Will it fall out of the consciousness of the American people like 9.11 has? Will Bush, Brown, Chertoff, and all of these criminally negligent opportunists now be forgiven for their crimes?
Sure looks that way to me.
I don't see any outrage regarding the slow response anymore. I don't see any sort of repercussions being felt by those in FEMA or Homeland Security. I don't even see anyone calling for aid for these people anymore. It is as if once the media decides the crisis is over and the opportunists have raised enough money for their coffers, people go back into selfish mode in this country.
It surely is a breath taking blow to the consciences of those who see beyond the media soundbites in this country... For the people who do not forget what these people are living through everyday, and what they will be living with for years to come. And most especially for those living it.
For this was not just a storm that blew out some powerlines. This was a tragedy of immense proportions that uprooted peoples' very lives. People who had lived in that area their entire lives who now must start over, many of them with absolutely nothing. People who have no jobs. No homes. No souls, because living there was what made their souls soar. They are separated from their families. They are being assimilated into environments strange to them. (And really, is anyone paying attention to those sent to FEMA CAMPS?)
And they must now deal with a cold indifferent government apparatus that treats its own people like criminals. And this will now also have a deadly effect on our environment for years to come. Yet, no real outrage. I am absolutely stunned by it to be sure.
However, here so many Americans sit, waiting for some phoney, overly made up, perfectly coiffed corporate media crony to tell them whether it is OK to care or not, and move them onto the next thing they have to concern themselves. It seems as if the emotions of many Americans are turned on and off along with their televison remotes.
Al Gore was right in the respect that television has indeed slowed political discourse in this country, but it has also done something else. It has turned many Americans into emotionless uncaring drones. They think because the media isn't broadcasting it anymore, that somehow everything is now OK.
It is the one main reason why I will no longer watch ANY media cable channels. I don't really watch tv much in general, but did watch cable news occassionally. I simply cannot do it anymore. I am sick of the soundbites. The phoniness. The perfect smiles hiding the indifference. The corporate run BS outlets that pump nothing but propaganda and politically skewed hogwash along with advertisements geared to subliminally brainwashing me into thinking I need the sh** they peddle.
So I suppose since the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast of our country are no longer important to the corporations that run this media in collusion with the Bush administration who tries to get all they can out of it for themselves, it isn't considered of enough importance to report on it any longer ( unless of course, it is to be used to get votes)... Well, tell that to those in the Gulf Coast who still cry out for help. I personally think that voting is the LAST thing on their minds.
Here's a reminder:
And don't forget to give, those of you out here who do have hearts and aren't run by your television sets.
I am also not telling you to give to America's Second Harvest by posting the link here. They are however, the most reputable organization when it comes to feeding hungry Americans based on my personal experience with them, and that is why I link to them here. It matters not where you choose to give, just please do what you can as there are still many people in need.
America's Second Harvest