Welcome to the home of the very worst of the meretricious poetasters!
Number 42 for 9-2-05:
Dear Neal
I've been writing to my buddy Mike (slowly, because I get terribly behind on my mail) for years. He's a good friend, a blast to talk to, and he's a large part of what keeps me in check and smart with my Smallville reviews (if I can be arrogant enough to call myself "in check" or "smart"). At any rate, any of what I am is helped by his good words, kind advice, and discussion.
He read my ramblings on Hurricane Katrina, and the following, which I thought relevant, transpired. He agreed to let me post it here.
PS: Secret Service, leave him alone. He doesn't really want to shoot Bush. It's a figure of speech. Like big business needs to be shot. It means Bush is doing a bad job, not that we wish to hurt him. We don't. We just disapprove of what he does. That's MY disclaimer, because I don't want Mike in any trouble. Commence:
Hey, Neal
President Bush needs to be shot. Yeah, you heard me...I said it. Katrina for all intents and purposes destroys New Orleans three days ago and what has this prick done? Fuck all aside from giving a half-assed speech that accomplished nothing. And when he caught a little hell for it he goes on Good Morning America, talking that same jive with that insufferable smirk on his face. I've read your last couple of articles on the disaster and know what little sympathy you have for the victims. That notwithstanding, what happened has happened and it falls upon the Federal government to deal with it a decisive responsible manner. I just saw some news coverage of the evacuation to Houston. Why the hell are school buses being used? Why were there hordes of people left in a New Orleans convention center without food or water for 3-4 days with people who have already died during that time covered in sheets. Do I see your hand raised? Good answer, Neal. Most of them are poor and black. Explain to me why a city in the United States of America now bears a disturbing resemblance to third world Ethiopia. Explain to me why while a woman was being interviewed by a reporter, she collapsed from diabetic shock. What if there wasn't a nurse in the crowd with a syringe full of insulin? And we hear our fearless leader declare that there will be zero tolerance for looting. If you're down there and see a grocery store, stock up, baby. It's all about survival. But if you take a TV set, I hope you drown on the next street corner.
I remember right after 9-11 this city was on lock-down. Government took swift action then. Why not now? Are we too busy recovering from the strenuous activity in Crawford? Well screw you, you worthless bastard. And if you croak, I hope someone has the good sense to whack Cheney too because the last thing we need is that asshole running this country.
Yeah, Neal...go ahead and look for a disclaimer in regard to the first sentence of this email. You won't find it. I admit, this is out of character for me, but I am so ridiculously incensed right now and you're one of the few people I can spew my venom to on this subject. Hopefully I won't have to write another one like this anytime soon. That's it for me. Later.
Mike
My response:
Actually, Mike. I totally agree with you.
I said that I have no pity for the New Orleans people who stayed. That is true.
But that doesn't mean I wish them ill. I think they are foolish, but I do believe it is the government's job to protect the foolish, the helpless, or hell, the smart, when they are in a time of need.
I believe it's several factors.
1) The National Guard is stretched thin, in Iraq.
2) Poor planning
3) Less sympathy for a largely black population.
4) Money. (Looters before dying people).
5) People would rather watch hell than pull people from it.
You wrote with such poise and vigor....if you'd be so inclined, I'd be honored to put your thoughts as a CTF.
The hurricane of poverty hits the poor and the irresponsible constantly, but I would (and do) accomplish everything I can to help them in my small way. I'll slap a motherfucker for having a kid out of wedlock with no money to care for it, but I'll be damned if it's not my responsibility to help him. The government's as well. Likewise with Louisiana.
My father will soon be leaving for N.O. (he's in the Guard) and hopefully I'll get a real, on the street story about what's going on.
I noticed the police were looting too...did you see those juxtaposed pictures of white people and black people looting, where the white people were said to have "found" food in the emergency whereas the black/mexican looking dude was "looting".
You're right. You're not crazy. I'd love to have that passion in an article, man. You want to?
Neal
Citation