Kanye

You may have noticed my blast - the infamous quote from Kanye West from last week's relief fundraiser. I didn't put it there to be inflammatory but it was the first thing that came to mind.
So much of what we see is so scripted and controlled it was good to see someone speak from the heart. I commend him for being brave enough to say what was on his mind.

It's too horrible to think that race played a part in the relief efforts. I would be interested in an analysis of the relief effort timeline and press coverage. It wouldn't surprise me to find that it did - we all know there are racial and income polarities/disparities in this country.

In spite of my overall feelings for GW - I think it will be hard to pin the wrap on him for what's happened down south. Does he appoint the head of FEMA? At the very least, I'm sure that phone calls were exchanged between the President and the head of FEMA and only the two of them will know the level of concern on those calls.

I've seen some of the net noise about some images that were shown on Yahoo news with some captions that have incensed some folks (rightfully so, if they are true). Does anyone have confirmation if the are factual?

Intelligent dialogue is welcome on this subject - esp. any links to well-written articles.
I definitely think that all of the press coverage of 'looting and lawlessness' could affect the average person's sympathy response. If the press paints a picture of a bunch of lawless savages, I'm sure most americans are going to feel reluctant to send their hard earned cash for relief efforts.

At the end of the day we must each examine our own conscience to decipher our own reaction to what's happened in Alabama, Louisiana et al. IF, it was one of immediate compassion and action then sleep soundly that you're work is done (at least in this arena). If not, perhaps it's back to the drawing board.

For me, I think I have some work. While I cried as I watched the footage it took me four days to donate to the Red Cross. Even if you account for the two days I was waiting for payday that's still two days that I did nothing but watch.

It wasn't until I saw a specific little boy talking to the press that I broke down and actually parted with my cash.

I am ashamed of that and do wish it was immediately apparent to me how I could do more.