Slowplay.com » NBC pulls Kanye West comments

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…George Bush doesn’t care about black people…

Ahoy, Captain Obvious!

Comment by Dave — September 2, 2005 @ 9:44 pm
You claim that the comment is off base, but he is right on target you racist. I will continue to read bbc because they tell the real story.

Comment by John — September 2, 2005 @ 9:45 pm
Shameful? HA! Try honest! I think Kayne West became my new hero tonight.

Comment by Erica — September 2, 2005 @ 9:54 pm
Oh my, an unscripted moment in TV. The OUTRAGE!

We need more kanye wests. And perhaps you caught geraldo or shepard smith going postal tonight about the lack of effort thus far. Amazing from these two hard core republicans.

Cheers to all

Comment by kb — September 3, 2005 @ 12:00 am
I agree, shameful and pathetic.

Comment by K~ — September 3, 2005 @ 12:05 am
Make sure you mark your donations with “FOR BLACK PEOPLE ONLY”.

Comment by Eric Anderson — September 3, 2005 @ 12:06 am
Major props to Kanye West, that took balls what he did and he should be commended for it.

Comment by 113 — September 3, 2005 @ 12:08 am
Let’s not self-destruct here. This is more about class than race. It is not that President Bush doesn’t care about Black people, but financially well-off Americans don’t like dealing with poor people in general. Bush is just an easy target, but the problem is much bigger than a politician. Ironically, Kanye is the same Black man who in his recent Golddigger hit (uses the N word and has a statement saying …leave you for a white girl.) Those statements are pretty charged, but I haven’t seen those get much coverage. Afterall, it is just entertainment. Keep that in mind when you hear him and any other performer. Maybe they are pushing more records with their words. They can be worst that politicians.

That being said, while I don’t agree with the rapper’s statements in general, there is an interesting correlation in the coverage. I remember when the LA riots were taking place in the 90s, the majority of images shown were black people looting. When the city/state/federal government did studies in the aftermath, it was discovered that it was a rainbow of people looting. However, the other cultures weren’t shown as much. Also, in the 9/11/01 tragedy, most of the interviews were done with white victim families, but the planes killed other cultures as well. But for some reason, it just didn’t show up much in the news.

I know it is the media’s, particularly the electronic arm’s, job to get it fast and get it now. However, it would nice if they took the time to look for balance in highly charged situations like the current one. For years, Blacks have been portrayed as less intelligent than they are; more criminal than they are; and less patriotic than they are. How is the portrayal carried out? Through the media which is not a reflection, but a construction of news.

Comment by BillyD — September 3, 2005 @ 12:15 am
Commended for it? It’s not Bush’s fault that these poor people whether it be white or black didn’t get out. If your president how are you supposed to know every city’s demographic and stuff. The blame should fall first on the mayor then the governor for not supplying transportation out of New Orleans. It’s one thing on the looting/survival but what is the excuse for the RAPES?

If refugees can flee on foot from Gaza Strip half a world away what was keeping a good chunk of the healthy from hitting the pavement?

Comment by broncho — September 3, 2005 @ 12:19 am
Oh please, Kanye West is such an idiot. I can’t believe the news broadcasts are actually showing what he said like it matters. I’ll listen to other people with some credibility and real compassion for people say the same thing, not that fool.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 12:33 am
Kanye is a true idiot, who cares what he thinks. He doesn’t really care about “his people”, he cares about Kanye.

Comment by tanya — September 3, 2005 @ 12:34 am
Kanye was just saying what he felt. I think he said what a lot of people feel. It probably would have been better if he had kept it to his inner circle, but he didn’t. Other than appointing Powell and Rice, Bush isn’t exactly known for making policy that is favorable to minorities. He left Haiti out to dry and allowed the government to be overturned when he claims to be so concerned about democracy.

Kanye was about to burst into tears. I doubt he was attempting to boost sales because his new CD is going to sell regardless. He’s one of the hottest producers. He’s going to get money whether his new LP sells or not. I don’t know why people are getting all offended and defensive when someone brings up race. As if it pains them so horribly to contemplate that people can still be racist. Maybe, instead of talking about not being racist people should behave as if they aren’t racist. Showing indifference to non-white people isn’t a good start. However, this is beside the point. It’s almost disrespectful to allow this to evolve into a race debate when people are still suffering. This isn’t about racism or classism or any other ism. The fact is the federal government is not prepared for this type of mass destruction. The claims that this is somehow the state government’s fault is ridiculous. The state governments where the first to step up with ad hoc effort and it was the Fed’s job to take the reins. It boggles the mind to expect the state whose infrastructure has been demolished to have all the answers. What’s the point of creating Federal agencies to handle these type of events if they can barely do the job when the event occurs? The bottom line all types of people are in trouble. White people in Missisippi, Black people in Louisana. The fact that Americans are in need of help should be enough to get the best out of everyone to fix this problem. The beauty of disasters is they usually bring people together. However, sadly, there’s very little beauty to found out of Katrina.

Comment by Jay — September 3, 2005 @ 12:43 am
I’m black, and Kanye is a baby. Everytime something doesn’t go the way he wants, he yells “racism”. Shut the f*ck up, chicken little. Everytime something bad happens to black folks doesn’t mean race had something to do with it. Be a victor, not a victim. Lead by example. As much as I may not like it, you’re a role model. So be a good one. You want to look good? Well, you’re plenty rich enough, so donate ALL profits from your new cd to the victims.

Comment by truth — September 3, 2005 @ 12:43 am
Kanye West…what a disgrace. If he actually cared about “his” people then he could live without the “bling” in his life. If I had the money that Kanye has there would be no phone call to my manager, I would cut a check immediately. Why say that you will never forget where you came from…let me ask you this one question…what was your annual salary prior to becoming a rap artist? Why not donate any overhead and live like a poor person for a few months? Or better yet, why not auction some of your belongings and give 100% of the proceeds to help these victims both black and white. It is people like Kanye West that keep segretation in the world. I have raised my children to belive that EVERYONE is created equal no matter the race or the income.
The media has NOT said anything about the blacks looting and the whites trying to survive…maybe you should watch some more of the coverage and see the difference yourself. The older people are getting the necessities while the younger people are LOOTING flat screen tv’s, jewelry and clothing.
What a shame, to think that you were actually going to help people that have had their lives destroyed, instead you turn the focus for a moment on yourself.
And for those that commend Kanye on this act, what are you doing to help the victims?

Comment by Aimee — September 3, 2005 @ 12:53 am
I doubt Kanye was trying to promote his LP. The dude was about to cry. He felt black people weren’t being treated right and he actually had the courage to say it on national tv. People always act so appalled when a black person mentions someone is racist. However, no one is outraged at the indifference to non-white people. Maybe, this isn’t about race but it would be naive to think it’s not a factor at all. The real issue is why the Federal government is so disorganized. I hope we don’t have another terrorist attack anytime soon because we’re nowhere near prepared.
It’s one time to not have the resources but it’s another to not even have a game plan.

Comment by Jay — September 3, 2005 @ 12:54 am
i think it’s complete bs when people are “oh it was a disgrace what he did, it was inappropriate, wrong place wrong time blah blah blah bs bs”…that’s what all those freakin media outlets are going to be saying tomorrow because of their “media etiquette”….the man told his piece and should be commended for it, i sure as hell know a lot of the people in New Orleans feel that way and they’re not being heard. He’s in a position of influence and he should use it the way he sees fit. The issue is not whether or not his assessment of the situation is right or wrong but rather if that opinion should be heard at all. The second he opened his mouth to say what he needed to say that opened up a whole new can of worms that might not of been opened by the media because of all that bullshit about “this is our time to come together as a nation”…yeah pull your money together and donate all your shit, every american should, but this is also the time to demand answers and engage in a debate confronting the issues associated with this disaster that so many people feel are important….Props to Kanye for speaking up for millions of people who feel the same way.

Comment by 113 — September 3, 2005 @ 1:01 am
Whatever Kanye West believes is his own right and I respect the fact that he has an opinion, whether it be similar or different from my own. However, the problem is not with what he said, it’s the forum he chose to say it in. His comments literally took away thousands and thousands of dollars in donations. I don’t care if he contributed 1mm of his own money. We all have done what we can and it ALL helps. I just don’t understand what he was thinking by using that stage, a FUNDRAISER to say what he said!!

Regarding the looting…In my opinion, looting is only looting if you’re stealing non-essentials in a time of crisis. Food, clothing, diapers, whatever is SURVIVAL! Hell, I know I would have done it myself.

I am a white male, 31. I did not vote for Bush nor do I care for the man. I’m extremely disappointed with the way the recovery process has been handled and I’m saddened that our government has left those people stranded for so long. But, I am proud to be an American and I know we will rally around this disaster and the spirit of the American people will shine.

As far as Kanye goes…He screwed up BADLY and his music sales will suffer from this, mark my words!

Comment by Chris — September 3, 2005 @ 1:01 am
Truth u arent black, if you were you wouldn’t make those Condi Rice comments above..If u actually saw the K West speech you’d know the emotion he was pooring over and even his own self anguish..He also talked of a donation of the max he possibly could…The AP wire (which the photos K West mentioned are their racist comments btw) that’s quoted here only uses part of K West’s speech and then tries to undermine it by saying other rappers were giving money..as if this man wasn’t…Bush is the symbol of elite white Americans thats dont give a damn past their own Umbrella view of this country…

Comment by Truth isn't Black — September 3, 2005 @ 1:08 am
I am so tired of people pretending racism does not exist.The United States of America is the wealthiest and most technologically advanced country in the world.We can send people to the moon and back.Build billion dollar Stealth Bomber’s, but for some reason we cannot send aid in a timely manner to those in need, who happen to be black and on the lower end of the economical scale. Anyone who beleives this is coincidence is living in a fairy tale. If this hurricane hit California or any of the northeastern states, aid would not be an issue. Why, you ask??Because California and the northeastern states have much greater revenue than Mississipi, Louisiana and Alabama.It is no secret that their are more wealthy whites than minorities.Again, this is not a coincidence.It brings me to tears to see AMERICAN people being treated this way. I was floored when I watched news reports from people around the world make statements such as “they can send people to Iraq, but they can’t even help their own people” or “I guess America is not as powerful as they think”.To the victims of Hurricane Katrina,stay strong and remember that eventhough all material items may be lost, God spared you your lives.He has a plan, which is greater than we could ever imagine.To Kanye West, I respect your courage and strength to say what most in the black community are feeling.I truly believe we are survivors, always have been and always will be.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 1:14 am
Blame the black mayor or the black governor for not getting everybody safe and out of there when reports said to GET THE FUCK OUT!

