Call it killing two birds with one stone. The mainstream media tries to keep the recovery from Hurricane Katrina in the public consciousness, while highlighting one of their favorite sons. That was the gist of a segment on Monday's "Anderson Cooper 360" on CNN. Host Anderson Cooper has consistently played-up the government's poor response to Hurricane Katrina (his appearance on ‘Oprah' as a prime example). At the same time, he gave John Edwards the silk glove treatment. Cooper, who at one point, labeled Edwards's stop in New Orleans a "political photo-op," went on to report, "Edwards insists this not a campaign swing. There are no rallies, no cheering crowds. A small gaggle of reporters follows him from stop to stop as he struggles for traction." Overall, his segment follows ABC's "heaping helping" of Edwards's townhall meeting in New Orleans.
Two parts involving Elizabeth Edwards highlighted the absurdity of the segment. Cooper gave this syrupy-sweet take on her involvement in her husband's campaign.
COOPER (voice-over): With him much of the time, his wife, Elizabeth, a celebrity in her own right, fighting a personal and public battle with cancer. She's a top adviser and her husband's chief defender.
COOPER (on camera): How angry do you get when you read about his $400 haircut or criticism of the house you guys are building?
Story Continues Below Ad ↓ELIZABETH EDWARDS: Well, you know, you don't want to sound defensive about it, because the -- John thinks that he -- if he had known that he was getting a $400 haircut, he -- he probably wouldn't have done that. So, you know, you don't want to sound -- you don't want to blame somebody else for a mistake that you made. And, if somebody cares about the haircut and focuses on that, then they're not focusing on the real issues, where he can change, change this country. And, so, that angers me. It angers me that it's used as a political poking stick by our opposition.
Instead of asking why the haircut incident happened in the first place, or how they're going to handle it, Cooper asked Mrs. Edwards about her reaction to the legitimate criticism.
Earlier in the segment, as Cooper asked John Edwards about the federal government's "neglect" of the hurricane-stricken areas inside a SUV, Mrs. Edwards interjected, "So I had this idea where were in there. And that is, you put a FEMA trailer on the grounds of the White House, and we told the president he can live there until Winnie, who isn't here, gets to move back into her house."
Just prior to this segment on the Edwards campaign, Cooper reported that even with all the "governmental neglect," there was a success story.
COOPER: We will show you a success story as well, this other house right behind me rebuilt already, so that the family can move in very shortly in the next couple of weeks, rebuilt by a remarkable group here, volunteer work. For just a couple thousand dollars, they have been able to make improvements, when the government has failed. We will show you their efforts and how you can help ahead.
Cooper went on to give a straight-forward report on this group, which is called the St. Bernard Project. Even with this good reporting, the inability Cooper, and the mainstream media in general, to understand that private endeavors can often be more effective than government handouts to fix a problem shows how the mainstream media is stuck in their liberal worldview.
(Special thanks to MRC intern Michael Lanza for pointing out this segment.)
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Comments Policy
Nice try, Mrs. Silky Pony
July 17, 2007 - 14:40 ET by motherbeltElizabeth Edwards: if he had known that he was getting a $400 haircut, he -- he probably
wouldn't have done that. So, you know, you don't want to sound -- you
don't want to blame somebody else for a mistake that you made. And, if
somebody cares about the haircut and focuses on that, then they're not
focusing on the real issues,
Nice double tap, Mrs E. First you say if he knew how expensive it was,he wouldn't have done it. He never asked??? Oh, I'm sorry, people in your half of the "two Americas" don't ever have to ask the price of anything, because it's never a consideration. I guess he assumed this was a guy from "Cost Cutters" making a house call? Give me a break!
Then you insult the people who "care" about the haircut...they're not "focusing on the real issues"? Well, maybe your husband should focus on the "real issues" instead of on how his hair looks!
Hypocrite.
July 17, 2007 - 13:52 ET by Dave in Texas"It angers me that it's used as a political poking stick by our opposition."
And I'm just so glad the Mrs. Edwards is above anything like that. Oh wait...
"... you put a FEMA trailer on the grounds of the White House, and we told the president he can live there until Winnie, who isn't here, gets to move back into her house."
By the way Mrs. Edwards, do you feel that the same living arrangements should also apply to Mayor Nagin and Governor Blanco?
