The story that will emerge from the aftermath of Katrina and the abysmal relief effort of the government includes poor black and white folk. The numbers of poor white folk in and around New Orleans are not known - and the images in New Orleans are mostly of black folk...the images of Mississippi and Alabama are mostly of white folk. These depictions are not accurate and are misleading. Still, the number of poor white Americans unable to rely on their government is significant.
What of the consequences? Will this energize and galvanize white separatist movements who have stridently rejected the increase of government powers through the Department of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act? Will this energize coalition builders across 'racial' lines to collaborate on innovative strategies to assist our poorest citizens. Will Katrina serve as a referendum on Republican lip service to national interests?
If Slick Willie can be impeached for a 'lil knob-slob, wither Bush of the fabricated war and the unnatural disaster that is Mike Brown and FEMA? Can white America, which has distinguished itself from its government in many significant respects during this crisis, stay in the mix long enough to sustain this moral imperative? Can the fat American middle class, of all races, stay in the mix long enough to lose some WEIGHT and gain some heart? How long will the love abide? How long before we go back to assuming the worst before giving our best? How much could we achieve is we judged after the fact - not before the finale?
The limitations of government accountability must be painfully clear to most Americans now. Certainly, those affiliated with the victims at Ruby Ridge are as aware of this as the progeny of the BLA and AIM. And those in the middle recognize that from health care to rising oil prices to corporate pardons for fleecing retirement funds, the government is little more than a kakistocracy.
Will the American people claim the revolution - through the ballot or otherwise - that is the inherent right of the citizenry? Will they follow their heart or fall into the trap of the paradox of prejudice?
"Will this energize and galvanize white separatist movements who have stridently rejected the increase of government powers through the Department of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act?"
Oh, yes indeedily. But worse, if my experience at my workplace is any guide, it will also give throat to many Whites who've felt muzzled these long years. I really fear many now have at last the final "evidence" they needed to legitimize barely contained prejudices. You've probably all noticed by now how many race trolls have stormed out from the woodwork. 9-11 pitched left vs right like nothing before and Katrina pits black vs white like no event prior. The seas are roiling. This gets worse before it gets better.
Fuck me, but I think I see now why many Black Republicans back destruction of AA programs and the like. I'm beginning to suspect that the progroms of dependency have tilted into the "more-destructive" side of the scale. I've long felt that AA et al ought to have some kind of definite timeline to it. Now I'm thinkin it's time to get on the hoss with a whip and hurry to that last day. Remove the last crutch/booster and it's sink or swim. I bet we swim.
Posted by: memer | September 10, 2005 at 12:04 PM
I have no doubt that we swim. Everyone won't swim. Some will drown - but that is life. I say, whatever we're dealing with here is not as harsh as the life of a some savanna animal waiting to grow to maturity and have it's pristine throat chewed by a lion. As bad as it can be, it doesn't usually get to that level. Swimming would be the only choice...
Check out LKS recent post about the guy going off on George Will. One of the guy's points was that certain conservatives have bartered America's competitive spirit by endorsing things like low income tax credits. Whether or not you agree with the theory and practice, the essential point is the same...oddly enough, conservatives and liberals seem to change seats with respect to optimism or pessimism on human beings rising to the occasion. even it's a theoretical subterfuge.
Posted by: Temple3 | September 14, 2005 at 11:08 AM
I have no doubt that we swim. Everyone won't swim. Some will drown - but that is life. I say, whatever we're dealing with here is not as harsh as the life of a some savanna animal waiting to grow to maturity and have it's pristine throat chewed by a lion. As bad as it can be, it doesn't usually get to that level. Swimming would be the only choice...
Check out LKS recent post about the guy going off on George Will. One of the guy's points was that certain conservatives have bartered America's competitive spirit by endorsing things like low income tax credits. Whether or not you agree with the theory and practice, the essential point is the same...oddly enough, conservatives and liberals seem to change seats with respect to optimism or pessimism on human beings rising to the occasion. even it's a theoretical subterfuge.
Posted by: Temple3 | September 14, 2005 at 11:08 AM