Comment by broncho — September 3, 2005 @ 1:16 am
New Orleans population is 67% African American, so there is no racist thing about more black people being shown on the clips, that is what the city population is by fact.

Second people were warned very seriously to evacuate last week, tens of thousands didn’t, and that wasn’t because they couldn’t. They just took the risk as they have always done, not even thinking about levy’s breaking.

Third this is an example of the force of a planet’s wrath, not of some GW conspiracy. Once that levy broke, the whole place had no chance of being saved during the first few days, no machine on earth could have entered into that city in a hurricane and fixed that levy, no such machine exists. Maybe you didn’t know that.

Even for large shipments for tens of thousands at one time it is still only special amphibious vechicles that had to be transported to New Orleans in order to reach the dome. Everyone else in small vechicles had already evacuated, and those small vechicles left could not tredge through 5 feet of water to go anywhere.

There have been many storms hitting new orleans but none destroyed a hole in the levy, this was a LARGE UNEXPECTED OCCURANCE. The people who stayed back would not be in anywhere near as bad shape as they are now if the levy didn’t break, thats why they stayed, because most of them had been through hurricanes there before and knew it was bad, but not as bad as this. On the clips of the french quarter, you can see most of the buildings are intact, its only the flooding that makes it unreachable by normal transport.

If anyone really knew how many dangers, factors, time delays, random things are involved in this SCALE OF A WORLD CATASTROPHE, they would keep their mouth shut and just do what tiny tiny tiny tiny little pebble of a thing they themselves could do to assist in this MAMMOTH UNDERTAKING never before seen in modern America.

Everything will work out as it always does, but unfortunately many have died, but its not because of GW or some racist plot. Just do your part to make everything right again, and the years it will take to clean up this behemoth will be cut down somewhat.

Comment by Wested in Deep Water — September 3, 2005 @ 1:16 am
“In contrast, the head of Kayne West’s music label, Jay-Z, pledged $1 million (along with Diddy) to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.”

Not “in contrast.” Also in that clip, West said he’d contacted his accountant so he could donate as much as he possibly can.

Comment by Rick Perlstein — September 3, 2005 @ 1:22 am
Amen…to the comments posted by Wested in Deep Water. No one is paying attention to the fact that there are circumstances that are present that prevent help from arriving at the speed that we would all like to see. The levee’s have been a topic of concern for many years…The people that live in this area realize the hazard of living so close to the gulf. However, no one expected the storm to hit so hard and with such great force.
If it would have been a known fact that the hurricane would cause such massive damage I am sure that the people affected would have experienced a MANDATORY evacuation and there would have been transportation for those who could not afford to travel or did not have the means to travel as well as those in hospitals and nursing homes.

As for the comments by 113, there is a time and a place for outbursts and this was not the time to make these statements. Would you go to a funeral of a child and and disrespect the mother and father as you walked by the casket? I don’t think so, why… because this would be inappropriate. The timing that Kanye had was VERY inappropriate.

Comment by Aimee — September 3, 2005 @ 1:36 am
Has anyone seen the image of the man outside of the convention center who was beat to a bloody pulp with a pipe? They claim he was just asking someone for a cigarette. Was that racism too?
West took the attention of “his” people & everyone else, placing it all on himself. What a selfish little shit. His comments didn’t help.
By the way, the man beaten was white.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 1:46 am
Who cares about what anybody says while we are ignoring what God Has Set So Exact… All of the US is being exposed. The intention to brainwash a nation to see blacks as a lesser race and accept the persecution of being black in America and be poor and uneducated, addicted to drugs, and now… {tax paying Americans)neglected by the land that doesn’t belong to them. Wake Up!! This is not surprising to anyone black because we feel the neglect everyday. In prisons and hoods and poverty and discrimination and oppression. This is not proof… this is just too graphic and exposed for a real explanation….GOD will create survivors who can rise above and come together to be a stronger more aware race of blacks who can stand u against what we have known as our frail security in the government.

Comment by God Is Real — September 3, 2005 @ 1:57 am
Wested in Deep Water said:
“Third this is an example of the force of a planet’s wrath, not of some GW conspiracy. Once that levy broke, the whole place had no chance of being saved during the first few days, no machine on earth could have entered into that city in a hurricane and fixed that levy, no such machine exists. Maybe you didn’t know that.”

People have known this would happen if a hurricane of that force were to hit New Orleans for YEARS. Maybe you didn’t know that. Check out the interviews with people from FEMA who saw this coming only to be burried under anti-terrorist bureaucracy with the Dept. of Homeland Security. Or look into the federal money that was cut from the maintenance of those levees in New Orleans. You act as if this is all a surprise to our government. New Orleans has a large population below the poverty line, mostly african-american, that our government stupidly left behind when tragedy awaited them.

Kanye West was speaking from his heart, and expressing a common sentiment from the poor black people of New Orleans. Like one of the posters said, this has to be heard, and it’s wrong for people to call it “shameful”. It’s a feeling that the country needed to hear so it can be addressed.

Matt

Comment by Matt — September 3, 2005 @ 2:04 am
It’s unfortunate people cannot express their opinions without using profanity.Everyone knows that the results of a natural disaster requires federal aid not just local and state. And I do believe that the national weather center new the results of a level 5 hurricane.Therefore, the black mayor and white governor would not be able to evacuate the area on their own. Nor do I beleive people would have stayed behind had they been well informed on the destruction of a level 5 hurricane…..DUH.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 2:13 am
Sad to see all this rascist comments, by all this rascist pieces of shit. Its been almost a fucking week, and there is still people waiting to be rescued, are you fucking kidding me? Amen to Kaney, for being the voice of millions, that will never in their lives will get the chance to be heard.

Comment by omar — September 3, 2005 @ 2:29 am
For the record, I despised Kanye- But the guy had courage and was rather choked up. Mike Meyers had to opportunity to stop him ( perhaps with a little humor)but choose not to. Which leads me to believe that they were both “In-on-it”. I am a 33 year old white male as well and I must say, this is all rather sad. Racism still exhists. And my people seem to use ignorance to amplify it. For example, any caucasian in america that denies racism is 98.9% racist themselves. I know this because I deal with these people on a daily basis. I can see it in friends and business associates. It is very difficult for me to write this because this is all affecting me in a major way. People…. we live in a country in which african americans fill less than 10% of the population. It just kills me how we treat this damned-near extinct species of people. this all needs to stop. These people (african-americans) are treated like garbage wherever they may be in the world. Its a pathetic gesture. To me, these people are angels. And if it werent for 3 of these ‘angels’ I probably wouldent be here to type this message today. We all need to look in the mirror, forgive, love and grow togather.

Comment by Steve — September 3, 2005 @ 3:23 am
These stuck up white people make me laugh most of them have no idea who kanye west is on some sites i visited they said he was a up and coming actor these dumasses talk about how his comments ruined the show hes just speaking the truth about how this country looks down on minorities like were animals who need to be controlled people think this kinda shit doesnt go on i whish i could show these stupid ass white people exactly wats goin on

Comment by N8 Trujillo — September 3, 2005 @ 3:29 am
to #29 (steve)- Dont worry man us black-folks love you too and thanks for the verbs and hope we can all grow togather:)

to#30 (n8 trujillo)-brotha dont forget these stuckup white people need love too. and through love they will figure it out. it is not coolto battle their hate with ourhate. we are a people of love and spirit. dontstoop to that low level

Comment by brilla-man — September 3, 2005 @ 3:38 am
I think kayne west had a right to speak up although he must of felt very incapable of watching his manners he was in an very emotional state he feels as his people are not being heard! There is much to go into this topics that leads into more debates about this issue. And now comes the controversy of racism oh here we go again. But i approve of kayne west courage im sure many of us agree.

Comment by Debbie — September 3, 2005 @ 5:30 am
I do not believe Goerge Bush is a racist, nor that the response was slow because the citizens of New Orleans are mostly black. The response was inadequate because of incompentence.

However, I do believe the news coverage of the events has been influenced by race. There seemed to be quite a bit of attention paid to so-called “looters,” but the pictures alone showed that the vast majority of people were not looting. Frankly, most seemed to have the patience of Solomon waiting for some help or instruction. And of course the coverage of looting led to politicians wanting to appear tough giving orders for people to be shot. Its been quite an ugly affair all the way around and West’s comments, while inappropriate spoke some truth. And, if anything, his comments will draw added attention to the concert and the media coverage, which is a positive development.

Comment by PabloZed — September 3, 2005 @ 7:04 am
Looters are looters, white or black, I have no idea what channel this guy is watching.

This is not a racial issue but is slowly becoming one. Did anyone see the hundreds of schoolbuses underwater in NO? I guess the mayor had no duty to the people of his own city…..Bush is the only one to be held accountable.

What a joke. The truly sad part is that these stupid comments may backfire and cause people NOT to donate. And I thought the looters were foolish…..