She's as despicable as he is
July 17, 2007 - 13:56 ET by NoMoreClintonsThe Phony Pony and his sidekick . . . they are both complete phonies.
I've got a question to ask
July 17, 2007 - 14:37 ET by BeanManI've got a question to ask John Edwards right on the air. It shows how dedicated I would be to getting at the truth of the matter and grilling this potential President:
"Mr. Edwards sir, why are you so wonderful?"
Zing...take that!
Since government is coercion, politics is largely the exercise of deception regarding the intended use of coercion - George Orwell
Edwards
July 17, 2007 - 15:14 ET by iveseenitallThese two continue to insult thinking Americans. They play to the ignorant in hopes of winnning the presidency. Sickening!
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
I don't think they have to
July 17, 2007 - 15:22 ET by mostlymoderateI don't think they have to try to hard. What do the Republican's have to challenge them? You have Thompson the "cradle robber", Giulliani the "9-11 Mascot who is despised by the actual 9-11 firemen/heroes, and then a Mormon (you really think this Country would vote in a Mormon??) Did I leave anyone out? Really, Edwards, Clinton and Obama could all have one big "orgy" and still win this thing. Face it, the Republican's have some sorry candidates.
The only people that make a
July 17, 2007 - 15:15 ET by mostlymoderateThe only people that make a big deal about the $400 haircut are the most vitriolic haters of John Edwards. This episode of being un-thrifty pales in comparison to the lavish $40 million dollar party that George Bush threw a while back while our military heroes were sacrificing everything for him (and still are).
hey, mostlyliberal...got facts?
July 17, 2007 - 15:18 ET by LionKingDo you have any facts to support this claim or is this just an empty liberal talking point?
No he is correct, the 40
July 17, 2007 - 15:24 ET by MightyMouthNo he is correct, the 40 million was raised by private donations and honored the troops as well as the second inaguration. The complaint here is an old and worn out attempt by a moonbat to bash the pres yet again!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Honored the troops? Oh yea,
July 17, 2007 - 15:25 ET by mostlymoderateHonored the troops? Oh yea, rather than receive $40,000,000 in supplies so I could kick some terrorist arse, I would rather hear about some rich, pompous, overdressed politician in D.C. toast an overpriced Dom Perignon in my honor. lol.
Pompus asses like you will
July 17, 2007 - 15:29 ET by MightyMouthPompus asses like you will always second guess this president. I am used to it. BTW it's not the job of the Republican party to stock the troops. That's the job of the congress, yes the same congress that is playing politics with the lives of those same troops. So STFU this was 3 years ago.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
No, it is not the job of the
July 17, 2007 - 15:33 ET by mostlymoderateNo, it is not the job of the Republican party to stock the troops. It is a win/win situation for the Republican party: use the troops, use the troops, use the troops. It isn't like we have to reciprocate. And besides, THEY SIGNED UP!!!
Mostlymoderate? I question
July 17, 2007 - 15:38 ET by bassndudeMostlymoderate? I question the moderate tag. You may need to change that to mostlyignorant, mostlywrong or simply, liberal.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Seems to be a lose lose
July 17, 2007 - 15:56 ET by MightyMouthSeems to be a lose lose proposition for the troops with the Democrats in charge of both houses. Wonder how many soldiers lives have been put at risk because of the traitors in the Republican and Democratic parties as well as the complicit MSM?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
notreallymoderate, how DARE
July 17, 2007 - 17:21 ET by motherbeltnotreallymoderate, how DARE Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards keep all that campaign money they are raising (Hillary and Obama have about 30 million each!) while the "troops" go without needed supplies? After all, they outraised the Republicans by far...surely they don't need all that.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/am
July 17, 2007 - 17:51 ET by mostlymoderatehttp://news.bbc.co.u...
mostlyliberal...
July 17, 2007 - 18:00 ET by LionKingOld news...I thought you were talking about something recently, not a Presidential Inauguration.
The expense of the festivities was paid with donated funds. I find it interesting that the libs wanted the President to turn over these donated funds to the military. That might have angered some as a misappropriation of funds. Also, why don't these libs ever put THEIR money where their mouth is and forfeit their salaries until the soldiers can come home.
