Thoughts on Katrina Coverage

All the comments of reporters needed to remind themselves these scenes aren't in a third world country but are in the United States seem wrong and exposes and underlying bias.

The Congressional Black Caucus is suggesting that many of the victims we see are poor and black and perhaps that's why response has been slow. I think this is yet another example of people confusing correlation and causation

They're also angry at the use of the word refugee since these people are Americans. To some extent they're right, a refugee is "a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster" and they've only gone from Louisiana to Texas but some may call that a different country.

CNN is using Google Earth for its broadcast. it's remarkably useful and effective. But isn't it weird for TV to be showing someone using the Internet? And they seem to be spending a lot of air time trying to locate a fire, couldn't this be done off camera and then reported when they know.

Condi Rice had a press conference. She said her family is from the affect areas in Alabama and she's very concerned and asked the president how she could help more than just in her capacity as Sec. of State. Which really doesn't mesh with her shoe shopping yesterday.

A reporter asked her about reports of foreign aid (specifically from Russia) being refused. She said no request has been refused. Another reporter said that FEMA has said that none have been accepted either. She confirmed this and said an executive secretary was assigned to match up offers with needs. I guess it's too much to expect the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from our leaders.