Comment by Brian — September 3, 2005 @ 7:11 am
One more thing……why does Kayne not comment on the rapes in the Superdome (and elsewhere)? Or the shooting at rescuers trying to medevac the sick?

I suppose that would be racist too?

Comment by Brian — September 3, 2005 @ 7:20 am
I think Kanye West is right. I mean, I heard tonight that food and water supplies arrived from Guam and Hawaii 48-72 hours after the Tsunami hit. (You DO realize, that catastrophe occured nearly on the side of the globe!) So is it possible that there weren’t enough resources in Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, etc. to drive or fly into New Orleans?

Does anyone out there REALLY believe that it takes more than 48 hours to get troops, food and water into a U.S. city? How about 96 hours? 5 days are you kidding me? 5 days, even though we knew in advance that Katrina was headed for the Gulf Coast!

Now either there was a serious lack urgency on the part of the Feds, or they are really, really incompetent. If you choose to believe the latter, then consider this:

God help California when the Big One strikes without any warning. God help any major city if these terrorists release a bio or nuclear weapon. Because if this is the response that we can expect in the time of a catastrophe from our goverment, we’d do better by counting on the U.N. for humanitarian assistance!

Much love to Kanye for speaking his mind and getting this important dialogue and discussion going!

Comment by Mr. Furley — September 3, 2005 @ 8:06 am
P.S.

If Mr. Bush decides to put this incompetence and/or indifference off on Homeland Security or FEMA… Then he needs to do, what he refused to do after 9/11. Fire someone!

Otherwise, WE THE PEOPLE, will hold you personally responsible!

Comment by Mr. Furley — September 3, 2005 @ 8:12 am
Whatever! Kanye West needs to learn to get over himself. Reminded me of my baby sister who is a HUGE drama queen. I suppose Kanye does care about all the black people and that’s why he uses them to make millions. The sad thing is the outrage over this either way helps Kanye.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 9:42 am
Kanye does not use black people to make millions.He makes his millions by being an intelligent business man who capitalizes on his talents such as writing and producing music. If you know anything about the music industry you would know production is the most lucrative aspect.Lastly, white teenager’s purchase rap music more than any other nationality.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 10:15 am
I’m in England - watching and truely shocked & disgusted at waht I’m seeing.
If my family had just been through that, no hlep was on it’s way and there was food or water sitting in shop or smashed house… I wouldn’t break-in and get it … yeah right!

As for West’s comments, sorry but as just an observer watching the greatest super power on Earth, I’ve gotta say that’s how it looks to me & no doubt the rest of the world watching on.

What is all that bollocks and lip service Bush comes out with, he (and his ilk) make me sick - turns up how many days after the event, cuddles a few people on TV and says “I will not forget what I saw today” - hey, it’s not an exam Bush, this aint about you and yer memory skills - wtf!

This is far worse then you guys think, those images and the inability (or lack of desire) to respond is sending out a subliminal message to all watching - but worst of all your own people. The sour taste that it will leave in their mouths is the same flavour as the meal that comes before a civil war.
I hope for your sakes that is was just a morsal!

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 12:06 pm
im from germany and weather Kanye west said what he did or not, this conversation would still be had. So everyone get off of his nuts and give the guy credit.

Bottom-line.

1)Texas is not a cool place to put a ton of blacks. PERIOD.

2)The govt dosent care about black people. and never will. read your history books and learn about their methods of termination.

3)If this was NY and California, assistance would have been there in no less than 3/5 hours afterwards.

Comment by celsea Y — September 3, 2005 @ 12:34 pm
Maybe some “slow response” blame needs to be directed at the democratic mayor of New Orleans and the democratic governor of Louisiana. Blacks must believe that the democrats have the answers to all of their problems because they overwhelmingly support them in every election. Bush was not elected by the black vote.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 1:22 pm
Kanye was right in saying what he said. Its not Bush bashing, hell Bush couldnt even stop in New Orleans and talk to the people who were trapped in the Superdome and Convention Center. For those who are criticizing victims for not getting out of New Orleans, put yourself in their shoes, these are the down trodden of a society that was built to keep them that way. I lived in New Orleans for five years and those people sruggled everyday just to have everything taken away from them. The government was slow in responding, and Bush is the head of our governnment. If someone doesnt think so, try going five days without food or water, criticize the looters after you do that. The mayor of New Orleans did what he could with what he had, he then needed assistance from the government that he did not get. If you dont think its the govnerments problem, cool, start a food and clothing drive wherever you are or donate money. The key thing is that these people have lost everything and they need help, peoples comments dont mean a damn thing to them.

Comment by emj — September 3, 2005 @ 2:18 pm
Let’s see. A category five hurricane was bearing down on New Orleans. The mayor and governor allowed thousands to remain in the city. What kind of logic is that? Washington isn’t in charge of evacuation planning and implementation, the state and local authorities have that job. Florida seems to to have a grip on this. For local and state officials to scream for help is understandable. For them to lay blame at the feet of federal officials is just a way to trasnsfer responsibility for poor planning and decision making. Kanye should direct his anger toward them. Alienating a segment of those donating to help the hurting reveals that he doesn’t know how to handle what he believes to be the truth.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 3:46 pm
might not have been the right time. but needed to be said. and no a baby whines for NO REASON. clearly he had one now what he said about black people he should have used poor, but the truth is there black.

Comment by Candy — September 3, 2005 @ 7:03 pm
Let’s not forget that this was a natural disaster.
I live in Houston and the rumors are running rampant…people saying that we are going to gas the folks from New Orleans (that’s why they are being put up in the Dome and the convention center). Give me a break. We are all Americans helping Americans.
It was hard to get in to the hardest hit areas due to the trees, downed power lines, flooding. I agree that the mayor of NO should have gotten everyone out by Sunday night. If the statistics were there that so many had no transportation then why did the city not provide it?
Houston is on the ball and has shuttles running for free to help those at the Dome get to local stores and downtown locations. We had less than a day to prepare for so many people to arrive here and we did it.
The mayor of NO and Kayne need to quit with the commentaries and roll up their sleeves! This is not the time to play the race card. It’s the time to come together and help. If people want to debate race later, so be it. I don’t see anyone debating race in Alabama and Mississippi. I’ve seen on the news that Vietnamese and White people were affected in those areas and are living under trees and shells of homes. They are stuck too. This was unprecedented. Just as September 11th was. The difference in the two is that there were not many to save in New York and the areas affected did not stop help from coming in on the streets…rescue workers and the general public could get relatively close to help support the firemen and police. The streets were not flooded for miles and trees were not down. The city people were able to walk around.
Let’s forget politics and race for just a few months and concentrate on getting everyone through this in the best way possible.

Comment by bonnie — September 3, 2005 @ 7:12 pm
Kanye West, Role Model? I’m from the African American race where we ate chitlins and drank grape soda every night for 15 years, my moma was a hooker and my daddy was a pimp.I struggled to survive in the inner city and edumacated myself all the way up to a 5th grade level kinda like yourself.I find it very insulting to our race that you would make these comments in society that you have obviously contributed not a god dam thing to.Take your bling bling and your crappy music to Iraq because thats pretty much were you’ll be getting your airplay.Brothers and sisters of the African American decent boycott this turkeys music until he appreciates a country or could walk in the shoes of people who have provided us with the freedom and the honor to live in the greatest country in the world.

Comment by kareem — September 3, 2005 @ 7:32 pm
Right on Kareem,What an embarresment to the American People,Heres a guy who would crap his pants if he had to serve his country overseas meanwhile he’s trying to come across as a gangster rapper.I’m with you I never liked his music nor will I never buy it,bring back old school rap!

Comment by felix — September 3, 2005 @ 7:36 pm
Hi its me again (the guy watching from England)

So, Candy said that he should said ‘poor’ when he said ‘black’ - frankly I think that’s just about right.
But I wanted you guys to take a look at a link from the NAtional Geographic that’s pretty interesting… try to read the first paragraphs first before you check the date for this article OK! http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 8:01 pm
If their is to blame then kayne should have pointed his finger to the mayor of New Orleans.
Attempted outreach was not planned accordingly on a STATE LEVEL. It is unfortunate that Mr. West feels this way- selfish and victimized as he sipping his Crystal and eating Caviar. This is a time to work together for ALL people suffering from this Natural Disaster, despite race, color, creed.

Comment by tanya — September 3, 2005 @ 8:02 pm
maybe he had a point, but on the fact about troops going down to shoot people, lets be real, if your in the city with guns, shooting police and national guardsmen, instead of trying to get out, or help,im sending an ounce of lead to your head,cause your life, isnt important. Our people, need to be rescued, and i dont think its about that their black, bush or the mayor can cuss all day about where the fuck is the buses? but realize they still have to get through all the water, and down roads, but they should have moved a hell alot faster, specially since they knew 48 hrs, before it hit. Im pissed that they suffered that long,especially with out them dropping at least water to the convention, or stadium. All im saying is their trying, hell they should have bussed the poor out before it hit,having people go door to door. As for kanye, its cause there poor, the region is generally poor, yes its majority black, but thats most citys. Bottm line, we need to help our neighbor,donate, and fix this damn fuck up from happening again.

Comment by andrew — September 3, 2005 @ 8:08 pm
Hi Me again from England… I’m not sure how your country works but here’s a quote from that link I provided above (which I bet none of you even bothered to look at)- anyway: -
“Such high stakes compelled a host of unlikely bedfellows—scientists, environmental groups, business leaders, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—to forge a radical plan to protect what’s left. Drafted by the Corps a year ago, the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) project was initially estimated to cost up to 14 billion dollars over 30 years, almost twice as much as current efforts to save the Everglades. But the Bush Administration balked at the price tag, supporting instead a plan to spend up to two billion dollars over the next ten years to fund the most promising projects. Either way, Congress must authorize the money before work can begin.” -
So when they say that the Bush Administration decided against the plan (as put forward by the experts) - do they mean Bush & his admin… or as some of you are suggesting it was really the Mayor in disguise and he actually put Bush and pals up to it?
I wonder what the late Bill Hicks woulda said… Mmmm..K!

