While COVID-19 is taking up all the airtime and headlines Lt Gen. Russel Honore’ reminds us to pay attention to what will save lives.
He points out we need to pay attention to what this administration is doing to the environment. The EPA rollbacks of environmental protections are impacting all of us but people of color and the poor are hit the hardest. Toxic waste dumps and chemical companies are usually located on or near Reservations and in low income neighborhoods.
Oil, gas and Petrochemical companies can now let more pollution into the air and water because of the EPA rollbacks. He warns that we can’t allow that to happen. These stories are the stories that are not being told that will impact lives. The impact of pollution is weakened immune systems less able to fight COVID-19 and other diseases.
He challenges the media to focus on what the Governors are saying, focus on the real stories. We’re being distracted by stories on what the death rate is going to be, if we should quarantine instead of chasing logistics. The government doesn’t know what they have or when it’s going to be sent out.
Williams Parish has the highest death rate per capita. The City of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana is on track to become the next epic center of the crisis. The people in an area known as Cancer Alley have compromised immune and respiratory systems because of pollution.
Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who served as the Joint Taskforce Commander during Hurricane Katrina, stresses the need to focus on logistics and concerns New Orleans will be the next epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. Lt. Gen. Russel Honore’ warns us to keep our eye on the ball.
Background:
An environmental crusader Lt. Gen. Russel Honore’ Gulf War Vet now an environmental crusader.
His final advice to Craig Melvin “stay away from the political narrative, and test, test, test. “