Hey, the big-name Democratic
July 17, 2007 - 18:07 ET by mostlymoderateHey, the big-name Democratic politicians are just as guilty as the Republican's for wasting money that could be put to better use. I have never advocated this. But the Republican's always talk about "supporting the troops" while claiming the opposite for Democrats. If your main sales pitch is "Support the Troops", don't you think you should set a precedent for actually "supporting the troops". Personally, I wish there was a third party: a "Military Party". The military would come first and foremost, before welfare, before tax-cuts, before food stamps, before environmeent BS, and BEFORE INAUGURAL BS.
mostlyliberal...
July 17, 2007 - 18:13 ET by LionKingAre you sure you are an attorney? You seem to lack the basic understanding of the difference between government funded expenses versus privately funded.
What if Bush used the donated money for the military? Furthermore, what if one or more of the donors does not support the military because they are pacifists? I would think Bush would end up having to return the money if they asked for it to be returned.
mostlymoderate, what would you suggest, then?
July 17, 2007 - 18:24 ET by motherbeltBush is damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. Using taxpayers' money for his inaugural ball? Yes, I'm sure you would go for that idea. Can't do that, some people didn't want him to be President...in fact some people don't think he was elected. And how about using taxpayer money for a party with a war on? Nope, that's wouldn't work either. So I guess he would have to just take money from people who gave it willingly...oh, wait!! That's what he did!!
Exactly!! You nailed it on
July 17, 2007 - 18:25 ET by mostlymoderateExactly!! You nailed it on the head!! I knew you could do it!!! YES, we are talking about government funded expenses versus privately funded. So, why all the flap over Edward's haircut then??? Yes, he is a very wealthy man, he can probably afford 10 of those haircuts an hour. So what? I was not the one moaning and groaning about it. If Bush can spend $40,000,000 on a party, why can't Edward's spend $400 on a haircut??? Or what about the cost to the American taxpayer when the Bush daughters decide to party it up in Buenos Aires. Can you imagine what security costs? We are in War remember? What do these girls have to party about. I don't remember Chelsea having extravagant parties. No, she applied herself and made it into Stanford. Hmm...
http://blogs.abcnews...
mostlyliberal...
July 17, 2007 - 18:32 ET by LionKingI see. You do not see the hypocrisy. Here is a man who is supposed to be in touch with the "poor". He charges $50,000 to speak on poverty. After all, doesn't everyone spend $400 on a haircut or more if the stylist has to be flown across country. I don't know about you, but I have several mansions...doesn't everybody. When I travel, I prefer to charter my flights, but if it is not an option, then I suffer in first class.
John Edwards, the man of and for the people...[that would be people that are in need of an abulance-chasing attorney.]
Honestly, I spend 5 bucks
July 17, 2007 - 18:43 ET by mostlymoderateHonestly, I spend 5 bucks on my haircut and STILL think I got screwed. And yes, Edward's is an idiot. So was Clinton when he stopped air-traffic because of his haircut. But little things like this, when brought up over and over, make the conservatives look helpless to find real issues with the candidates. Let's talk about Hillary's phony ebonics speech when talking to black folk. Or what about "the Swimmer's" intent on screwing the Country over with illegal aliens. Or what about Obama's unqualified resume to be a Commander in Chief. Those are all legitimate arguments. The thing with the haircut just makes me feel like "rich people" are being attacked...and that isn't American. Anyway, Edward's doesn't have a chance. We all know, everybody hates lawyers :-)
Now I'm possibly having
July 17, 2007 - 18:49 ET by sarcasmoNow I'm possibly having format difficulties as well, but anyway, the haircut cost goes too-well with his "2 Americas" speech for Republicans to avoid anymore than Democrats can ignore Mr. Vitter's prosititution issues, and for the same reason. Even though all of humanity is filled with hypocrites, we love to hear the endless stories of our fellow hypocrites -- especially when they display this kind of chutzpah! ;)
JMR
I am fairly certain I will
July 17, 2007 - 18:59 ET by mostlymoderateI am fairly certain I will still vote for Thompson. It is hard for me to admit that someone related to Hollywood is probably the most sincere candidate of all these politicians. Plus, I think the White House could use an extremely attractive First Lady to compete with the rest of the World :-) (damn, see, even I am shallow).
mostlymoderate, I don't
July 17, 2007 - 18:42 ET by motherbeltmostlymoderate, I don't know if your reply was directed to me or to someone above, but I will tell you I don't care how much of his own money Edwards pays for a haircut. My point is he should drop the "two Americas" schtick....because it says "yup, there are two Americas, you poor working schlubs, and I'm in the other one!! But I really, really, care about you!"