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 8:16 pm
Hey, #30 send me an e-mail,I’ve got a one way ticket back to the mother land,see if you have the freedom to excel over their as you do here.The dumb white folk were smart enough to evacute while the African American mayor stood around and scratched his head waiting for a sense of direction he should have impossed 3 days prior to the storm hitting.Please do us all a favor put down the thunderbird,stop shooting dice,get off the welfare and be a contribution to society.

Comment by Proud American — September 3, 2005 @ 8:23 pm
#52 Your not sure how are country works?Weve been there for every major relief effort ever started and raised more money to victims outside the USA.Please stop boring us with your stupid links (that nobodys reading anyway).Where does England stand on,get back to us when the checks in the mail,until then please give it a rest.

Comment by Louis — September 3, 2005 @ 8:32 pm
kayne,You stated that your being treated like animals,after seeing all the rapes that are vhappening around the city (Black on Black)I suppose you used the right terminology.It’s unforetunate people of all creed,color and race are not getting the credit for the efforts their putting in to save the city and people as well.
LONG LIVE GEORGE W BUSH

Comment by kelra — September 3, 2005 @ 8:51 pm
Hey Proud american, I have a 1 way ticket to europe. Lets see if you have the freedom to excel over there and “make a contribution to society” as you “DO” here. hahah good luck!!

put down the thunderbird? stop shooting dice? get off of welfare?

isnt that Racism?

Comment by Jon — September 3, 2005 @ 8:51 pm
geez people!! I think your all blaming the black mayor because hes a black man. truth be told the government wanted him to go through a disturbingly huge process before they would give him aid. Which sucks because the govt jumped on 911 immediatly. The blame is not roy’s fault nor is is it Kanye’s.

Besides the majority of you didnt even know the mayor of NO was black untill this event happened.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 9:06 pm
The mayor of New Orleans needs to be arrested for dereliction. He had all those city Metro buses, plus all of those school buses and all of those other large city-owned vehicles that could’ve been used DAYS in advance of the hurricane striking his city to helo evacuate those without transportation. Notice all those PARKED buses and other municipal vehicles??? The mayor dropped the ball on this one in a big, big way! Yet, he gripes about the alleged lack of response from the President and the Governor. Plus, the tired, nonsensical cries of racism and poverty keeping people in the city before and after Katrina from the mayor are simply pathetic.

And the looters! Looting in a time of crisis for food, diapers, and water, I can see. But, looting for big-screen TVs, clothes, video games and the like is crap! Where were these looters going to use these new electronic gadgets, anyway??? Oh, and the rapes! Is that a justified response to one’s situation? Must be, in New Orleans!

The people of Houston, San Antonio, Galveston, Oklahoma City, and many others are opening their arms and homes to these evacuees. Will these people repay the kindness shown to them by complete strangers in kind, or will they go on a rampage in these other cities, as well??? Time will tell, won’t it?

Note the similarity to the Los Angeles riots after the King verdict??? That is not lost on people that are paying attention.

Comment by P — September 3, 2005 @ 9:10 pm
Kayne West spoke the truth. Unfortunately, we can’t lay the blame at the feet of George Bush. American society has never cared about its black citizens. Mr. Bush is only a small part of a bigger phenomenon.

Comment by Black Ambition — September 3, 2005 @ 9:14 pm
George Bush doesn’t care about POOR people…duh…

and if America™ was truly a 1st world country that valued it’s people (all of them) the world’s environment, it would not find itself in this situation. “america is just a word but i use it”. i’m sure there will be plenty of red faced anger over this but sorry, America is one giant corporation *(America Inc.)* not a democracy, at least not anymore. of course there’s still the potential to bring back democracy but unless corporate hand-outs/buy-outs stop, better get used to this. and those that are bashing our friends abroad better wise up, because you’re about to see a pretty big shift in your way of life (gas prices for example) and as far as japan and europe are concerned, they’ve got a pretty big head start on the United Snakes as far as sustainability is concerned. the television fed american majority are in for a rude awakening and corporate america is to blame for misleading them in thinking that all is well, buy buy buy!

Comment by you are my hero — September 3, 2005 @ 9:37 pm
unfortunatly, being a black person in New Orleans and being a black person in texas are 2 completly diffrent things. Your also talking about 2 entirely diffrent mindsets. The new orleans mindset vs the Texas mindset. I’ve lived in texas for 7 years and lived in New Orleans for 4 great years. And while the media is spining the fact that many have opened their homes and schools to the victims ( which is kind ), there are twice as many who dont like sharing the land with them at all. Its pathetic considering there is plenty of room in texas. So, before asking if the victims will repay the kindness, you should ask yourself how many of them will be killed by the natives who dont like their kind muchless sharing the land with them. I still have friends in houston and believe me, the hard-core natives are not happy at all. time will tell, wont it?

Comment by Jeff — September 3, 2005 @ 9:53 pm
there’s LOT of talk about

BLACK

and

WHITE

people but what about

STUPID

people?!?

:D

Comment by headache — September 3, 2005 @ 10:00 pm
First of all, I saw Kanye’s performance on the music awards and it rocked me, especially with his reference to Jesus. I thought this was a step in the right direction for rap music–something other than killing cops or being pimps. Then this, an obviously racial comment attacking our President. I am amazed at the immature, schoolboy tactics used by this punk. The program was designed to assist thousands of people (mostly African-Americans), and his statements only served to derail our attention from this horrible human tragedy. If Kanye was so intent on helping these people, why doesn’t he realize that there are white people, Asian people and Hispanic people as well African-Americans who were traumatized by this natural disaster. Bush declared the area a disaster well before the hurricane hit, unleashing troops and funds at the disposal of the Governor and Mayor. Blame them if you want to. As far as looting, I don’t care what color you are, a TV ain’t gonna help you feed your family. In fact, if it were up to me I would allow people to take anything of value so long as they didn’t commit violence on another person. But if you are killing others, raping others, or creating fear in the hearts of those who have already suffered so much, you need to be stopped–in whatever manner that’s needed. And finally, to Kanye himself I would like to ask a question: If you are so sure of your convictions in this most dire of situations, why do you have to ask your manager how much you can contribute?

Comment by reggie — September 3, 2005 @ 10:05 pm
if headache is refering to number61 i would bite my tongue if i were them. the most truth ive yetread here is in number61’s post. and iver read everything so far. stupid people suck tho:D

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 10:11 pm
Kanye, Perhaps you should put all your money where your mouth is and donate all your “Bling-Blings” and your assets to the United Negro College so that you can help buy “HOPE” for the future for all “your people”. Stop complaining and step up to be a true “role model”!

Comment by anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 10:18 pm
# 63 thank you, hit the nail on the spot.

Comment by andrew — September 3, 2005 @ 10:21 pm
just to be clear before i start- i dont agree how blacks are being viewed in this. But if your shooting, raping, and taking items not aimed at health, and possibly, but not confirmed, setting fires in a mall, what exactly is to be said. Its a sad time, when not as a race, but individuals, more importantly, one acts as such. Stop acting like so, and show the world, that we can come together, and try to help each other respectfully.

Comment by andrew — September 3, 2005 @ 10:29 pm
Kanye spoke the truth and challenged a lying president and doing so with class and calmness, he spoke what is in his heart, to stop and injustice….many of us including myself have called out bush by swearing, bush a bitch and a liar, but not KW, called BUSH out on the TRUTH!!! Hallelujah there’re is hope for the world.

Yes realize the white privilege structure and all the inequality in the world, esp. in America, then demand change by ADVOCATING for the change you want to see in the world [a play on a quote by Gandhi jii); be JUST & FAIR —- rock on, we can build a better world community, if we work for it and believe it and of course spread the hope and determination to others.

There is both classism and racism, don’t kid yourself if you think racism is over, it is as prevalent as classicism, that is how the lower class just took it up the A** with all of the conservative BUSH policies that have been passed over the last 4 years and some of the more resent bills like the energy bill and the bankruptcy bill

If only congress would smarten up and demand a 10 percent fuel efficiency hike for next year’s car fleet and progressive increases for the foreseeable future like 2-5 whatever is attainable,. That would reduce fuel costs and save the environment too. Let’s look for proactive solutions instead of more drilling and other supply side arguments, conservative don’t always have good ideas that are sound in their mechanisms.

-PS if you like Kanye then you will like Immortal Technique
-PS if you hate Kanye then you will love to hate Immortal Technique more.

—a_jinni

Comment by a_jinni — September 3, 2005 @ 10:31 pm
To #68: Good job at trying to change the subject. I thought this was about the disaster in the Gulf and Kanye’s comments. Write back when you’ve taken your Ritalin.

Comment by reggie — September 3, 2005 @ 10:51 pm
I dont know what all the fuss is about from someone who can care less about his people and more about jumpstatrting his career.I’ve got two words for Kanye West M.C.Hammer

Comment by Sandra — September 3, 2005 @ 11:00 pm
whoaaa! just readin the comments. where is “-a_jinni”…… calling for ” -a_jinni”….. earth to “-a_jinni”. what does energy policy have to do with bush and the bashing and racism? oh, you are concerned about yourself and your pile of money, obviously not thinking of the cost of human life.

