Kanye West: Unedited Video

Just listen to this via NBC - went over every network, I'm told.

Update: You might want to visit popular rapper Kanye West's website. He was recently in the news when Shug Knight was SHOT at a party West was hosting. How lovely.

rap mogul shug knight has been shot at a party hosted by kanye west. he was apparently shot in the leg by an unknown assailant...more to come...

Comments

[Macker]

ajji: Racism must be confronted in a manner such that blacks quit calling each other 'niggers' They want us not to call them that, fine. But they have to step up to the plate too.'
It is also absolutely despicable that the Mayor of New Orleans abdicated his job and his responsibilities to his citizens by calling on the Feds to be the "Be-All End-All Giant Government Tit" solution!
And people like Jesse Jackson wonder why these people are still in poverty? It's because AS A GROUP they refuse to take responsibility for their actions!

[Cindi in PA]

I have noticed in my immigrant Hispanic students, that within just a few years in our system, they quickly take up the identity of "minority" or "disadvantaged" in a "White" world. In other words, upon arrival here they eventually learn to adopt an "underdog" identity. This greatly limits their capacity to dream and perform. This is my concern.
Posted by: ajjig | Sep 3, 2005 4:33:35 PM

I noticed through the years, working at the schools with children, the minority of children from India thrived from the very beginning. They were more of a minority than anyone. The difference that I noticed, their parents desire to take the lead in their childs education. When my girls were in 8th grade, a father of one of these children, set up an online math program/study time with the children in the class.
He encouraged them to be full time students, not just class room students. Some school districts in Texas have the highest achievement rate because they require and encourage the parents to take part in education.

[jolari]

2 men just on Foxnews-stated they want to play the race card-mentioned 3 parishes in LA outskirts of NO where people are dying on their rooftops waiting to be rescued-no help at all since the beginning--all victims are white
Touchee

[Sean John]

While you guys are visiting www.kanyewest.com , listen to track #16 - Hey Mama. Its a great song!

[Selena]

It is not surprising that when you teach "minority" students that you feel you need to deprogram them prior to them learning.It is a cycle. How can a parent or parents teach a child to dream big when they have only small dreams or zero dreams? It is not possible. The cycle just continues. I commend anyone who is able to unlock the chains that continue from one generation to the next. I work with young people that are hopeless. It hurts my heart because many don't have a sense of what being a "kid" is. They are so hopeless and have so many stressor already so early in life. Unless you live and walk in their shoes you will not understand. It is easy to spend time with them and then go to your comfort zone, but for many children - I repeat- the brief interaction with an educator that cares is their only HOPE. It really does take a village. GOD Bless the children who are victims of Hurricane Katrina and thank you all for the dialogue tonight.

[Jessica]

I am appalled at what was said by this "man" last night. I hesitate to call him a man, but I'm sure inappropriate language is not allowed. For him to turn a national telethon, a time to come together, to donate to this cause, to show our support, into some racial debate about how the government doesn't care about black people and how we gave permission to shoot them? I'm sorry, but this man deserves to be fined, sued, and lose everything...if he's even that popular...after the "comments" i went to his website, and his music SUCKS. Guess he had to do something to get his name out there. Anyway, to turn a tragedy into racial debate, to turn what is happening to AMERICANS into more racial slander (like we don't hear it enough...are us white people ever going to get over paying for slavery, i mean, really, how much more taxpayer dollars have to go to paying their food stamp bills so they can afford their cell phone bills and manicured nails?) I'm the least racist person in the world, I have friends from all descents, and even my friends of color were HUMILIATED by this guy.

New Orleans may be predominately black, but that doesn't mean that any less effort was made. I think they did what they could with the resources we have. I think that the government did all it could, and does anyone think to ask why these people didn't leave when it was a MANDATORY evacuation? Living in a place like that, you always need to have an evacuation plan. As far as I'm concerned, if you didn't get out, it's on you. Not that you deserve something bad to happen, but you have no cause to complain if you were unprepared...there was plenty of warning.

And as a final thought, Kanye West is a pathetic artist with an immoral soul. This man deserves nothing but the very worst to happen to him after what he did.

[chris]

im 16 and let me tell you any of you who say race isnt a issue are as racist as they come. racism is an issue in how long it took for things to happen. but as the negro caucus said it has to do MORE WITH CLASS but there is a definite factor of race in their dont deny it either. yall some sick people

[In Rio de Janeiro]

The statements from The Black Congressional Caucus really sum it up perfectly. Nothing positive, no action plan, just blame and complaints mixed with racial overtones. Statements far more embarrassing and damaging that some idiot rapper's comments.

