Danny Glover on New Orleans & 'Trouble the Water'

[brandyvaughn1]

the goverment dont care about rebuilding and restructring an african amercian community thats low income an poverty stricken t hey do care to matain the french quarters where they will benifit from tourist dollars

[lyden2006]

Danny Glover really cares, cool.

[iTellYouNoLie]

glover is a UN ambassador.

[dogmangg45]

man thank god we dont have hirokains :P

[deeliciousplum]

It is sometimes difficult to be thoughtfully unconditional when presenting the news as emotions such as frustration and distress are overpowering. It is not difficult to perceive the injustices that come from the hands of those that are in positions of authority, who engage in crisis assisting and who are city planning. We, as the people who create communities, are and have been powerless when those who are in power make their decisions. Democracy is a beautiful word,

[deeliciousplum]

but it has no home in the day to day events that transpire in our Western Societies. Sometimes, an anger results in thinking that why even fund the military, the government and those who are engaged in care services that are for the benefit of those who have experienced and are living in hardships. There are laws in place to protect those that engage in self-serving behaviours which have been etched in tablets such like the commandments that provide the foundation

[deeliciousplum]

and pride for selfish government bodies to do what they please without guilt...without concern for the welfare of a nation.

While I write this, I am fully aware that there are hungry, out of work and struggling people who make up the base of any society. And that these people are being preyed upon as like vultures upon the weak. For those that believe in some form of a savior, I do hope that you are right for when the time comes...all those people that took advantage of the less fortunate will

[deeliciousplum]

be judged according to their actions. If it is evolution that has spawned such vulturous behaviours, then according to the guidelines of science...this thoughtlessness will reach a focal point and more will suffer in ways we have yet to imagine. Yet, I do not believe in such theist fantasies and scientific fact postulating. I am somewhat aware and know that life will continue as it has for so long. The fortunate will feast on the families of the less fortunate.

[deeliciousplum]

Humans are hardwired to impart great harms on one another and then to apply the smallest and least expensive bandaid until they repeat their hardwired patterns of harm once again. I am sorry for having written this. I just wish for there to be less suffering to those that have so little. And unfortunately, I have no remedies. Just these sad observations.

[pongman]

The solution is at the top of the comments list.

[deeliciousplum]

hi, sorry...do you mean jaekent's posting...if so, I do agree. Btw...have a wonderful Sunday.

[deeliciousplum]

oops...I just found your post about your idea around raising funds for disaster relief. It sounds like a very functional idea. I hope that it is considered and at the least implemented as a trial before we are subjected to a barrage of bureaucracies once and forever more again.

[pongman]

The reason it should work is that there isn't any bureaucracy involved. The feds declare a national disaster and your ID card becomes a debit card at any bank in the country. No more FEMA involvement. It's an insurance plan. The even better thing is there is no deductible involved and no profit incentive involved either.

[jaekent]

Don't you morons realize that when you don't help and lend a hand .. no body will be there when it's your turn to ask for help. And believe me .. we will all at one point ask and need help.

[xxashyy]

Also you say Bush didnt fund Fema? Thats true, but also do to US taxes going foreign countries like Israel and parts of Africa we dont have the funds. Also are deficit spending of militarism around the world doesnt help much either. All of this was happening also way before the bush adminstration.

[firefox8192]

hey xxashyy the govt. did plan. that is why things went the way they did. it was all part of the plan.

[firefox8192]

i am all for setting a president in that area. it would be a templet for getting past future red tape. or get foreign aid to do the job.

[borntobelegend]

New Orleans is underwater, the sea belongs there, who's the idiots that built a city under sea level

[monkeypeopleofearth]

that would be Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville in the year 1718

[firefox8192]

do u know that the president of the US can with ecutive powers can issue an order to remedy the situation over night. riddle me this. why is there money for fannie and fredie bail out but not for katrina?

[xxashyy]

I have never heard of any president in US history issuing an excutive powers for a natural disasters nor should that happen. Usually the normal thing that happens is that the local government remedies the situation first. I do agree with you here though, Bush SHOULD NOT be bailing out corporations.

[xxashyy]

Now as for the Clinton administration. They could have warned the mayor or governor during that time about the week struture of the leeves.

[xxashyy]

Just by the trailer i already know what the theme is. Blame Bush and not the local liberal government, blacks waiting for the government to help them the rather than helping themselves then leaving NO all together, and blame the white man. I willing to bet anyone thats the theme to this documentary.

[rell127]

ok so your telling me if bush did the same thing in a white city and waited 5 days you guys would have said the same thing saying he's only listening to people die i mean come the fuck in 5 days it took him and fema to act white american citzens were dying.