Comment by just a girl — September 3, 2005 @ 11:02 pm
I see from reading the comments on Kanye West statement,the truth does hurt.I don’t like rap,Im NOT a fan of Hip Hop,In my opinion,hip hop and rap is the greatist form of mind control unleashed on young people today.However,Kanye West spoke the truth,the media does show many negative images of African Americans.Case and point,according to the images shown on T.V. many people believe that Blacks utilize this nations welfare system more than Whites,when in reality.70% of people drawing walfare in the U.S. are WHITE.This is an image the criminal media refuse to show.
These are the images that are displayed to the world when 1 group of people control ALL of the information that is broadcast on T.V.The 1st Amendment is suppose to give Americans the right to freedom of speech,I applaud Kanye West for telling the truth about the Puppet Bush(a puppet for Israel).I’ll end my comment with a quote from Israel’s Prime Minister “WE RUN AMERICA,The jewish people,and the American people know it”
makes you wonder why in every hollywood film,the terrorist is always an Arab.

Comment by b2flyer — September 3, 2005 @ 11:11 pm
wow, if you people are this fed up with what kanye said, wait until you hear what the chineese goverment had to say about it. Of course, it fully supports what little kanye DID say.

Comment by Anonymous — September 3, 2005 @ 11:27 pm
Rape:The crime of forcing a women to submit to sexual intercourse against her will.

looting:Plundering during riots or in wartime.

stealing:The act of taking something from someone unlawfully.

Ignorance:The lack of knowledge or education.

Destruction:Kanye Wests career as of Wed night.

Comment by tanya — September 3, 2005 @ 11:32 pm
#73,Screw those nips,I dont trust them anyway.We need to Hiroshima them again.

Comment by roland — September 3, 2005 @ 11:37 pm
Here’s something for everyone to think about, I believe its next friday, BET is also doing a fundraiser for victims, kanye well be on that as well, What do you think kanye or others well say, well it be for fund raising or another platform for ones views?

Comment by andrew — September 3, 2005 @ 11:41 pm
#75, number 73 was referring to the Communist Chinese, NOT the Japanese, as your reference did. Please refer to point number four in Tanya’s post above.

Comment by P — September 3, 2005 @ 11:49 pm
Ahhh! Finally someone who is keeping the controversy on track…#72. Yeah, the truth does hurt–if you can call it that. I respect the fact that you do not like rap; I only like the older versions. I respect your right to free speech also. Your only problem is that you believe everything Kanye said. When you said “Kanye West spoke the truth”, you unwittingly agreed that you believe George Bush doesn’t care about Black people. That’s a pretty strong statement. Maybe you really meant that the media doesn’t care about black people; after all, it was the media that reported that blacks were “looting” while whites were “taking provisions”. I believe in the first amendment as much as the next person–and that means I have the right to question the statements of idiots such as Kanye. What we must all remember is that the first amendment doesn’t allow us to shout fire in a crowded theater or to incite a riot. I can only hope this wasn’t Kanye’s intention. In the end, we are all only trying to help those poor souls in Katrina’s aftermath. By the way, the only reason that whites may draw more welfare than blacks is probably because whites make up the majority…hmmm…I think it’s pretty close to… whaddaya know?!!…70 percent! What a revelation, we are all pretty much the same. Finally, I challenge anyone to get by with a statement such as Kanye’s in an Arab country…they would probably lose their tongue–not just get a tongue lashing by someone like me.

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 12:02 am
#77 Chineese,Japaneese,dirty knees,whats the difference they should keep out of our affairs.I dont trust them at all.

Comment by roland — September 4, 2005 @ 12:10 am
Why criticize Kanye for saying what is glaringly obvious? And wasn’t it refreshing to see something unscripted and heartfelt, no matter how fractured it was? The reasons things went down as they did are complicated and maybe Kanye was making some sweeping generalizations, but you know what? HE CARES! He wasn’t reading some script and ACTING as was Mike Myers. Kanye actually has a brain and is willing to address complex and controversial topics. Just a week ago on MTV he took other hip-hop artists to task for being homophobic..That was an unheard of move….the guy has a sincere heart and he’s really frustrated…and rightly so…We should have declared a NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY…ever resource possible from every where should have been put forth..IMMEDIATELY…this is a historic thing…an entire,ENTIRE, AMERICAN CITY damn near obliterated!!!!
The underlying reason this didn’t happen is we have a culture of live for today and screw tomorrow; we ignore the impoverished and minorities, often one and the same but not always, because it requires we slow down in our pursuit of material gain…that’s us as individuals, and our administration and political position…we don’t address poverty, cyclical poverty in our own country because those enmeshed in it are not those deemed important…So, what happened in New Orleans is a result of that way of thought. KANYE WEST is my hero. I love him as if I knew him because he stood up and said something when he had a chance, using his celebrity for something real and to cynics who think it was self-promotion..you’re retarded by the inability to believe sincerity..the boy damn near broke down crying….AND, everybody needs to get up off of their asses and donate money and DO SOMETHING…I KNOW I AM…and just for the record…GOD BLESS all of you, us, and the world, not just AMERICA!!!!!!

Comment by eklektikone — September 4, 2005 @ 12:18 am
what kanye said was ABSOLUTLY TRUE. when arguing… be sure not to say “it is my opinion” then, some1 can easily way “thats ur opinion” …so lets state the evident (facts) Bush is a moron, he cannot speak properly and cannot use a binocular (im sure we’ve seen those blunders on tv.) the man is a racist, hes a man that thinks money and oil. kanye is right and for all of you who think otherwise, congrats at being brainwashed by this prez ! if you guys were back in the slavery days, you’d make a fine group of damn slaves, no rebelion, cause the master feeds you, no talk of independence, cause u feel god being “owned”, no talk of an uprise, cause u comfortable in ur delussion !!! i say kanye spoke the truth and tha man bush lied to you all… if u dont believe the lie, god…like kanye…if u do belive the lie(s)… u have already made urself an obedient slave (to ur master bush !!)

also check out www.infowars.com to see that bush practices satanic rituals involving a replica of a young black boy being sacrificed to an acient deamon !!

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 12:19 am
I think the major issue is the uprise talking about race has caused. People walk around and like to pretend that race in America is not a dynamic that effects and drives peoples actions. Personally I believe as a black man in America there is no choice but to acknowledge race because it plays a role in my life that someone who is not a minority will never understand. I dont think that everyone in the Bush administraion is racist. I do however believe that the color of the people in New Orleans played a major role in the delay of supplies to the area. The entire world is watching and honestly not giving people at the very least water for a span of four to five days is criminal. We are the wealthiest nation on the planet and we have systems designed to implement and move people and commodities all over the globe in a 72 hour span. To me it doesnt make any sense that there were busses that were driven into the area to get people out but there were not tractor trailers filled with water, food and medical supplies move in.

People can pretend that everything takes aa inordinate amount of time for things to get done but that is crazy. If we could send supplies for the tsunami across the globe within 72 hours there is no reason that inside the United States it took 4 days to get people water. It is a sad event that peoples lives are treated with such disregard.

Everyone wants to claim that things take time for networks to do thier job. I just think they would be singing a different tune if one of thier family members were inside of New Orleans and died because it took 4 days to get water

Oh yeah, Personally I never really liked Kanye but I feel what he said. It one thing that had to be said because I know I thought the same damn thing. Big props to him for actually having the guts to say whats on his mind because in america there is an amazing contradiction about freedom of expression. If you have a dominant ideology and you express yourself then you are commended but if you express a view not held by the majority you are quickly dismissed as having alterior motives or illogical thinking. Anyone who thinks Kanye said what he said to sell more CD’s is crazy the man is already extremely wealthy. Props to Kanye for saying some true shit but he might have to watch out because America has a history of eliminating those who speak racial truths (Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr and The Black Panthers - to name a few)

Comment by Alex — September 4, 2005 @ 12:22 am
New Orleans Independent Media Center

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Original article is at http://neworleans.indymedia.org/news/2005/09/3941.php Print comments.

National Guard not allowing aid into the city
by SB Friday, Sep. 02, 2005 at 1:11 AM

National guard not allowing aid into the city

From http://getyouracton.com.
I am copying the information from the site about this. Just posted at 9:00PM

Get Your Act On! (Jeffrey and Andrea) are currently in Waco, TX. We are organizing a relief effort to bring much needed supplies directly into the City of New Orleans as almost NOTHING is getting in via ‘official’ channels (we have spoken to people still in the city).

Our house is still standing and should be relatively free of flood waters by now, so it will be used as a base for relief efforts as we are just 6 blocks from the lower 9th ward, one of the hardest hit neighborhoods. We will be purchasing a van or getting a large UHaul, filling it with supplies and driving it back to New Orleans.

If you can donate to our relief effort, please do so via this paypal link. If you do not wish to donate money directly, if you would like to purchase supplies that we can pick up (ie, from Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart), that would be great. A lot more info about our effort will be posted here by tonight as we get more details together. We can be reached via call at 254.640.8441 (Andrea) or 254.640.8442 (Jeffrey)

7:15PM Thurs Sept. 1 Update: It looks like the most economical thing to do is purchase a large van - we should be able to do this for $1000-$2000. If anyone has connections to people in the position to make a good sized donation, please ask them if they can help with this. Thanks!

9:30PM Thurs Sept 1. Update: Please help spread this message:

There are supplies sitting in Baton Rouge for the folks in New Orleans, but the National Guard has the city surrounded and is not letting anyone in or out. They are turning away people with s[QUOTE]upplies, claiming it is too dangerous. If we have planes that can drop bombs on people in Iraq, certianly we can air drop supplies into the city. Our goverment is KILLING the people of New Orleans. This is the message I am now sending to all major media sources, national and worldwide, as well as posting to email lists, blogs, etc. The story is getting out that the people there are not getting supplies, but the truth of WHY is not. Please help spread the word, we must get this story out. Please so not let any more of my friends die.

I can be reached at 254.640.8441 - feel free to call me or give my number to any media that needs a contact person to talk to.

Here is my message:

I am a resident of the Bywater in New Orleans (9th Ward). I am one of the lucky ones that was able to evacuate before the storm.

