September 1 is Blog for Relief Day

I guess I'm not the only who throws shit at the tv whenever someone talks about the "stubborn" residents of New Orleans who did not evacuate. Take a look at the pictures from the Superdome. Those people aren't "stubborn," or "obstinate," they're fucking poor, is what. Those are the fucking poor people of New Orleans. And how the fuck are you supposed to evacuate the city without a car or money? Seriously. Why isn't anyone on the tv talking about THAT?

Boing Boing via Wonkette:

The poorest 20% (you can argue with the number -- 10%? 18%? no one knows) of the city was left behind to drown. This was the plan. Forget the sanctimonious bullshit about the bullheaded people who wouldn't leave. The evacuation plan was strictly laissez-faire. It depended on privately owned vehicles, and on having ready cash to fund an evacuation. The planners knew full well that the poor, who in new orleans are overwhelmingly black, wouldn't be able to get out. The resources -- meaning, the political will -- weren't there to get them out.

Go to Boing Boing and read the email attributed to a NOLA rescue worker.

And then check out the list of online charities at Truth Laid Bear. There's something there for any giving philosophy. Donate some bucks.