HEY BLACK AMERICA, LISTEN UP! The population of N.O. is 68% BLACK with a nearly all BLACK local government (obviously incompetent) and nearly all BLACK police force. IT IS A BLACK CITY. TOP TO BOTTOM.

Did Bush or Whitey impede the local BLACK government and their BLACK mayor from planning, implementing and executing and effective evacuation plan? Did Bush or Whitely cause 60% of the local police to abandon their posts? Is Bush or Whitey murdering and raping your “brothers” and “sisters” in the Superdome or Convention Center? Is Bush or Whitey stopping the surrounding area BLACK churches and universities from adopting their “brothers” and “sisters” out of the shelters? Is Bush or Whitely stopping BLACK America as a population from coming together and helping out those they label as ‘their people?”

HEY VOCAL BLACK AMERICA, SHOW US SOMETHING! Instead of blaming (yet again) all your problems and situations that don’t go your way on Whitey, why don’t you do something to show how truly unified you are as a people. Adopt some of these BLACK families into your BLACK homes. Show Whitey what you are really made of.

Or will continue to be your own worse enemy? Shouting "Racism" while sitting at home, watching white volunteers on TV do something the help the situation.

[emily]

Dead on, Rio, family and then the locals are your first line of defense against annihilation. I don't look to the Feds until well after those entities have failed me.

Only the slobbering moonbats of victimhood blame anyone above that level.

Just what has the local and state government of Louisiana been doing with their oil revenues all of theses years? It ain't been reinforcing leeves which they were warned were inadequate.

The buck stops at the Mayor and Govenors office, my friend. Playing the race card won't work anymore.

[Bud]

I generally agree with you Rio, but there is some culpability on the part of the feds. C'mon. They (i.e., local, state and feds) knew this hurricane was going to take the local and state resources to the limit. Everone needs help at some point in their lives. Why Louisiana didn't make that known early I have no idea.

[farmgirl]

Ok, now let me see..The Ten Commandants are only suggestions?

hmmmmm

[mom4nra]

Rio--^5! You are right on! I saw on the news yesterday that there are going to be 10,000 jobs available for cleanup in N.O. Let's see how many of the local apply for those jobs! Mayor Nagin should be the first to sign up and clean up the mess HE created! If he had well-thought out, proper disaster plan, his city wouldn't be under water. I believe it has been since 1978 since N.O. had a white mayor and in that time, a plan for evacuation, disaster relief that began planning in 1965 has since been completed! I think Nagin knew what could happen and he did nothing PURPOSELY so if and when it did happen he could blame someone else for his failures. NAGIN IS A FAILURE!!!! HE IS THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE TRIED FOR MURDERING HIS CITIZENS!!! He failed his people by not preparing them and now he wants someone else to take the blame. Shame on him!! Step up to the plate you piece of $hit mayor and take responsibility for your actions before more innocent people of N.O. die!

[ohlalala]

This may make some people upset....

This is not a racial issue. It could have been handled better, yes but it was inevitable, NO is below sealevel there is only so much you can do to save it from a storm this large. People were ordered to evacuate, if they didn't, they were warned and now suffer the consequences, but we shoudl by all means be helping them, but what can we do when all of the people helping are being shot? My understanding is 90% of the population is black, therefore of course there are black people stuck there!

I'm sick of SOME black people stereotypeing themselves! At the age of 16 I worked enough (at a Subway) to keep myself out of poverty (I made over the amount of $$ needed to be considered in poverty), If I can do it at 16, so can you! You can do it....be Proactive, stop using race as an excuse please, I have many black friends who I respect very much, I am not a racist. People come here from Brazil and Irleand and work 3 Jobs and provide for thier family...I dont get why some people(including white people) dont get off their a$$(scuse my language!)and make it for themselves. You have a great advantage in AMerica.....TAKE IT!

[ohlalala]

I also want to add I am NOT a conservative, I dislike Bush VERY MUCH. I did not vote for him, and greatly disagree with everything he does

[Eunice]

To Jessica:

Just wanted to say that Kanye doesn't need to get his name out there he is on the top of the charts. Go to Amazon.com and he is #1 at this time but anyway Kanye said what a lot of people were thinking.