I have recently managed to speak to some friends stranded in New Orleans. They are starving and dehydrating and there is no news of when they will be receiving food and water. I have spoken to relief efforts and understand that there are plenty of supplies waiting for these people, BUT THEY ARE NOT BEING ALLOWED INTO THE CITY.

The National Guard has the city surrounded and is not letting anyone in or out, except the buses being evacuated. The excuse that they can not bring supplies into New Orleans because of the looting and gun fire is not a valid excuse - if they are too afraid to enter the streets of New Orleans, they need to be air dropping supplies into the city. If the United States is capable of sending planes that can withstand enemy fire to drop bombs in Iraq, certainly they are capable of air dropping supplies into a city where the worst of the gunfire they could encouter would be from semi-automatics.

Our government is killing the people of New Orleans. By witholding supplies, they are ensuring more deaths, and I hold them complicit.

Please bring this matter to the attention of the people of the United States. They need to know that New Orleans is deliberatly being denied food and water. Perhaps if the people there had food and water, they might not be shooting off guns.

Please feel free to call me for further information or with any questions. I appreciate your attention to this most serious matter.

I fear for my friends.

Sincerely,

Andrea Garland
Get Your Act On! (getyouracton.com)

On another note, Jeffrey and I are in the process of getting a large vehicle and loading it up with donated supplies needed for longer term cleanup efforts (generators, chain saws, solar cooking equipment, etc.). Some basic info and a paypal link is at Get Your Act On!(getyouracton.com) and more detailed info will be posted later. Please help spread the word about this, as well. We live 6 blocks from one of the hardest hit areas in New Orleans, so we intend to bring these necessary tools to our neighbors.

Also heard that part of the reason our house flooded is they dynamited part of the levee after the first section broke - they did this to prevent Uptown (the rich part of town) from being flooded. Apparently they used too much dynamite, thus flooding part of the Bywater. So now I know who is responsible for flooding my house - not Katrina, but our government.

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Comment by b2flyer — September 4, 2005 @ 12:24 am
hey eklektikone, some brains you got, a state of emgerceny was made for relief efforts, and its really more than bush’s fault that it went wrong, he is a pupet, you can tell all kinds of agency’s to get your ass down there and rescue them but in the end they have to get there, that means drive or fly, sadly that takes time, time, that they dont have for survival, you believe that, bush doesnt care, or is it a media spinned opinion, that he doesnt care, because of how the media is viewing it. he isnt a hero.

Comment by andrew — September 4, 2005 @ 12:25 am
Oh and by the way…a big point made by Kanye was the language the press uses and how it reflects bias and colors perception..there’s a problem with our media and how it invariably shows itself more often than , despite it’s liberal facade, to be just a channel for mainstream detachment from the world it reports on. The media’s coverage is shameful in its sameness. That alone suggests a lack of diversity in vantage points from which news events are seen. The media on its own should have been reporting and noting the racial divide and disparity…but it took people to cry “foul” and even now the media is not reporting and investigating why things are as they are..the media is just reporting like blind lap dogs controversial comments but failing to look into the story of what’s there…Why isn’t one of these late night news shows…putting Bush’s decision to cut funding on blast, giving us an indepth story??? Why — because they don’t care and lack any real vision at all…don’t be fooled by the pseudo-air of objective competency…it’s a facade for a complacency that is so normalized we can’t see it for what it is….my heart cries..and I thank you Kanye West for breaking through the bullshit for just a minute in a Live, but SCRIPTED bullshit ass, media orchestrated event to say something from the heart. And I agree Bush doesn’t give a damn about Blacks. HE doesnt’ give a damn about any poor people, and that includes all races..he only needs our sons and daughters to die while he has a war that is questionable…he’s ruining this country….I wish more news directors and reporters had the same heart and courage Kanye does…maybe then we’d have some more accountability and not end up at war as we are now…GOD BLESS US ALL

Comment by eklektikone — September 4, 2005 @ 12:31 am
Andrew, I am aware there were difficulties getting there due to roads and flooding…but 5 days???? And as for BUSH…I didn’t believe he cared BEFORE this…my opinion is MY OWN, not one that the media shaped…and I hope you’re not seriously thinking BUSH cares about anyone other than his constituency…the affluent and conservative, right wing that put him in office. If you think he cares about the average AMerican, you’re wrong..that affable, incoherent, squabble he passes off as speech laced with Christian cliche is a ploy to relate to some imagined EVERY MAN and god fearing citizen…it’s effective and has many bamboozled..but BUSH wasn’t, isn’t and will never be the common man, everyday guy he tries to portray…just because he’s stupid and inarticulate doesn’t mean he’s not a privileged, blue blood who is happily clueless about the fabric of American life for most people…Kanye, I can admit, made sweeping generalizations which are easily argued against…but in your heart — dont’ you think things would have been handled better if the people waiting weren’t Black??? I mean really, let’s get beyond attacking each other and give me what you really, really thinK? I’m telling you what I feel…I’m not happy to think it but it’s what I think is…and it’s predicated on BUSH’s entire administration and his actions for 9/11 versus this…a natural disaster..

Comment by eklektikone — September 4, 2005 @ 12:40 am
#81, Here we go again with the slavery comments,I guess you’ll always have that race card to throw in.More Christians were perseucuted during the Roman Empire,more Jews were killed during the Holocaust so why dont we go ahead and blame Mr Bush.The bottom line is if we had a white mayor and governor in the state of Louisiana at the time we probably wouldn’t be having this discussion right now! Keep your comments coming I’m enjoying the ignorance.

Comment by roland — September 4, 2005 @ 12:42 am
true,elke- but would you agree that its hard for senetors and politicians and the president these days can agree collectively on anything to help,aid and let the people prosper, in whats supposed to be a free demogracy, for the people.

Comment by andrew — September 4, 2005 @ 12:48 am
The female governor looks plenty white to me! And the mayor was playing the race card to cover up his own ineptitude in all of this. It IS his city, isn’t it?

Comment by P — September 4, 2005 @ 12:49 am
Yes, I agree..politically it’s never been more divided and partisan…that wedge is there because Bush’s administration really have a closed mind…bottomline is this..people like me and you..have to recognize we are one..we’re connected..we’re family..all of us stuck here on planet earth…and more specifically here…AMERICANS…I’m praying for our country and the world and I appreciate you for being willing to engage with me in a thoughtful way…and I love all of y’all for coming on here and at least spending some time thinking about and respondind to the issues..we could be a great country for real..if we all just cared more about each other and less about status and things….Andrew…Im going to bed but I wish you well.

Comment by eklektikone — September 4, 2005 @ 12:53 am
thanks as well, but one thing to add i think it goes deeper than just bushs administration, its buracurcy period. and yes if we work together, and not look at status, and help one another,we could be great.

Comment by andrew — September 4, 2005 @ 12:59 am
Actions speak louder than words…

Bush says he cares about all americans, yet his actions
1. commit many men of all colors to death for “various” reasons
2. takes his time to respond to our countries disasters (both 911 and N.O.)
3. tried to cut servicemen’s monies and death benefits (in war time?)
4. Just after 9/11 Bush actually went to NY and stood on the site of the Trade Towers- but mearly flew over Katrina areas (and 5 days after the event)
5. Aid from the US to Tsunami victims was at least twice as fast as to domestic destruction from Katrina.

The racism angle being played is not new. The US media regularly plays the race card as a matter of standard procedure. Only recently were descriptions of accused people limited to simply male or female. The previous choices were “young male” (meaning white) and “young Black male,” clearly showing the news was from a white perspective, If the news is from the perspective of ANY one race it is automatically biased towards other races. Racsicm in a society is often propelled by a universal sense of “them” and “us.”

Kanye doesn’t have to be a saint to speak the truth of what is going on. Only in the American system of jusice is someone’s testimony discredited by what he does for a living. So what if Kanye makes money on his music- selling his product doesn’t mean he takes advantage of “The Black Community.” Nor does his success make him a hypocrit when calling for US governmental equality in how it treats her citizens. Race shouldn’t be an issue, but the truth is that most whites can only describe a Black friend as “black”; but can describe a white friend as, blonde, funny, tall and many other adjectives. If you cannot see this, then you are part of the probem.

Comment by Chris — September 4, 2005 @ 1:00 am
If the $$ would have not been cut, the levy would have been repaired for $14b and this would not even have happened. I think every American should be outraged by what they have witnessed this past week. This is America, not a third world country. Bush should be impeached for his lack of leadership. Let’s all hope that another attack or natural disaster doesn’t hit why he is still in office.

Comment by jo — September 4, 2005 @ 1:20 am
I think it is about class and race….did he have to cut his vacation short to fly down and ‘analyze’ the situation FOUR days to late? AND where is our wonderful Vice President Dick at? The worst natural disaster in American history and where has he been this entire time? Let me guess…he decided not to cut his vacation short?

Comment by j — September 4, 2005 @ 1:27 am
Well, the term “Long live George Bush” is pretty much null and void. You are only subject to 2 terms in office and G. Bush’s term will meet its demise in less than 3 years. Kanye West’s career is not in Jeopardy being that a good 99.9% of his fans are African American and heard nothing short of what they believed in the first place. Even if this were not the case, it’s Kanye Wests opinion. If Oprah Winfrey were to say, “don’t drink Coke but Pepsi”, and I preferred Coke, I’d drink Coke regardless of the comment Ms. Winfrey set forth, and still would not comclude watching the Oprah Winfrey show. I think the problem is people think because George Bush is the president of the United States, that it’s absurd and inappropriate to mutter anything but angelic, positive things about him. Bad news, that’s not going to happen. The number of americans who believe what Kanye West saying “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” was the worst thing they’ve ever heard, there’s worse. So keep your diapers on and fastened, you’re in for a bumpy ride, kids.

