2008 Woodie Awards
From The Editor
Sally Cramer
Issue date: 9/6/05 Section: Forum
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Although we've been hearing about it in the news, what is not mentioned about New Orleans is the fact that classism and racism are rampant. The government has the means to help people, yet they are taking their time doing it. They aren't even letting willing New Orleans residents help.
There are also towns close-by who could provide shelter, food and support, but everything is awaiting the government's approval and protocol. For some reason, officials are making everyone go to the Superdome or the Astrodome and wait in line for five hours while everyone is individually searched.
According to The Washington Post, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco stated that even "those with limited circumstances were given the opportunity" to leave. Many are disputing this statement, saying that the government let buses and other methods of transportation simply get flooded away. The lack of organization and planning has been the major cause of trouble for this city, according to http://neworleans.indymedia.org.
People who already were financially insecure before the hurricane came will undoubtedly have the most trouble. They may not have had home insurance and will have no help restoring what they lost. Not to mention the people who were originally homeless in New Orleans. Many people may also not have money in the bank to buy or rent a new apartment, and most likely will not even have a job to return to, aside from the devastating loss of loved ones and the way of life as many people knew it.
Many who could not evacuate the city already had low-incomes even before this disaster. Thus, the looting and criminal activity that is taking place. If I had no means of survival, I would loot, too.
Most people in New Orleans will not even have a roof of their own over their heads for some time. I am guessing that the overwhelming tragedy has understandably and naturally made many heartbroken, depressed and feeling hopeless.
If I were not in college and could afford it, I would travel there to help with victims of the flood. People will need counseling, especially those who have experienced a death of someone close to them. Aside from the simple things like food, clothing and shelter, it is also emotional support and someone to talk to that the people of New Orleans are in need of.
There are also towns close-by who could provide shelter, food and support, but everything is awaiting the government's approval and protocol. For some reason, officials are making everyone go to the Superdome or the Astrodome and wait in line for five hours while everyone is individually searched.
According to The Washington Post, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco stated that even "those with limited circumstances were given the opportunity" to leave. Many are disputing this statement, saying that the government let buses and other methods of transportation simply get flooded away. The lack of organization and planning has been the major cause of trouble for this city, according to http://neworleans.indymedia.org.
People who already were financially insecure before the hurricane came will undoubtedly have the most trouble. They may not have had home insurance and will have no help restoring what they lost. Not to mention the people who were originally homeless in New Orleans. Many people may also not have money in the bank to buy or rent a new apartment, and most likely will not even have a job to return to, aside from the devastating loss of loved ones and the way of life as many people knew it.
Many who could not evacuate the city already had low-incomes even before this disaster. Thus, the looting and criminal activity that is taking place. If I had no means of survival, I would loot, too.
Most people in New Orleans will not even have a roof of their own over their heads for some time. I am guessing that the overwhelming tragedy has understandably and naturally made many heartbroken, depressed and feeling hopeless.
If I were not in college and could afford it, I would travel there to help with victims of the flood. People will need counseling, especially those who have experienced a death of someone close to them. Aside from the simple things like food, clothing and shelter, it is also emotional support and someone to talk to that the people of New Orleans are in need of.
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