And if you think there shouldn't be an inauguration party during a war, that's one thing, but to insinuate that the money spent on the party could have been spent on the troops is just plain dumb.
Would you suggest that John Edwards go to Cost Cutters and give the rest of the haircut money to "the troops"? How about the house he lives in? Or Hillary's two mansions? Shouldn't they live more modestly, and give the money they save to "the troops"? Yo see how this argument can get ridiculous?
And who do you consider uniquely qualified to judge which "frivolities" are acceptable and which are extravagant, and which "frills" should be given up during wartime?
I agree about the "two
July 17, 2007 - 18:42 ET by mostlymoderateI agree about the "two America's" schtick. And you know what? I think everyone else can see it too. That is why Edward's never had a chance. Moaning about his little candidacy is a waste of time.
I agree. Damn those Bush
July 17, 2007 - 18:40 ET by Roger the ShrubberI agree. Damn those Bush girls. We should also remove all secret service details for ex-presidents, too. We should offer zero protection to all current and former family members of the President. Brilliant idea.
God forbid should have have to be put through another "Guarding Tess".
I'm sure we could get Dems
July 17, 2007 - 18:44 ET by Clear thinkerI'm sure we could get Dems to cut the SS budget for protecting HUMAN lives, but not for animals like the presidents pets (past and present).
We know how little Dems care about HUMAN life!
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
I dont think I can comment
July 17, 2007 - 18:49 ET by mostlymoderateI dont think I can comment because you might have a point about the animals. But the animals are so cute!!!!
Why is it that liberals
July 17, 2007 - 18:10 ET by bassndudeWhy is it that liberals feel the need to submit foreign sources for their news? Like the Guardian...or the BBC? They are nothing short terrorists sympathizers and complicit in the photo scams from Iran, Iraq, syria, and Lebanon. And they use these sources like they are ligitiment. Some folks will read anything and belive it.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
But I thought the whole
July 17, 2007 - 18:17 ET by mostlymoderateBut I thought the whole premise of this site was that the American MSM was biased?? Very well, here goes another one. We can play all day:
http://www.washingto...
Your idiomatic use of the
July 17, 2007 - 21:47 ET by stratmanYour idiomatic use of the word "arse" instead of "ass" combined with your UK link creates suspicion as to your country of origin.
You also infer you are military. If you are an American, are military and an attorney in America then you should know that a political Military Party is anathema to the foundation and intent of the USA. This also creates suspicion as to your country of origin or nationalistic sensibilities.
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter if you are an Euro ex-pat visa holder, a naturalized American citizen, a Euro-interloper or an American citizen Euro-wannabe. Just an observation.
mostlymoderate... Please
July 17, 2007 - 15:24 ET by Clear thinkermostlymoderate...
Please tell us when this $40 million dollar party happened. You know, dates and that sort of thing.
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
MM... Thanks for the
July 17, 2007 - 15:25 ET by Clear thinkerMM...
Thanks for the update!
I knew it had to be a skewed fact for it to be true.
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
Here's a link to the
July 17, 2007 - 15:32 ET by MightyMouthHere's a link to the controversy. What nimrod doesn't tell you is that a second inagural is common for both parties. This is OLD news!!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
So, are you telling me that
July 17, 2007 - 18:44 ET by Roger the ShrubberSo, are you telling me that we have yet another socialist NBer who is still stuck in 2004? Shocking!
Johnny Edwards is just another shameless exploiter of the poor.
July 17, 2007 - 15:39 ET by Dave RMostly,
Edwards is just doing what comes natural for politicians, particularly liberal ones, and that pandering to the poor to buy off a few votes.
In the last 40+ years, the poverty pimps have managed to screw the American taxpayers out of nearly 6 trillion dollars in this so-called "war-on-poverty." Yet, the percentage of the population that is considered poor is about the same as it was in the 1950's.
