Joan Laveing – 9/15/05

This page was last updated on September 17, 2005.

Wait for aid unbelievable; Joan Laveing; Beaver County Times; September 15, 2005.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I watched in disbelief while thousands of Americans waited in vain for food, water and sanitary facilities. Is five days reasonable? We got to Indonesia more quickly than that. Is it because they were poor, black and not a political plus for our government?”

[RWC] It amazes me how quickly some people will accept the notion that any relief shortcomings were the result of racism.

“It is my hope that whoever slowed down the direly needed help is called to account.”

[RWC] I could be wrong, but I have my doubts about this comment unless the blame falls solely on the feds. After all, evacuation of the poor, etc. was in the New Orleans evacuation plan, but the mayor – a black Democrat – failed to execute the plan. I mentioned the mayor’s race only because Ms. Laveing appears to believe race is relevant. Oh, by the way, the “John Wayne dude” (New Orleans mayors description of Lt. Gen. Russel Honore) appointed to lead the military effort is black. Does Ms. Laveing believes blacks are racist against blacks?

“Thank God for the Red Cross, Catholic charities and The Salvation Army, and the neighboring and far away states that sent aid in the form of volunteers and supplies.

“I pray that the people of New Orleans and many Mississippi towns are soon reunited with their families and given food, shelter and the care that they deserve as part of our American family.”

[RWC] This has been happening for quite a while. Hasn’t Ms. Laveing been paying attention?

“Hopefully our churches and civic organizations will reach deep into their pockets and send aid.”