Thanks Arlo!!!!

Looking forward to Arlo's amending of CONY. I remember his remarks following 9/11 and referred to them often. It's not that we're lost without him, it is just that we are comforted by his ability to transcend the realm of mediocrity and carry us to a place of better understanding and empowerment. We cry for all those lost souls and those who must suffer their circumstances along the coast, but somtimes songs, especially when sung by ourselves or our friends can can "take a sad song and make it better."

By the way, there is a power struggle going on between the Feds and the LA governor regarding who should be in charge. The Red Cross has association w/ the feds, yet they are not yet allowed to enter the city. Another fund has been set up so monies can go directly to the victims in LA, and so the state can retain its support and influence in the situation. I gave $$$ to the Red Cross earlier in the week, and I'm not sorry I did, but perhaps you'd want to know about this agency that may more immediately support the people-- or at least sooner than the feds can get around to it read more about it here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4627048 or get in touch directly w/ the agency:
Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, Inc.
Fed. Tax ID No. 20-3399944
c/o Division of Administration
1201 North Third Street, Suite 7-240
P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
Inquiries may be directed to: LouisianaRecovery@la.gov

http://www.katrina.louisiana.gov/donate.htm

THIS FUND IS IMPORTANT FOR TWO REASONS...

1. Relief goes right to victims
2. MONEY HELPS LOUISIANA KEEP IT'S INDEPENDENCE

I think it is an issue of race because it is the poor people who don't have a choice, therefore african-americans have to be the largest group of the underpriviliged. But there surely are other minorities who are poor. So maybe the racism isn't colour-based but money-based. If e.g. Beverly Hills was in a danger like that I tend to believe that precautions and help would have been different.
I would like to understand what Jesse Jackson ment by saying that the word "refugees" was a discriminating word. I cannot see it. Did he explain?

There are people of every color and ability who choose to stay in New Orleans, and all kinds who tried to get out. They are going to try to get everyone out during the clean-up, but my guess is that many won't leave voluntarily. I can't see any thing going on that has anything to do with racism. Only opportunists like Jesse Jackson whose major contribution is to criticize the word refugee suggesting that it shows a racist attitude by media - he says refugee means they come from foreign countries. My father was called a "dust bowl refugee" and no one thought he came from Buttf*&^istan. These are people in need of refuge from the storm - the word is correct, and Jackson is just being an idiot, if you ask me.

Wow, Arlo... I agree with you! Amazing how bad things bring out the good in some and the worst in others. Jackson's slant is to incite... and there's already been enough of that.

I first heard the word "refugee" being used in this situation from my husband Lance. He said that at the PA state offices, they already have a policy in place for any refugees who come up here (he works for the welfare department).

I can't see a problem with the word. What is wrong with saying someone is seeking refuge if in fact, they are? Jessie's kind of making up a connotation.

I'm speechless...

Petie... is that a good thing?

Its seems sometimes those that are speechless should speak,then on the other hand.....
Thoughts and prayers for those affected by the hurricane

I agree with Arlo too, Jackson, while he DOES do good, certainly seems to 'step in it' now and then, and this time is major doo-doo for him.

It keeps my foot out of my mouth.

But seriously, the media is sticking a mike in front of everyone they can find, this is such a big story. It's hard to blame JJ for chewing on his toes a little. I hope I would SAY the right thing, if anyone asked me. But more important is to DO the right things...

Actually, when I think about it, Jesse is right on message, here. Back in 1972 at my high school assembly he had a few thousand of us repeating "I AM SOMEBODY." That is what he has always been about! Let's remember that all these storm victems are SOMEBODIES.

Otherwise, all we will call them will be refugees!

It's hard to know what I can do about this so I will refrain from judging those who are actually doing something.

I think you hit the nail on the head Petie / I don't think being called A Dust Bowl Refugee was a very good thing to be called in good old Californee / if you got across the border without getting your head knocked in or off / words and names mean different things to different people at different times / Somebody / I like that / SOMEBODY / yeah / Somebody / that could be me if I would have been a Somebody

Far away in Germany actually, watching the news on tv I try to express my feelings about it all in some lines of this famous song. I hope you don´t mind...

City of New Orleans

Riding through the city of New Orleans
watching people strolling in the sun.
Everything so beautiful and gentle
like a paradise for each and everyone.
All along the roads to Jackson Square
I meet with all the people there
and catch a smile from strangers passing by.
Easing down the avenues
to bars where people sing the blues
and the Mississippi river rolling under the sky.

CHORUS:
Good morning America where are you?
Take a look at what was done to me tonight!
I´m the town they call the city of New Orleans,
and I need your help to rise and see the light.

We had dark days as I look back down the river.
There were many times in history when we failed.
Some of our wealth was build on blood and warfare
and the poor souls bound by slavery and jails.
But we came across these bitter times
and rose above the simple minds
who think the world is made of white and black!
No other place in this bright world
is more colorful than our big ol´ girl
called New Orleans - and we want to have her back!

CHORUS

There´s a hurricane some people called Katrina
and she hit our lady as she lay asleep.
She blew away the big ease and the sunshine
left us to drown with nothing else to keep.
People dieing in the flood
while scoundrels steal what others got,
its terrible what chaos does to man!
Although I know there still is hope
when we stick together and pull the rope,
there is a chance for us to come to life again!

CHORUS


I feel so much sorrow for the victims and I admire this American spirit of "we shall overcome whatever it is". All the best for you all!