The "war on poverty" is an abject failure. What is more, it will continue to be a failure until politicians, as well as the poor themselves, wake up and realize that poor people are "poor" because they keep doing the things that got them poor in the first place. No amount of money, and no amount of pandering by idiot, pandering politicians like Edwards, is ever going to change that reality.
Help Fred defeat the RINOs, along with the Hitllary-Obama Axis, & win the White House in '08.
Good old mostlymoderate... huh???
July 17, 2007 - 22:18 ET by acaiguanaGood old mostlymoderate... huh???
"The only people that make a big deal about the $400 haircut are the most vitriolic haters of John Edwards. "
I'm sorta dumb here, but could you bother to take the time to name someone who fits the description of vitrolic haters of John Edwards."?
I'm confused, the guy doesn't have enough sand to inspire any emotion really, and hate is pretty strong in the emotional line, according to all of my psychiartrists.
"This episode of being un-thrifty pales in comparison to the lavish $40 million dollar party that George Bush threw a while back while our military heroes were sacrificing everything for him (and still are)."
Gotta a couple of issues with this. First, why does what Bush does have anything with Edwards? Bush ain't running for anything. Or did I miss the memo?
Second, what $40 million dollar party? I would think that would have made some splash on my brain. Maybe not as my brain is pretty busy keeping up with the latest on my rocket science toys in the basement. Mom doesn't like me to share that too much.
Third, our 'military heros' are not sacrificing everything for Bush. Get it?
They are doing their jobs and are defending America against terrorists who only operate with impunity when America isn't blowing them away in their backyard. That would be for America, my man, not Bush.
But of course, Bush is the Devil, right? Sulpher smoke and mirrors, right?
This comment of yours is so silly, even my Iguanas are going bananas over it. One of them commented that you must be smoking some really expensive stuff. Another one said that if this is a sampling of Liberal thought, the world has nothing to fear from any ideas from that brain. One of them was so cracked up he fell into the pool and was instantly made fun of by all the other 'boyz'.
At any rate, Iguanas aside, my question to you is did you make this stuff up by yourself, or did someone help?
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
I detest Elizabeth Edwards
July 17, 2007 - 15:30 ET by bigtimerI detest Elizabeth Edwards as much as her other phony half.
Always have.
I really couldn't care less
July 17, 2007 - 15:35 ET by PeskyDaneI really couldn't care less about the prince of the haircut, and I congratulate them on making their pile. It's the endless condescension and phoniness I can do without.
I'm amazed at the fixation
July 17, 2007 - 15:47 ET by waka wakaI'm amazed at the fixation the conservative MSM has had with Edwards' haircut. Think they'll fixate on Romney spending $300 on make-up? Don't hold your breath.
Reality has a well known liberal bias.
Wouldn't Romney have to top
July 17, 2007 - 16:58 ET by MightyMouthWouldn't Romney have to top $400 for us to "fixate"? Right now Romney's an amateur in the primping department compared to the breck girl.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
conservative MSM... you're
July 17, 2007 - 15:53 ET by PeskyDaneconservative MSM... you're going to have to do better than inserting an obvious contradiction in terms that doesn't even rise above the grade-school level.
one word says it all
July 17, 2007 - 16:12 ET by CatherwoodI persisted in finding one word which sums up Edwards. That word is 'unctuous'. Rust never sleeps, you know.
great word
July 17, 2007 - 16:28 ET by LionKingThat's one great word and very appropriate.
Fits Romney
July 17, 2007 - 16:31 ET by waka wakaFits Romney better.
Reality has a well known liberal bias.
parsing
July 17, 2007 - 16:55 ET by CatherwoodNo, Romney is just slick; Edwards is oily.
lMore sugar!
I would go with "smarmy." I
July 17, 2007 - 22:22 ET by motherbeltI would go with "smarmy." I just love that word...well, not the word itself, but I love how it even has the sound and feel of the characteristics it portrays.
Evening
July 17, 2007 - 22:25 ET by bigtimerEvening mb...
Smarmy.
Works perfectly for me too...
Well played
July 17, 2007 - 21:53 ET by stratmanWell played Catherwood.
Excellent choice of word.
