Myths about Katrina's aftermath
Probably the most important is the myth that, somehow, the black residents of New Orleans are in the predicament they are in because of racism. If that is true, then it is their own racism!
The population there is 57% black. For twenty-five years, they have been electing black mayors. For twenty-five years, the city government has passed the buck to the state. The state, being run by Democratic Liberals, has passed the buck to the federal gov't. Until recently, the federal gov't was pretty much run by Liberals.
Another myth that needs to be addressed is that aid is slow arriving because so many National Gard troops are in Iraq...actually, aid is slow arriving because of simple logistics. Helicopters can only haul so much; and practically all the roads are impassable. The airport is just reopened. Armed gangs roam the street, sniping at anyone in a uniform, even shooting at helicopters. Armed Forces personnel are forbidden to return fire because of 'posse comitatus'.
Myth # 3 is the statement by the media that 95% of the nation's refining capicity is disabled and wrecked. That is pure exaggeration. Maybe 25%...
Posted: Friday 2nd September 2005, 9:50 AM
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