Similarly, your response ignored the very pertinent question about the disparity between the resources that we are spending in say Iraq--in the billions on a daily basis--to rebuild their infrastructure, and the monies that the federal government has put into New Orleans as the result of Hurricane Katrina. Also, implicit in that criticism, is a question about the disparity in terms of the distribution of the funding that has been committed both on the federal and local level and which communities are benefiting from that funding. You focused instead on the brief mention of Kanye and had a knee-jerk response to that.
Additionally, I find very problematic that one solution that you offered to the situation in NO is to go to Mardi Gras and spend money. The idea that the solution to these major catastrophes that hit this nation is for Americans to consume at greater rates is, in a word, disturbing. I found the idea equally problematic when George Dubya, after the World Trade Center attack, suggested that the most appropriate and useful response of the American public is to spend money. Of course, that is an ideological debate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shinerbock
I would absolutely love to debate the Katrina situation with you. Would you like to? However, if I'm gonna get into a debate, I'd appreciate it if people would reference better sources than Kanye West. I just don't like getting into arguments where valid points are overshadowed by regurgitated rhetoric and catch phrases. For example, a common type argument on Bill Maher or something...
Conservative guest: "Well the Democrats on the SIC had equal access to the large majority of what our agencies used in making its reports regarding Iraq. We had the same information from British, Israeli agencies. We had defected nuclear scientists who described in detail the workings of Iraq's weapons programs."
(silence from audience)
Liberal guest: "Bush lied, people died!"
(roaring applause, shouts of "ohhhhh" and "you told him!")
If anyone would like to have an intelligent discussion on Katrina and the federal government's responsibility and role in relief, I'd be happy to.
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