[xxashyy]

First off im black myself. Secondly and honestly i can say from obsevation that whites or any other race in this country invovled with disasters would not have overreacted toward the federal government like the the blacks in NO did. Not all blacks overeacted and waited around for the government i knew some NO evacuees who just walked out of the New Orleans into another state. The real fault lies with the local government who didnt plan correctly before this catogory 5 hurricane.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

my state has a weekly 30 minute program, paid for by the state, and broadcast on PBS. It instructs us to have a stockpile of food, water, medicine, batteries, etc. They say to have a battery operated radio & to listen for news and instructions. My state says that it will be 3-5 days before help will arrive, we should be prepared to take care of ourselves during that time. I live in a western state with large volcanoes, tsunami and earthquakes possible. It's about Louisiana NOT having a PLAN

[xxashyy]

I also believe that this whole tragedy turn very political and partisan blaming Bush for everything that happened in New Orleans rather than the Black liberal mayor and the white liberal governor who could have planned things a lot better. If the president was a democrat you wouldnt have nearly had gotten the hysterical criticism bush got. Mind you im NO fan of Bush or both political parties either.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

xxashy, you NAILED IT with this post.

[rodneykingman]

Looks like an excellent film. Thanks Danny. You are the Man.

[VirtuousPornographer]

ultimately it comes down to the fact that the American political elite squander our national wealth on war and empire maintenance.

[GnosticNinja]

Yeah, that's right. Just telling it how it needs to heard. Outstanding. He is thee man alright.

[rodneykingman]

I love Danny. Everytime I see him I can't help remebering that one scene form Lethal Weapon II when he was in the South African Consulate in Los Angeles trying to immigrate to South Africa with Mel Gibson and they throw him out and as he's getting shoved out the door he yells "Free South Africa you dumb son-of-a-bitches!"

Danny is the Man.

[VirtuousPornographer]

buh...buh...buh...he's bluck.

[rodneykingman]

Exactly... You know the one ;)

[pongman]

I submitted a solution to Rep. Wexler to help prevent a future disaster like Hurricane Katrina. Congress should pass a National Disaster Insurance Relief Act whereby employees donate a few dollars a week to go into a pool for disaster relief when there is a national disaster. When the federal government declares a national disaster for a particular region, immediately via national identity cards or driver's license becomes a debit card good for a hundred thousand dollars, to use for any reason

[monkeypeopleofearth]

WHY in the hell should the smart people of the United States, PAY A SPECIAL TAX, so all the IDIOTS who live in the "murder capital" of the United States (New Orleans) can be "bailed-out" when a disaster happens? Screw New Orleans, if we have to pay a special tax, then I demand that the state to provide a "buffer-zone" so that NO new buildings may be constructed within 30 miles of the coast. If you think that most Americans could care less about New Orleans, you'd be right

[pongman]

Actually the whole world should do it. It's not a tax but an insurance policy, similar to driving a car. Why do we have auto insurance? It appears to me auto insurance by your reasoning shouldn't be allowed.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

New Orleans sits 6 feet below sea level. Only the levees keep Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf waters out. It's a terrible location for a city. If the people of New Orleans want to purchase insurance... LET"M BUY IT on their own. Some houses on the Gulf have been rebuilt 4 or 5 times in the last 40 years because of storms, why should WE THE TAXPAYERS suffer because they don't have the sense to MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND? again... screw New Orleans

[pongman]

The New Orleans economy is dominated by four major sectors: oil/gas and related activities, tourism, the port and ship/boat building, and aerospace manufacturing. The presence of universities, hospitals, legal/accounting and other professional services, together with key installations of the U.S. Navy and other military operations in the region adds further to its diversified economic base.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

All these businesses, all this revenue from tourism, all the tax collected by the state of Louisiana, Why didn't Louisiana invest in the infrastructure? Why didn't Louisiana have a plan? There have been reports about the condition of the levees for 25 years. 25 YEARS !  They did nothing. No evacuation plan, no contingency plans. NO NOTHING.

[pongman]

New Orleans is suing the Army Corp of Engineers for 77 billion dollars for shoddy construction. The main problem with Katrina was the flooding. In Florida after Hurricane Andrew they changed the building codes to prevent another Andrew from doing so much destruction. The insurance companies and the building industry came to terms.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

the problem is that the Army Corp of Engineers produced hundreds of reports about the condition of the levees (particularly the 17th Street Canal levee, which was constructed after Hurricane Betsy in 1965). New Orleans, Louisiana and the Fed Govt knew about the problems with the levees since the 1970's from these reports. How can New Orleans bring a lawsuit about a problem that was inherently New Orleans's problem? And they've known about it for 35 years? It is PURE, self-induced negligence

[pongman]

Army Corp of Engineers, Work comprises engineering and management support to military installations, global real estate support, civil works support (including risk and priorities), OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE of Federal navigation and flood control projects, and monitoring of dams and levees.[7]

[monkeypeopleofearth]

the property owners and business owners of the flooded areas should be bringing lawsuits against the city of New Orleans for negligence of knowing about all the problems with the levees for 30 years, and doing NOTHING.

