are ,till this day, unsafe for black people. There seems to be so much hate in this country, it is unreal. Every time I come to DU I am reminded that there are white people that look at this with horror. We must remember there are so many people of all races and colors who do not hate, we see this on DU.

Yes we are tough it's in our blood. We must all stand against the hate in this country. The GOP has provided a safe haven for these bigots and we must push them out. If our elected officials openly meet with racist organizations we must shine the light on them. The line has been drawn and all the world is getting a good look at how this country views black people. They are not ashamed of what they've done instead they cover it up . They are sending a clear message to us and we must listen to that message. They don't care it's as simple as that. The horror of New Orleans will go down in black history as yet another crime and misfortune against us. Welcome to DU

Peace to my DU family.

[1songbird]

91. I to share your rage.

As a black woman with two kids I actually fear this government. They have committed mass murder on American soil before all of the eyes of the world and they will get away with it. With so many Repugs giving Bush a free pass I can't help but think that these bastards can and will do whatever they damn well please.

[FlaGranny]

92. I have never been so outraged in my life

by what I witnessed last week. As I watched it unfold on TV I was practically screaming at the set - DROP THEM WATER. What are you waiting for. Drop them some water.

You can be arrested for animal cruelty for not giving your dog, your cat, or your horse water and food. Those people could have done without food. People can live a long time without it. All they needed to stay alive was some water and no one was allowed to give it to them.

Sometimes I wish I believed there was a hell, because there are some people who sure deserve to be there for eternity.

[Be Brave]

94. Respect our elders. That is a good message.

Thank you, lonewolf. I get your message, and I am with you.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

95. I've had it w/anybody who still sticks w/Bush after this - it'll be ugly.

I'm afraid I will have to give them a piece of my mind.

[nofurylike]

96. yes! "we must rise with rage and hold these people responsible"! thank

you for posting this, lonewolf0507.
i am heartbroken and enraged by the indignities you speak of.
"for us to cry, the pain has to be severe"

i am white.
i am crying with you.

it is vitally important that we all talk openly, and with deepest concern and caring. thank you.


peace!

[fujiyama]

97. This came to mind one day

as I watching the coverage, I wondered how far removed many of the older people there were from slavery - maybe just two generations.

And most probably had relatives that were sharecroppers.

Still many served in both world wars (and valiantly at that), and came back to Jim Crow (where they were treated worse than the POWs).

The actual disasterous and criminal neglect and the aftermath by many (those that find a way to blame the poor for not leaving or refuse to believe this was a catastrophy) give us a brutal reminder of how alive racism is.

[Paradise]

98. We saw beautiful people, in New Orleans, caring for their elders, and

their respect for human life and dignity was evident...

[mod mom]

99. I was outraged over the treatment of African Americans after the election

in Columbus OH, so much so that I closed my business of 17+ years and began to investigate the Ohio election and work full time on election reform.

This current horrific event in American history is beyond words and outrage. We must rid our society of this cancer that festers in the soul less leaders that fraudulently occupy the White House.

[Catherine Vincent]

100. Kick!

[tgnyc]

101. Another black perspective on all of this:

www.intelligencesquad.com/id128.html

[PeacePal]

102. I'm white and too outraged and heartbrokent to function .

I'm barely getting through my days, even here, 'safe', 900 miles away.

Hold on to your anger, and raise it like a banner. This nation has gone numb. Anger will wake people up and then it can be channeled.

Remember this, if it helps at all: There are others like me who see thier OWN parents, children, brothers and sister in the eyes and faces and pain of those in New Orleans, because we are HUMAN. We are ALIVE.

And it's incomprehensible to me and others like me - REGARDLESS of race - that in this nation of plenty for some, some of us are left to die on rooftops of thirst, forced to hold our children as they die, forced to watch our parents die before our eyes and be completely powerless to help them.

This is a disaster of epic, human proportions, and anyone with a soul is either outraged, or has made a choice to numb themselves.

I'll send you healing energy, and continue to do all I can to change this world. I want THEM to feel the pain of shame, but I'm not sure we can make them feel. We can and will hold them criminally responsible.

[AbbyR]

103. I am white, and I will stand with you ...

and anyone who will fight this administration to the end.
I hate the racism I see - and I do see it. But frankly, I think the Bushites hate all of us who are not in the group that they target with their tax cuts. Yes, it's mostly racism, but they don't care about anyone.

I am horrified at the chaos and cruelty I saw allowed and approved in New Orleans. We are all brothers and sisters, we are all in this together, and if we truly stand together, we can put them out of office and back in their moat-surrounded castles where we won't have to be subject to their insanity.

The right-wing idiots are trying to make us all lie down and take it, and until all of us who marched in Mississippi in the 60's - and all over the country - get out of our easy chairs and start marching again, we are going to be stuck with them, crying at the pictures we see, still wondering "What did we do, and how can we stop it?"

[wildeyed]

104. There must be an accounting for the atrocities.

I believe that the people will rise up and demand an accounting. And that it can only come from the people, not the politicians. Politicians can only do so much. They are all indebted to the system that created the problems in the first place. Some are better than others, but this time, the leadership must come from outside the system.

We must demand accountability from those who sat by and watched while people died. And we need to focus again on the problems of race and poverty that plague this country. How to do this I don't know. I pray a powerful leader will emerge to help us find the path.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

105. We're with you. Wish it wasn't this way