Race and Rescue Remembered in Katrina Relief Response
By: Lance Winslow
There are many African Americans asking some tough questions in the relief and rescue response after Hurricane Katrina. Some claim that had it been white folks that there would have been much faster response. Did race play a factor in the untimely response of Hurricane Katrina in the City of New Orleans or was it more of a logistical issue as all the roads were out, communication gone and city flooded like a half filled bowl of soup?
Most agree with the President, FEMA and Condolezza Rice’s thoughts on this particular point with regards to “race and rescue.” They stand firm that race had nothing to do with the time in response. Indeed most Americans believe the same, that race had nothing to do with it. If I were flying a helicopter and saw a black grandma waving and on another roof a white 20’s something, you bet the black lady would get my rescue basket. I would hope that would be the same for all rescuers, I trust it would thru common decency and good decision-making. I agree with Condi Rice’s point of contention, yet, also believe if someone says otherwise let us hear their views, challenge them, perhaps they might make us aware of some real issues we have in our nation.
Blaming My President for a manufactured race card issue during Hurricane Katrina is silly even if someone made such a choice of rescuing whites over blacks, certainly the President would not make such a choice or even condone it. As a matter of fact he made a surprise visit to MLK’s gravesite on a special day, without notice to PR media. Mrs. Bush made it clear he does not think like that about Black Americans, they were offended. Can you blame them, wouldn’t you be offended also.
Now then if someone has something to say, well let’s hear it. If they claim that African Americans were skipped over during the rescue and relief efforts then lets discuss facts, not attacks. If it is wrong, lets debate it, challenge their claims, but let’s hear it. If it is really wrong, but not threatening it will bring on comments and a National Discussion on the other side. Many have also written Hurricane Katrina articles mentioning the wrongful challenges of the Race Card in the middle of the rescue and clean-up efforts. If someone has a complaint, let’s hear it. Because rumors and innuendos of race during such a serious disaster are divisive and serve no one.
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