[pongman]

Army Corp of Engineers, Work comprises engineering and management support to military installations, global real estate support, civil works support (including risk and priorities), OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE of Federal navigation and flood control projects, and monitoring of dams and levees.[7]

[monkeypeopleofearth]

when you "require" people to pay, it's not insurance, it's a tax.  On our tax forms, there is a box you can check to donate money for the presidential election. We should change that box to read "check here if you want to donate 5 dollars to the National Disaster Insurance Relief FUND", I would accept that.

[pongman]

Katrina cost the taxpayers over 200 billion dollars. Obviously most of it was through waste and stealing from government contractors; like the famous trailers that were rented out to the federal government. The federal government spent over two hundred billion dollars for Katrina; which came to 400 thousand each on every man woman and child.We can cut that down by 75% by providing disaster relief to let the people decide how to spend it.

[pongman]

I wish my automobile insurance was like that?! I wouldn't give them a dime. Knock on wood I've never had a car accident!

[pongman]

Damn! You're a troll right?

[monkeypeopleofearth]

I grew up and lived on the coast, just one hour east of New Orleans. What I am saying is, that the state of Louisiana should make a law, stipulating that a "HURRICANE BUFFER ZONE" be created, and that no new construction be allowed within 30 miles of the coast. States along the Mississippi River flood areas do this.  If there was a buffer zone, we could laugh in the face of any category 5 hurricane. If you live at the foot of a volcano, don't bitch when your house is full of lava.

[pongman]

I suppose the people in California should leave because they have earthquakes. The people in the Mid West should leave because of the tornadoes, The people in the North should leave because of blizzards. The people in the East and South should leave because of the hurricanes. The people in Missouri should leave because of flooding. Perhaps we should just evacuate from America?

[monkeypeopleofearth]

I bet California has a PLAN to deal with earthquakes. The problem was Louisiana's plan for a hurricane hitting New Orleans was written on a paper towel, and nobody could find it after the storm. I am the first to admit, that the Fed Govt did a poor job, but the vast majority of the blame falls DIRECTLY on the shoulders of the elected officials of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana, which you seldom hear people talking about.

[pongman]

What happened happen. Everyone was to blame for the disaster in N.O.; from the guy in The White House all the way down to the cops, nurses and doctors that abandoned the patients in the nursing homes. The issue is prevention.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

You are so "all over the place" with this. 80% of the blame goes directly to the former Governor of Louisiana and State Officals. 15% goes to Mayor Ray Nagin (who the good citizens of New Orleans saw fit to reelect, and 5% goes to the Federal Governmet.

[pongman]

Based on the lawsuit which was granted approval by a federal judge the blame goes squarely on the Army Corp of Engineers, to the tune of 77 billion dollars. I have yet to see a lawsuit again George W., the governor, or the mayor. There have been some criminal indictments against individuals like doctors, cops, nurses etc for leaving people in nursing homes and hospitals to die.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

77 million dollars paid for by the rest of America thru taxes. 77 million dollars that the former Governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco should be held directly accountable for negligence.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

77 million dollars, and the lives of 1577 humans that Governor Kathleen Blanco is responsible for. I wonder if she sleep well at night?

[pongman]

Lol, ok you got me into the political argument. Actually George Bush is to blame because he cut back on funding for FEMA and put in people like Brown who knew nothing about disasters in charge. And he put in his own people who knew nothing about disaster relief. The entire organization lacked anyone with expertise in emergency responsiveness. That was from the Congressional joint commission on Katrina responsiveness. All the experts from the Clinton administration were gone.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

well finally we agree on something pongman. George W Bush is the worst president in the history of the United States. He has brought shame to this country.

[xxashyy]

Im not saying bush is not responsible and its really both the federal and local governments fault, but the local government more so. The federal government is not responsible for that state. The local government had an incompetent mayor and governor and they were responsible for theyre own city. Instead of being responsible they were blaming each other and Bush.

[rell127]

how is it the mayor fault he couldn't get people put when he keep sayin git on the news and on the radio and he was calling and sending letters it wasn't until he made his statment on the radio that fema and bush came down. seriously 5 fucking days your telling me you believe he didn't know anything for 5 days when the rest of the world was seeing and reporting what was happending.

[xxashyy]

That mayor was a joke. When this hurricane hit New Orleans the mayor was overreacting, panicking and begging the federal government to step in without really getting the full facts and assessments about the damage caused by Katrina. This is the same guy that misreported and overstated how many deaths occured there because of his panicking. I remember him yelling about over 10,000 deaths occuring in New Orleans. This mayor didnt really show any real leadership, no more than Bush.

[pongman]

You're right that's why he got re-elected.