Whether is was the appropriate time or not is up for debate--I applaud Kanye for having the courage to stand up for what he believes--whether we agree with him or not.

I think most people sugar coat things and he did not. So I applaud him for that.

I think race was a factor and still is a factor in this whole thing but I will not point the finger at any particular person. Yet, I know that Bush is not as clueless as he seems; there is more than he can do.

If not, why is he President?

[Eunice]

To Jessica:

Just wanted to say that Kanye doesn't need to get his name out there he is on the top of the charts. Go to Amazon.com and he is #1 at this time but anyway Kanye said what a lot of people were thinking.

Whether is was the appropriate time or not is up for debate--I applaud Kanye for having the courage to stand up for what he believes--whether we agree with him or not.

I think most people sugar coat things and he did not. So I applaud him for that.

I think race was a factor and still is a factor in this whole thing but I will not point the finger at any particular person. Yet, I know that Bush is not as clueless as he seems; there is more than he can do.

If not, why is he President?

[Angelo]

in some ways kanye west is right about races but not to that extreme. now if ure thinking im crazy or im african american then ure wrong. most high-in-power people are whiteand they dominate. unlike the few black leadrs, most whites dont care about the minority especially the african american people. if know one can figuire that out (im only 14) then your not living in reality! (off-topic) but Mike Myers did look confused.

[RJ]

Kanye can just sit down and shut up. The pure stupidity of things coming forth from his mouth just makes me laugh sometimes. Permission to shoot people? Govt doesn't care about blacks? The US Govt created the AIDS virus to wipe out Africa? Oh, please...

I've yet to see a report where people are being divided on looters and those seeking food by a matter of race. Just not happening.

Govt doesn't care about blacks? Bush did stuff early with his disaster declarations. He can't call in the National Guard within the US unless asked by the state. Blanco waited for help. Nagin took rich tourists out of the city BEFORE those at both the Superdome AND the Convention Center. But Bush did act slower than expected. Brown from FEMA must be fired.

Its sad to say that the slow hurricane relief is about race, considering that I've seen alot of people at the Superdome and Convention Center and on live rescues who were black, white, asian, and hispanic. Hell, there's even foreign people STILL trapped in the city.

The AIDS thing at LiveAid was horrible. If anyone subscribes to his theory (which is a takeoff of the so-called OPV AIDS Theory) it has been proven completely untrue. Besides, to say that AIDS was created to eliminate blacks fails to see that the first major group hit by the virus were gay white men!

Kanye is simply an uneducated loudmouth fool who doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. He dropped out of school! Come on, his opinion doesn't count for anything or shouldn't because he's simply uneducated and making up crap as he goes for publicity. I would say just ignore him and he'd go away but it won't happen. Can we boycott him?

[Ramon Pooser]

Hello folks. I am a musician in the state of Georgia. I will try to put together a few things as I see them. For one, racism comes in many forms. In the state of Georgia many mortgage lenders came under fire for targeting black homeowners with home-refinance loans that exceeded 50 percent interest. When the people, who needed money but couldn't afford traditional bank loans couldn't keep up with the exorbant fees and monthly charges, their homes were foreclosed on. The homes are then re-sold to the highest bidder. This was modern day sharecropping, fixing people in need to unattainable standards to keep them in their plight, or worse.
Why do I mention this? Because these struggling people make up the tax base of a particular state. Without them, a state can't collect the revenues to run itself. Sales taxes are but a drop in the bucket. Primary revenues come from property taxes. Many programs proposed by the federal government help to give families an opportunity to own a home that wouldn't otherwise be afforded to them, but then through the federal system the state is sustained by property tax collection. I doubt that many of the people of the state of Louisana are given the opportunity for home ownership. Most southern states make little or no provisions for this, in spite of the fact that it benefits them.
Without more of this kind of money in it's hip pocket, the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana had a choice. As the hurricane turned the "corner" at the tip of Florida and headed into the gulf at a snail's pace and strength, all was well. Then the system strengthened, and continued it's pace. Will the system hit Louisiana? Texas? Alabama? If the storm is to hit New Orleans the mayor with his city largely full of home ownerless citizens, must find money to get it's residents out of the city. Evacuate, and receive a direct hit, and you're a genius, on a par with Shindler from the hit movie. Evacuate with the storm dying out at sea and you're left justifying the allocation of a lot of money for people that judging from the tone of many of the opinions on this site, and national response, nobody cares about. They gambled and lost. But FEMA and Homeland Security aren't in the craps business, not according to this website memo from July 26, 2004-http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/newsrelated/hurripamends.htm
So who dropped the ball? We all have opinions, as well as Kanye West. His should resonate longer, if he's the talent that he's purported to be. Artists such as Stevie Wonder have had long careers expressing both pleasure and displeasure with a variety of social ills, among other things. If Kanye is smart, I suppose he will do the same.