Comment by American Citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 1:28 am
hey quackmire,above,even so, but your suggesting he doesnt like a whole race, for the fact, that it toke to damn long to get the fuckers in there to rescue them, yes theres worse things said, and you should keep your pantys on. We all have a bumpy crapy road.as for kanye who cares bout his career.download.

Comment by American citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 1:37 am
Hahah, I barely understood any of the words you just put together (to the guy above).. but you’ll be ok, I promise. Peace to all and to all a goodnight. I love each and every one of you.

Comment by Another American Citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 1:46 am
I am sick of how a few in our society insist on using the “race card”, albeit black or white. I had nothing to do with what my great-great-great grandfather did to your great-great-great grandfather. Would an apology from a white person be enough? Would it change back time? Or would you find another reason to hate me and still ask for that handout. I’m thinking that nothing anyone could do would ever be enough. All of us are taught by our parents or whomever to think this way or act that way. Someone has to be the bigger man here and drop the “race card” out of the picture. Can’t we all learn to get along? Agree to disagree? Believe we have the ability and power in ourselves to change our way of thinking and succeed in life?
By the way, where is Jessie Jackson, Pat Robertson, Al Sharpton or anyone else who is stupid enough to hide behind the “race card”? I don’t see them bringing water or helping these suffering people. Or donating their pile of $. Apparently, Kanye’s pile is so big he doesn’t even know how much money he has. Didn’t he check the balance before he came on the show. And where was the governor and all those that makeup the black caucus. I’m thinking they were home taking a shower, eating and sleeping soundly so they would have the energy to point the finger at the white man and start all of this arguing, while their “own” are dying. Mostly white men, like Geraldo and Shepherd, were out there begging the outside world to send help.
I sincerely thought Kenya was smarter than what he is. TIME magazine thought so too! But what an idiot. He was given a platform in which to help “his” people , but he chose to be stupid and selfish. Leave your learned hatred in your lyrics and have the compassion that true christians have. Remember those who point the finger have three pointing back!

Comment by just a girl — September 4, 2005 @ 1:59 am
She may be just a girl, but she just kicked #92-#95’s ass in this debate. George Bush is quite possibly the greatest leader this country will ever have. We are all very lucky to have him as our commander-in-chief. Whom do you think should be our leader and why?

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 3:00 am
your silence speaks volumes

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 3:05 am
I would like to thank Kanye West for saying whats been on the minds of millions of african americans throughout this whole catastrophy. It’s about time! And to let this just blow away in time would be an injustice to all of us. And I would also like to inform all of the other minority groups in this country. You see what this government is doing to us and we have fought every civil rights battle known to this countrys minority history “imagine when your turn comes about”

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 6:26 am
The chinese and european govt appearently feel the same way as kanye and other african-americans. they have said not only what african-americans are saying but are saying way more brutal things about our government. a note to all african americans.. Learn a second language either asian or european because in 07′ a great majority of you may get an incredible opportunity. you are all (af-american)considered an endangered species and other contries have got your backs. I just heard about these talks on the radio. Its a bit confusing. but could be a cool thing.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 7:11 am
I guess anonymous #101 speaks for “millions” of African-Americans. Wow! I can only speak for myself, but I really believe that the human spirit conquers all when it comes to human suffering. I still can’t believe that there are intelligent people out there who honestly think that Bush sat on this thing to deliberately kill thousands of blacks.
I do know what it’s like to wallow in my own self pity; that’s what I did as a teenager when my parents grounded me. At least I grew up. And I would like to hear from some of the other minority groups. There were plenty of Asian-Americans and Mexican-Americans in New Orleans, and I doubt they see things as you do.
I am so sick of blacks crying racism that I feel like I’m going to puke. But I know you won’t listen to me, so check out Leonard Pitts’ most recent column. He’s a Black newspaper columnist who’s figured it out. Or listen to Bill Cosby. You might learn something.

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 7:14 am
P.S. If you think alligning yourself with the Chinese will advance your human rights, try going over to China and expressing your freedom of speech.

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 7:27 am
I dont know whats worse, the disaster or that even after that event there is a strong majority of us that feel blacks should shut-up and not speak up. It is their time to mourn as they have lost hundreds of thousands and nothing was done to help them and at this moment it is our sole obligation as the majority to shut the heck up and mourn with them as we all have lost.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 7:36 am
Well when you accuse the President of purposefully letting people die, you better put up or shut up. Speaking up is fine, but realize that this was a natural disaster that was compounded by a breach in the levee. When you start blaming people for natural disasters you have lost all credibility. Give me some proof. After all is said and done, the people who have suffered through this are the only ones whose opinion matters.

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 7:52 am
“After all is said and done, the people who have suffered through this are the only ones whose opinion matters.” - Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 7:52 am

And even then, reggie, the majority is gonna just tell the victims to shut up and be lucky their lives were spared. I’ve seen this before, my friend.

hey reggie. how long did it take the government to hop on 911? Do you know what the tusgeege experiment was? Did we not jump on the recent natural diasaster? Why did it take 5 days to get to N.O? Why was the mayor of N.O asked to endure a lengthy process when he requested aid?
Why wasnt this process required durring 911?

Who decides when to send military into battle? Who decides when to send military into a destroyed state? Who decides how many troops to send? The people sure as hell dont call these shots. And whatever the mayor requests, the government gets the final say in what is actually given to a state as proven recently.

Comment by sloberbeast — September 4, 2005 @ 8:24 am
actually slober. the people do call when the military goes in, for the national guard,its the state govenor, as for the number, i would imagine its the particilar general or commander that says who goes where. As for 911, it was not on the southern coast of our counrtry, it was by our nations capital, unforntuately giving better response time for them, and jack ass, their wasnt flooding waters prohibiting rescue in 911, not giving an excuse for why it took so damn long, but try not having a communication system, having to drive blindly in the coast area, hoping the path isnt blocked, and then figuring out, if you can make it through water, and if its good further ahead. Yes we have choppers,and boatrs and that leads to why the hell, it took so long? probably no chain of command, with in the state officials to speak up, besides the mayor cussing bout get the fuck off our asses and fix this nations biggest fuck up.

Comment by American citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 8:40 am
not that its comforting now,cause it should have happened sooner, most of city is empty now

Comment by American citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 9:14 am
Tjhink about the response time for these events. Oklahoma City, the WTC, and the Pentagon were events each in ONE location!!! It is very easy to activate the necessary people to react to these tragedies. Hurricanes, by definition, cover vast areas and wreak havoc over many states and even countries. New Orleans was hardly the only place hit, and they are NOT the only people needing help. So, using the logic of some above, Bush killed people in Mississippi because he didn’t fix the levees in NO??? A lot of manpower from many states has to be mobilized and a lot of material has to be brought in my many people. The allegations of a delayed response just because it affected the poor populations is asinine at best, and racist at worst.

Comment by P — September 4, 2005 @ 10:09 am
#101- If you feel that because or “Your Race,” injustice is being served, I suggest that you notify, “Your Race,” local and state official’s and see what they have to say!!

Comment by lee — September 4, 2005 @ 10:50 am
#110- Point well taken!

Comment by lb — September 4, 2005 @ 11:01 am
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES…

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 12:44 pm
#85 Take a look at all the national guardsman (white) putting their lives in jeopardy to protect the black people from violence against black people.I’m sure they HAVE OTHER PRIOR ENGAGMENTS TO ATTEND TO RATHER THAN WATCH THESE ANIMALS DESTROY THE MORAL OF THE CITY BY RAPING THE INNOCENT AND PREYING ON THE WEAK.wHAT HAPPENED TO THE mILLION mAN mARCH FIVE YEARS AGO IN wASHINGTON ,TO ME IT WAS AN EXCUSE TO TAKE THE DAY OFF OF WORK RATHER THAN A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.hOW QIUCKLY WE FORGOT!wHY SHOULD bUSH CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHEN YOUR OWN COLOR WOULD STAB HIS oWN MOTHER IN THE BACK FOR A HALF PINT OF RIPPLE.

Comment by BOBBY JOE — September 4, 2005 @ 1:32 pm
Funny how such an eloquent rapper is downgraded to bumbling stutterer on national TV. What an idiot!

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 1:44 pm
bobby joe, gotta go, back under that rock, that you thought was save to come out from, views are tart at best. a president should care about its citizens no matter, the creed,character, or color of our make-up. you toke the day off, cause you didnt see what the campaign was about.As for the white guards men comment, we have a duty, and obligiation to the people, to aid and rescue, there is no other place i wanna be, point blank….. don’t let individuals,steal the spotlight and allow goods things from taking place. donate, spread love, and help.

Comment by Andrew — September 4, 2005 @ 1:47 pm
It still amazes me that people try to characterize anyone who brings up race as an issue as them playing the “race card”. In america we suffer from the syndrome of being willing to accept that racism exist but no one wants to admit they are a racist. I dont not believe that all white people are racist nor do I believe that all things that happen to black people are a direct result of racial policy but there has to be some point at which people can just accept that race does play a role in decisions about large groups of minorities. They will target MS-13 (Gangs made up of what they believe are Latin American Immigrants) for what they deem “terrorist activities” but the Klu Klux Klan is still burning crosses on peoples front laws with little recourse. Wake up people and realize that we can never escape race as an issue at best we can home to have it become something that people are willing to tolerate in America.

Also the idea that the government governs blindly and race is never a factor is simplistic. Anyone suggesting that should take a look at COINTELPRO (the task force set up to dismantle the black panther party). What Kanye said was correct could he have used a different medium perhaps and maybe his timing was off but you have to respect a man who is willing to speak about what he feels. All you Bush supporters who criticize Kanye for having convictions about what he fells are the same to explain that Bush is a good president because he stands behind his religious convictions on Gay Marriage and Stem Cell Research. Apparently if you are a white man with convictions you are noble and a black man with convictions is characterized as an IDIOT.