"CNN.....THE most trusted
July 17, 2007 - 16:22 ET by Del Dolemonte"CNN.....THE most trusted name in NEWS..."
Did I just witness a
July 17, 2007 - 20:12 ET by general companyDid I just witness a conversion of mostlymoderate ?
Really, Edwards, Clinton and Obama could all have one big "orgy" and still win this thing
Looks as if Hillary and John have,
Face it, the Republican's have some sorry candidates.
As apposed to Clinton (have you read any books lately) Edwards who cant even carry his own state , or Obama, 1 term Obama, his great achievement is what?
You have Thompson the "cradle robber",
I am fairly certain I will still vote for Thompson
What? Is it time for your meds now?
you really think this Country would vote in a Mormon??)
The most liberal state in the nation did ,,,,twice
Very odd comments
Yeah, that's all the media
July 17, 2007 - 21:00 ET by mostlymoderateYeah, that's all the media will portray him: a cradle robber
I am going to try and post
July 17, 2007 - 21:43 ET by bigtimerI am going to try and post once more to you mm....
The site is CRAZY...and driving me crazy too....dang it all.
Anyway...the cradle robbin' issue is nothing yet..the will try anything and everything to hurt Thompson....
Not going to work though...the poor terrified flock will be trembling when they have to say Pres. Thompson....
LMAO!
EdwardsZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
July 17, 2007 - 21:37 ET by BondPlainBondIn the same spirit as Hillary Clinton and John Edwards at the NAACP last week; why is the MSM wasting time on Edwards, the ultimate phony, and his "trivial" third-tier (11%) candidacy; not to mention his very disingenuous wife?
The MSM, with the constant barrage of this unimportant candidate, is entering the realm of gossip, for Pete's sake.
Puff Pieces in the Media not limited to CNN
July 19, 2007 - 13:11 ET by louisianaquestionsThe St. Bernard Project should be supported as they have likely accomplished more than any main stream media outlet's fruitless reporting. I doubt that Edwards or Cooper really get it given the lack of real reporting of the issues on recovery in New Orleans. I'm still finding people (Dr's who were on SAR teams) who believe that the fault lies with the people who didn't evacuate prior to the storm, regardless of whether or not they had that capability. Lack of personal transportation stranded many as there was no public transportation available to them. The ignorance of issues surrounding recovery is even present at the New York Times. It is disgusting!
The following comments were made in response to the question/poll posted on MSNBC, Blogger, LinkedIn, and another similiar poll at LiveJournal - due to Blogger poll problems.
How many of you knew that over 1/2 of Louisiana's 64 parish's
(counties) were in a state of persistant poverty prior to Hurricane
Katrina? --Source: LSU AG CENTER
What were the comments related to LQ’s recent poll?
Louisiana Questions
Jul. 19th, 2007
LQ’s Poll Comments
Please read, join la_questions community, and respond to the poll!
Blueeyedgroupie from the Baton Rouge
community asked what was my agenda for the poll. I really have not put
my “agenda” to print and so I typed up some quick thoughts as to my
reasons for the poll. I’m not accustomed to making references to
“agenda’s”! It sounds way too political!
I really didn’t think about the question as being included in an
“agenda”, but I did have a few thoughts and ideas surrounding the poll.
First of all I’ve read more than enough posts concerning Hurricane
Katrina where people are blaming those who lived in low lying areas in
New Orleans for not evacuating prior to the storm. I don’t recall
seeing Greyhound buses or New Orleans buses on the hurricane route
where I used to live fleeing the storm. I don’t believe that public
transportation was available outside of New Orleans for those who did
not want to ride out the storm. The River Parishes from recent news
reports, if accurate, have cited that they are looking into a NEW
public transportation system for that area. St. James Parish was
recently cited in the New York Times as the home of a women living in a
FEMA trailer, a former resident of New Orleans, without access to a
nearby grocery store or childcare or public transportation. The Major
media outlets do not get the full story. They only skim the surface and
it is more than frustrating. There was no public transportation
available where I used to live, either. This could also apply to the
election, as there is one candidate who is attempting to be supportive
of ending poverty. Hopefully, he meant in the United States and not
some foreign country; although, I recognize that we, in the US, are
rich in comparatively with many other countries of the world.