Ramon Pooser

[Jess]

In response to your last commentator that Kanye West is an uneducated loud mouth, what do you think your president is? The only difference I can see is that Kanye might actually have something to say, while the later is a reformed coke head. If it was me voting and living in your god forsaken country( I'm a canadian with american cousins, and given the choice to live there or here, the choice is very clear)Mr. West would get my vote over "dubya" everytime. Like many others have said if this was white florida or Beverly hills the help couldnt have came fast enough, but because this is blacks, and the poor, and there's no oil Mr. President doesnt give a crap. I see nothing wrong with Kanye's comments as the reflect what alot of us are thinking at home and abroad.

[RJ]

Unlike Kanye, Bush went to school. Granted, he's not the scholar or top of the class, but at least he went and graduated -- twice! And if someone can go through drug rehab and he can't then just look at your lovely hypocrisy. Anyone can change but him? Sit down.

As far as "white florida", one must remember that it took the govt about a week to get aid to the Andrew aftermath.

And as far as Canada is concerned, we thank you for your help but we can just as easily criticize your very corrupt government you know.

[j]

So has everyone totally forgot that New Orleans has had it's funding to upgrade their levee by 45% over around four years ago? and also general army reinforcement of the levee (sand bags and such) was cut by around 80%...this was mostly all while Bush has been in office...hmmmm...Also, this has been forewarned for years. I have to check my sources, but this very disaster had been predicted as the 2nd natural disaster most-likely to happen ever in late 90's or something. You can't just tell people to not live there, you gotta help protect themselves...I have been to New Orleans and the city is rich with culture and was a major trade route before the USA was formed...

I think this bulk of this falls in bush's lap. people trying to compare this to Florida is ludicrous, that hurricane wasn't even as strong as Katrina...nore was it a big, poor, or a mostly minority city.

If you think racism isn't alive and well you are a ignorant and not even trying to open your eyes to racial issues. I'm not white, but I feel that there is no way a white person can empathize with any person of color. Constant images of people of color are being spoon fed to society and media that make me sick. YOU SHOULDN'T be tired of "blacks crying about racism"! How many minorities do you know as friends?... The amount of people that don't know anything about the dynamics of skin color in the USA are staggering. We aren't crying about race, we are telling you what's wrong and ways to fix it. Yes, some may not have solutions...But, instead of asking for a solution from them make your own. Take off your rose colored glasses. Racism is taught (illogically or not) from birth I can understand how people can't shake racism from their poisoned minds.

RJ-
So a reformed coke head that 'some how' got through college by his rich father is better than a college drop-out? Kanye isn't totally uneducated and from the ghetto...most rappers aren't. What he did was out of emotion, he has family down there...
Also, why do we not have free health care? As one of the richest countries in the world shouldn't we atleast have that?

[B]

I thought that was some pretty ignorant shit Kanye said. It's bad enough that these people are going through this and that comment could be the beginning of a race war. You just don't say things like that. Kanye if you feel that way then that's fine but keep it to yourself. You're a successful individual. You don't want people to hate you. Keep it professional sometime. "Damn"!

[B]

I must say I agree & disagree. No, poverty should not be a badge of honor. I was once in poverty and I got out now soon I will be back in because I whom I married (a disabled man). The government has basically told us inorder for my husband to keep is medicare we must not make over 3,000 a month including my 401K. In order to hold our heads up high we are giving up his medicare for a better paying job. We wouldn't want people saying "we want to be poor". I don't think celebrities are condoning poverty I think most realize that not everyone has a mommy and daddy to pay for everything not everyone can be donald trump. I say this if being poor is such a stain on America there should be no more fast food chains because even if you work there your still in the poverty bracket. And please don't talk about the liberal politicians making excuses, because the conservatives ordered shoot to kill order. Each is wrong whether you burned the crosses and put or you had burning crosses on your lawn, whether your a red or blue state.
I don't think Kanye is will be held responsible for a race war to break out. Some concerned citizens were saying it from day one

[BP]

ooops didn't realize there was someone with the same name (B). my comments were posted at 2:39:54 PM

[pure-truth]

i have to say that i was very pleased to come across this conversation about the kanye outburst. i am truly glad that someone has been noticing what's been going on in the media regarding the portrayal of the people of the black race as hoodlums and vagabonds. i felt sad i went through the photos posted on the internet on the katrina aftermath it really did a lot at making a black person look obscene to society. i hope there are people willing to soften their hearts and allow the truth to sink in regardless of the pain or guilt it may cause, so that the birth of GOOD may come.