Its time to acknowledge that race played a role and try to find solutions to the race problem it has only be a few years since the LA Riots and the division in thought behind OJ Simpson. Whether people will ever know if race played a role in the delay in response is unimportant as to the perception of people believing it played a role. Perception is reality regardless whether we like it or not and if 13% of the population believes there is a race problem then like it or not there is a race problem

Comment by Alex — September 4, 2005 @ 2:10 pm
Comment by Louis — September 3, 2005 @ 8:32 pm
Louis said: - #52 Your not sure how are country works?Weve been there for every major relief effort ever started and raised more money to victims outside the USA.Please stop boring us with your stupid links (that nobodys reading anyway).Where does England stand on,get back to us when the checks in the mail,until then please give it a rest.

Hey Louis, #52 here…it’s called irony you retard, and what the fuck are you talking about when you say you’ve raised more money etc… have you ever wondered how much wealth you guys have sucked out of other people & the earth in your short time of existence? – If somebody steals $10 from a man, should that man be pleased that he gave him 20 cents back when he was destitute?

Mate, frankly I don’t give a fuck what you personally think, but I believe there are good people in America and they just don’t know how the world perceives them.
I’ve seen your news, and I see the news in Europe… It’s unbelievable the crap and lies you lot are fed and it seems that most of you willingly swallow… soon you’ll all be bending over and taking it too.

Anyway, back to the business in hand, & so I’ll give the info to you again - http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/ this time read the link pal, I’m sorry it’s not in a single sound bite like how you patently like it, but try real hard to read the first five paragraphs – then look at the date it was published – then sit real still and try to think (you know what that is don’t ya?) – and if you’re smarter than I suspect you are – you’ll work out exactly who fucked up (I’ll give you clue – it weren’t the ‘black’ mayor) Mmm Kayyy!

America is in trouble… Wake up arsehole, the whole world is beginning to hate you and it ain’t your fault, its coz you’re kept ignorant!

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 2:12 pm
#108 - YOU FAILED… MISERABLY…. jackass!

Comment by sloberbeast — September 4, 2005 @ 2:14 pm
At a time when all Americans are coming together as one, this poor fool has nothing better to do than throw in the race card for public attention. Regardless, I would still extend my white hand to his in order to rescue him from certain death. Let us stop this foolish behavior and do something constructive to help these victims.Americans in need. Our people, not my people as refered to by Mr.West.

Comment by Daniel — September 4, 2005 @ 2:20 pm
#118 you areabsolutly correct in what you just said. And people are not reading that link because they love being ignorant. The whole world already hates america and its sad that the majority of us are ignorant to even that. i’ve got one word for you, ROME. We are mirroring them, it seems. Preach on, mate… I hear you loud and clear.

#105- AMAN to that !! I hear ya!

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 2:24 pm
#104 the yuan is slowly rising against the dollar, china has the biggest army to date ( including an all female army), and if you were in china you would be good to keep your freedom of speech ideas to yourself and be a respectable tourist. If america was destroyed and China opened its doors to your victims, would you go? Ofcourse you would. Freedom of speech is the ultimate reason why americans are so cocky, repulsive and rude on a global scale. and if your economy was good….. yeah, Rome. Thats hauntingly correct.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 2:35 pm
#118 The Queens a Wenker

Comment by Louis — September 4, 2005 @ 2:36 pm
kanye doesn’t care about white people

Comment by reggie — September 4, 2005 @ 2:39 pm
actually slober, i didnt but if you tell that to your self to sleep,ok.

Comment by citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 2:44 pm
your name should be more like the sloberingidoit, or sloberinglimpdick.

Comment by citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 2:50 pm
Name calling, eh citizen? your reprsenting the people of this great nation quite well.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 3:09 pm
Who cares if Kanye was about to cry. Id cry to if i knew it was gonna boost my sales up a couple hundred thousand. Im tired of everything being about race in this country. I am white but was adopted by the sweetest black woman you will ever meet. she is my mother and she is now 85 years of age. when she heard kanyes comments last night she was more than furious. someone should tell kanye that not all black people are behind him just because he thinks hes standing up for them. now im not bush fan, believe me. but to call someone a racist on live tv with not basis to do so…is moronic and cowardly. Kanye is the real golddigger. lets play the race card to boost my sales. hey im black maybe if i cry out racist more blacks will buy my shit. idiot.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 3:24 pm
why thanks

Comment by citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 3:26 pm
Kanye said “Bush dosent care about black people” not “Bush is a racist”. Those are two blantantly diffrent things.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 3:28 pm
How dare someone say something like that in a FREE COUNTRY (go kayne!).

Comment by terressa — September 4, 2005 @ 3:39 pm
What solid proof or evidence does anyone have that Bush doesn’t like black people?? Actually, he probably doesn’t.. and I don’t blame him. Black people are loud, obnoxious sons of bitches. Black girls are loud and stupid and black guys try to get with anything that has a fucking vagina. I dispise black people.. and I was raised in a family that taught acceptance. F THAT! I know how black people are.. they are animals.

Comment by Anonymous — September 4, 2005 @ 3:54 pm
Despite the negative comments here against Kanye West, I commend him for what he did. People here want to defend President Bush, but don’t know jack shit. The President doesn’t care about blacks at all.

No one here knows anything about how the blacks are being dogged out after the disaster. People here are saying Kanye West opinions don’t count, but…Unless you go there to really experience the lack of food, toilets, help and so forth that the people are suffering through….your opinion doesn’t count. You don’t know about the run around that the people are getting…or about the paper work that must be filled out in order to get proper help although some are illiterate, which make them have to wait longer. Racism clearly still exists in this world, and for the blacks here who are blind and think not, you need to wake up! So before you throw out names, saying he’s an idiot and stupid for what he did, ask your self a question, what the hell are you doing?? Unless you’re doing something spectacular to stop the hate and help the black community to come together, and to get people of all colors help one another out equally, then you have no place to say anything about anybody.

Comment by Keisha — September 4, 2005 @ 4:19 pm
#127 dont worry much about that person. Being a fat, spoiled kid at a time like this sucks anyways. hahahah.

Comment by sloberbeast — September 4, 2005 @ 4:47 pm
I have served this country for 25 years and in a moments notice deployed to South West Asia within a 24 hour period. You cannoth tell me why help could not have been deployed 7 states away. Oh and I live in the stated next to the white house. Kanye West spoke the truth in everyword that he said. Like it or not

Comment by Soldier — September 4, 2005 @ 5:38 pm
How in the world can you (Keisha) commend someone for stating the UNobvious? And if all the people that “want to defend President Bush” don’t know jack, how is it that you do? I take it that you, Kanye West, and everyone else here blaming the President have had personal, first-hand conversations with him where he, trusting in you as the close-knit pals you are, confided to you that he really doesn’t care about Blacks.

You can preach all you want to “get people of all colors to help one another out equally”, but by COMMENDING someone who obviously is against this notion, what kind of results do you expect? The minute a racist remark is made - towards anyone of any color - the propogation of racisim recycles itself and lines are redrawn. People in this country are making great strides towards overcoming what has been taught them from their parents and grandparents, and for someone to go on national television and accuse a White person they do not know personally of hating Blacks - well, that just puts us all back to square one, doesn’t it. It is unfortunate, that racism is heard more from Blacks than Whites - and yes, maybe it’s harder for Blacks to overcome the notion that this we’re not living in he 1800’s anymore - but overcoming this is a must for our country’s future. Remarks like Kanye’s are uncalled for, unwanted, and unnecessary in the face of this disaster. Our countrymen and women need a hand, not someone up on a soapbox trying to divide lines and point the wrong finger.

Notwithstanding the obvious (that the Mayor & Governor should have had their emergency plan in place and evacuated the city mandatorily), I am confident that if anyone could have organized an evacuation sooner after the flood it would have been done. Florida calls for mandatory evacutations year after year when a hurricane threatens, and when Katrina hit a 3, and was headed towards New Orleans, the Mayor should have utilized all public transportation means to get his people out (those without transportation). It has been known for tens of years that the levy would not hold in an overpowering storm and that the lower part of the city would be worst hit - with this knowledge, definately yes, the MAYOR and/or LA GOVERNOR should have evacuated those people. These individuals can be blamed directly for a bigger disaster than should have been, and they should take responsibility.

Let’s just get right down to it then….all this bantering back and forth is really Democrats defending Democratic officials, and like always, instead of accepting blame for their mistakes, would rather point the finger at Republicans.

Yes, I have been a flood victim in the past - swam throught the street in chest-high water, lost all that I owned, had no food, little help, had to find a new place to live and fill out all that paperwork you mention - so according to you my opinion counts.

What about yourself or Kanye? Been swimming in muck lately - or ever?

Comment by An American — September 4, 2005 @ 5:59 pm
U THINK U KNOW ME SLOBER,SPOILED MY ASS,FAT-NO SORRY NOT LIKELY, #127 YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT IDOITS LIKE SLOBER

Comment by citizen — September 4, 2005 @ 6:14 pm
I am #101! And to all of those who say that race is not an issue has to be of another color. We can help out countries all over the world in relief funds which is taking billions of our tax paying dollars. When can we get some help here. Well we have other countries trying to help us out but yet they are refused. Can you answer that! Yes to the majority speaking writers out there, if you don’t want to help these people and your american pride is so high that you refuse the help of other countries what are you really saying. You guys always say “playing the race card” Well it is what it is and that’s the way we are going to take it. You just want to throw us a bone and shut us up! If we don’t speak up who will do it for us. And to those who are talking smack about other minorities in this country. Yes they should be highly involved in

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NBC pulls Kanye West comments

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