Recovering from Katrina has been difficult for homeowners, however, the
renting communities of the Gulf States - Mississippi and Louisiana -
were left out of the equation with regards to the Road Home, FEMA, and
other programs. I believe that housing issues prior to Katrina have
been exacerbated by a slow recovery process. That’s about it as far as
an “agenda” is concerned. I believe the demographics prior to Katrina
spell out the disaster most accurately and offer an opportunity for
community leaders to focus on providing opportunities at improving the
support systems vital to recovery for the populations most affected and
least recognized - the poor. Improvements in public transportation,
healthcare, and affordable housing should become a focus for community
leaders in the recovery process, but it is all wishful thinking until
it is acted upon! I suppose that this is the “agenda” that has formed
the idea of creating a “poll”. It’s just one of those things in my head
and won’t remove itself until I act upon it in one form or another.
(Reply to this)(Parent)
Please join la_questions community and help make this a successful poll. Thanks! LQ - Louisiana Questions
LQ’s poll on MSNBC NEWS links to Blogger
MSNBC US NEWS - LQ’s Poll
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/government-non-profit/charity-non-profit/GOV_CNP/68601-13753877
LinkedIn Answers to Poll
Ed Hagan wrote: I didn’t know statistically, but I’m not surprised. In
my 7 years in New Orleans, I saw first hand the lack of infrastructure
money going to a lot of the parishes around Orleans. The government had
constant corruption issues, roads had potholes, crime was rampant, many
abandoned buildings existed, especially the parish to the east of the
French Quarter, which name I can’t remember now. In all, the whole area
and economy was just depressed, and you could tell that just walking
and driving around. Somehow though, the people seemed to be happier
than I’ve seen living in the Northeastern USA. Maybe they just accepted
what they had and made the best of it. Good folks.
http://community.livejournal.com/storykatrina/
comments -
http://community.livejournal.com/poor_planning/
comments
- As was Mississippi, don’t forget. As with many things, we were
constantly battling each other for the coveted spot of #1 of the
poorest state in the US.
They only recently passed us in “most corrupt”. Hurrah?
(Reply to this)
http://community.livejournal.com/nola_photos/
comments - It’s still Bush’s fault.
http://community.livejournal.com/fema_trailer/
comments
- Mississippi isnt much better and rental price gouging is running
rampant. As a disabled woman I have very little hope of finding a place
anytime soon.
(Reply to this)
http://community.livejournal.com/da_parish/
comments - I didn’t KNOW it, but I suspected it.
I knew that some Louisiana parishes were among the poorest areas of
the US, but I didn’t know that over 1/2 of them were in “persistent
poverty.”
(Reply to this)
http://community.livejournal.com/batonrouge/
comments - No, but I’d believe it.
(Reply to this)
Sorry to sound like an ass, but it’s “parishes”, not “parish’s”. Gotta watch that.
(Reply to this)(Thread)
What’s your agenda behind posting this question?
(Reply to this)
Tags: blogger, katrina, linkedin, louisiana, lsu ag center, mississippi, msnbc, polls, wordpress
Posted on Jul. 19th, 2007 at 08:31 am | Link | Leave a comment | Edit Entry | Edit Tags | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Track This
Posted at 09:00 am | Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
Jul. 18th, 2007
louisianaquest
LQ’s Poll from MSNBC US News
Poll #1023795
Open to: All, results viewable to: AllDid you know that over 1/2 of Louisiana’s 64 parish’s were in a state of persistant poverty prior to Hurricane Katrina?
View Answers
Yes
0 (0.0%)
No
1 (100.0%)
MSNBC US NEWS
Posted at 10:50 am | Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
Posted in The New York Times, Hurricane Recovery, St. Bernard, DRA, MSNBC, LinkedIn, LiveJournal, LSU, Louisiana, Mississippi, Jefferson, Baton Rouge, LSU AG CENTER, FEMA Trailer, poor planning, da_parish, Clueless Katrina Comments, Delta Regional Authority, bayou, Displaced, Slidell, Media Oversight, Disaster, Election, opinion, politics, USA, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane, FEMA, Katrina, Houston, Media, Housing, recovery, Texas, public, Poverty, New Orleans, debate, controversy, transportation, Dallas, polls, Social Justice, Government, News | Edit|--> No Comments »