[RJ]

J: I didn't say Bush was better than Kanye, not even really smarter. I am just more likely inclined to take Bush's opinion more than Kanye's. So what about emotion? I have family and friends down there too. I just don't think race has a thing to do with the recovery.

BUT, racism does exist. However, if one wants to be fair, let me PROPOSE this:

For ever person rescued in NOLA, someone else's rescue is foregone or put off by the authorities. This is irregardless of the delay by the local, state, and fed govt. What if both were black? Then you end up being choosy in who's life you save. Is one more important than another? No, both are of equal value. But given the high attention to NOLA, there are minorities and others in remote areas of LA, MS, and AL NOT being rescued. Does that mean the rescue is still racist? No, because there's no way possible to rescue everyone at once, but there is a way to get everyone out.

So, again, is our relief effort racist? NO, not in the least bit. It's just slow.

[StacRat]

You know, feeling sorry for someone, black, white, brown, pink(cause we all know we arent really white), whatever, is difficult when these people choose to life IN A LAKE BED SEVEN FEET BELOW SEA LEVEL. Lets look at this for a second. 1. They print warnings in local newspapers every year of what will happen if even a moderate storm PASSES the Gulf area, ie: massive flooding.
2. They built levees to hold back water in case of this occuring 40 YEARS AGO, and hadnt bothered shoring them up or rebuilding them in said time.
3. Even when a 4 point scale hurricane is spotted heading toward land, people refuse to leave and continue as though nothing is the matter.
4. The whining started immediately after the levees broke and hasnt stopped.

My apologies if I find it hard to sympathise. I too have lived through a flood. Anyone heard of the Red River Flood of 1997? Yah, I was one of the thousands of people sandbaging to help myself out. To give a picture of how bad it was: A 52 foot dike could not contain the river.
PS I wasnt in Grand Forks, I was in Manitoba Canada, were the river reached a 7 kilometer width. Many lost homes, friends and family. I myself lost a good friend to the damn thing. Did I whine once while it happened? No, I buckled down and started working BEFORE the flood and continued after. People need to stop whining about misfortune and or racial issues and start DOING something.

Bush or no Bush, the water is still there. Deal with it.

[cview]

wow you really have no heart just because you had to indure a flood. ok the people really did not know for a little while that the storm was comming to them. Apperently you dont watch the weather channel or know that hurricanes change. 2 days before the storm hit it was suppose to hit another area. The storm was suppose to come in 30 miles from my house. Even though I have lived through many Hurricanes, I guess i just have a heart for people and their problems. I cant believe people would sit here and not feel sorry for people who lost everything and are missing family members. There are many people who could not leave because they are living in poverty and have no cars so they had no way out and no where to go. Bush on the other hand is an idiot. I cant believe he would sit there and not do anything. Whoever said anything about Florida's government doing all the work that is a lie he came and saw the areas himself and helped out. But i truly believe that was only because of many areas destroyed were white and because it was his brothers state. but you idiots would not know that would you? I cant believe you would say stop whining umm more people have lost lives then the damn flood come on now have a heart for people. I know people who are living almost fifty people to one house man if this county was not full of crap, if this would have happened to some white people so much money would have been raised and they would have been helped by the government. I find it ironic and pretty messed up how we can send money to help another country after the tsunami's and we can send our troops to fight in a war that makes no kind of sense. but thats you dumb idiots putting bush back in office. The gas prices thats crap also. Kanye was right and anyone who cant see that is an idiot. So why dosen't everyone just stop bitching about it all and help out the poor vicitims. But i guess this is still the white mans country huh is that why they have to suffer? I dont want to think like that so I try to think like this and may you sould also think like this if it was you that lost everything wouldn't you want someone to help you. God Bless Help Out The Fellow Man

[StacRat]

Actually yes, now that I reconsider my brutish statements about the poor and oppressed people of FREE AMERICA, the land of OPPORTUNITY, I realize that when MY house washed away I should have sat on the corner, cried, bitched and moaned till the government came and made it all better. Oh, and as far as "There are many people who could not leave because they are living in poverty and have no cars so they had no way out and no where to go." I guess we as FREE AMERICANS have gotten so lazy that we are incapable of WALKING anymore.

