A Different Color Makes A Difference

Greg Palast says it all when he asks, "What color is your disaster? It makes a difference. A life and death difference."
He compares and contrasts these features of the disasters that hit New Orleans and Southern California:
Population of San Diego fire evacuation zone: 500,000
Population of the New Orleans flood evacuation zone: 500,000
White folk as a % of evacuees, San Diego: 66%
Black folk as % of evacuees, New Orleans: 67%
Evacuees in San Diego, in poverty: 9%
Evacuees in New Orleans, in poverty: 27%

Greg is kind enough to provide perspective on the response of power to these catastrophes as he reminds us of how George W. made his appearance in N.O. from 1,700 feet up, but was firmly on the ground in Southern Cal. with big man Arnold as he expressed his confidence in the big man to lead an effective response, unlike the Gov. of N.O. who he sought to scapegoat for the incompetent response to their disaster.
But what many don't know, thanks to the complicity of the media, is that G.W. and FEMA were well informed about the impending levee break at least 15 hours prior (recorded on video where Bush asks scant questions and demonstrates luke warm concern, which I personally saw.) Neither informed the Governor or the state police until well after the breaks were complete. In addition, Greg's research revealed that the Department of Homeland Security's FEMA privatized the evacuation planning, turning it over to a private company with limited experience in these matters for 1 million dollars. As Greg learned, "the crew of crony contractors...came up with a plan that came down to, If a hurricane comes, get in your car and drive like hell.”
"In California, plans were in place, money poured down with the flame retardant, and no one is suggesting that Mel Gibson move his swastika collection to a FEMA trailer."
It goes without saying that what is being addressed here is none other than a class war.
Class war as seen in disaster response is not new. As Greg points out the same prejudice was seen when Billy was administrator of the nation as he foot the bill for rebuilding the homes of Westhampton Dunes after the flood there.
Greg concludes:
"So let me not forget to report the war’s body count:
New Orleans flood deaths: 1,577.
California celebrity fire deaths: 11 (at time of posting)"

For the full story see: http://www.gregpalast.com/