[xxashyy]

Nagin got re elected because the voters are morons and dont know where theyre interest lie either. I also believe that the reason he also got re elected was due to an element of racial politics. It seems that the whole of the american public elects incompetent screw ups like Bush or Nagin.

[rhinojjusa]

Your right xxashyy. Its truly a sad day in america. The people actually think the government cares about them.......

[monkeypeopleofearth]

look how the State of Louisiana handled the latest hurricane (Gustav) in comparison. This time the City and State activated the coordinated "emergency plan". I'm not sure you want to hear this but... IT'S GOING TO TAKE ABOUT 3 DAYS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SPIN UP TO OPERATING SPEED. What if there was a terrorist attack in a Midwestern city with no prior warning? It takes about 3 days for things to get moving. GET USED TO THAT IDEA. And prepare your personal/family plan now.

[pongman]

It's billion's Dr. Evil.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

thank you pongman, my work on this video is now complete.

[LetMeScreamLoud]

Disaster like Katrina can NOT be resolved by state or city! It is National emergency and FEDERAL government MUST be involved IMMEDIATELY! How can you blame city officials if they were right in the middle of disaster??

[monkeypeopleofearth]

you mean like having a plan to evacuate the city? like having a plan to use school buses, city buses, trains, state owned vehicles? Like have a supply of food, water and medicine stockpiled? Like having a program that educates people on proper behavior during a crisis, like having a a personal supply of emergency supplies? Like having procedures for housing large numbers of people after the storm? I think you should engage your brain before you click the "post comment" button...mmmmkay?

[LetMeScreamLoud]

what is your plan when school bases are drowned, city buses are drowned and roads are destroyed? What kind of train will help in this case? Are you saying that Federal government doesn't have to worry about disaster of this magnitude? Have you been there to talk about plans and how efficient they were? Now Mr Monkey person, go engage your brain..

[xxashyy]

Well the mayor and everyone there KNEW that this hurricane was going to be a catagory 5 hurricane. Now commonsense suggests you make a plan using the various transportation around before this disaster. Then you tell the people the facts about the hurricane being a catagory 5 and that the old 1960's built leeves could break.

[xxashyy]

Then give a ultimatum either you cant leave out the city using the school buses or you can stay, your choice. Thats exactly how NO prepared when Gustav was nearing. So there was PLENTY of warning before Katrina. I didnt even live in that city and knew that Katrina was a catagory 5 hurricane. There was just no local planning or leadership there.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

my plan would be to execute the "emergency plan" prior to a category 5 landing in my backyard. Every single bus belonging to New Orleans, and to the state, should have be sitting idle 100 miles north of the city, after evacuating the population to safety. I see you didn't take my advice about the "post comment" button huh?

[rell127]

thats funny because when 9/11 happened they were right their less than 2 hours i was in the city when 9/11 happened and i was there when Katrina hit so trust me their was a big difference in response time also he said he didn't know what was happending

[LetMeScreamLoud]

I see you are not using that very organ that you suggest other people must use... Well do some research and see how many people died because of hurricane itself and how many died because they didn't get any help? It is easy for ordinary monkey to throw blames around, however little monkeys don't know that when disaster comes around in most cases people start worrying about their crap and then they wake up on their roof! Dude, do people watch weather forecast? Then why didn't they evacuate?!

[monkeypeopleofearth]

your logic if flawed, but I am having a laugh at your expense, so please... continue

[LetMeScreamLoud]

according to your logic people should be on their own... You seen weather forecast? Heard that hurricane is coming then it is your own problem that you didn't leave! Got car? Bike? Legs? then get the f out. - W's plan

[xxashyy]

No according to logic people including governments should have commonsense which is lacking somewhat in America today. You dont wait around for the US government with its bureaucratic track record. You would think though that the local government would be more prepared but that didnt happen either.

[flawedbeauty82]

What smart people? Ohhh, you mean the white people don't you? I care about New Orleans, unlike a certain someone who would if the city wasn't predominately black.

This is assuming of course, that you're white.

[monkeypeopleofearth]

then move your white ass directly to the night ward

[monkeypeopleofearth]

sorry 9th Ward. This has nothing to do with race. It's entirely LOCATION. If you live in southern California and a huge earth quake destroys your city, the same logic applies.

[pongman]

Better science and engineering and better seismic devices can help prevent devastation in earthquake zones. Earthquake-resistant techniques, the Yokohama Landmark Tower has a flexible structure to absorb the force of earthquakes. The structure is theoretically the same as that of Japanese temples five-storied pagodas, which have never collapsed enduring series of earthquakes.

[ibwilliamsi]

Well, it's a nice idea, but don't you think that they government would steal it for themselves? They would rebuild in a way that it would go to their rich friends, not the people who were already there. monkeypeopleofearth, you obviously have never suffered a tragedy in your life. Your opinion is worthless.