You know, I seem to recall a time when our people actually had pride. Oh, did I forget to mention that I have both African American heritage as well as Creole blood courseing through my veins. And strength, so much so that when the british threw our asses out of Canada, we pulled ourselves together and made a new home. Nevermind that, imagine this, we actually managed to survive slavery, racial hate, ebonics and afros. Now we are to be done in because the guy who doesnt feel like working happens to be black? I live in Texas and you would think that here, if anywere, you would find racial bigotry. Only the funny thing is, the first time I thought of race being an issue in the last 4 years is when I heard of people in New Orleans crying racism. You may believe whatever you want, but I personally know several Mexicans, quite alot of African Americans and a whole lot of Asians who have much better jobs then me, will be able to send their children to college without haveing to work two jobs and have no problem meeting the needs of their families. Being poor and being black are two seperate issues. Being one does not predestine you to the other.

Now to pick apart and destory.

"wow you really have no heart just because you had to indure a flood."

Umm, not even touching this one. Rest in peace Jerry. Word to his family. RRF97 yo, never forget.

"There are many people who could not leave because they are living in poverty and have no cars so they had no way out and no where to go."

I guess walking was out of the question.

"Bush on the other hand is an idiot."

And Kerry isnt?

"I cant believe you would say stop whining umm more people have lost lives then the damn flood come on now have a heart for people."

Ok, obviously you didnt understand the meaning of my earlier statement. There is a time to voice a valid complaint and then theirs whining. The load of crap about no help because its a predominatly black community is whining. Grieveing about lost loved ones is perfectly acceptable. RIP Jerry. Oh, yah, then theres the fact that they had 4 DAYS to evacuate before the storm hit, many refused to do so. (go figure)

"I know people who are living almost fifty people to one house man if this county was not full of crap, if this would have happened to some white people so much money would have been raised and they would have been helped by the government."

I guess my two uncles and my cousin shipping water and ice to louisianna and being payed by the government to do so isnt help eh? Were is the private sector in all this EH? Oh yah, 10 BILLION on Bushes part and a measly 250,000 in my home town alone. As well as accepting the evacuees that actually were smart enough to leave when they were told too.

"I find it ironic and pretty messed up how we can send money to help another country after the tsunami's..."

Hmm, good point.

"and we can send our troops to fight in a war that makes no kind of sense."

Wait now, dont the Iraqi's deserve democracy too? Or do only African Americans deserve freedom.

"but thats you dumb idiots putting bush back in office..."

Like I said, Kerry would be better?

"The gas prices thats crap also..."

Alrighty, now your just lookin for something else to lash out at.

"Kanye was right and anyone who cant see that is an idiot."

Kanye drives a bentley because Kanye worked his ass off to get a bentley. On the other hand, he knows how to gain massive favor in the eyes of his biggest fan base too. Perhaps he's just a good business man. Hmm.

"So why dosen't everyone just stop bitching about it all and help out the poor vicitims."

I believe thats a restatement of my last few lines:

"People need to stop whining about misfortune and or racial issues and start DOING something.

Bush or no Bush, the water is still there. Deal with it."

"But i guess this is still the white mans country huh is that why they have to suffer?"

Nope, they have to suffer because they decided to stay after evacuactions were recommended, as well as they chose to live IN A LAKE BED, SEVEN FEET BELOW SEA LEVEL.

"I dont want to think like that"

Then why are you promoteing the continued perception of the oppressed black man. Those times are over, deal with it. You cant blame everything on the white man anymore, you have to take responsibility and actually get a DAMN JOB.

"so I try to think like this and may you sould also think like this if it was you that lost everything..."

R.I.P Jerry. Nuff said.

[Anti-ignorance]

I have been saddened by the comments you racist, uncaring, Bush supporters have made. If any of you do believe in God, do know that regardless of what I say or anyone else for that matter YOU will have to answer to Him in the end. Your comments show that racism does continue to exist, you've called people lazy and everything else without knowing these people or their experiences, your comments are based primarily on the fact that they are black and poor. There are people who work multiple jobs while raising a family and are still poor. And, please understand that while there is a large percentage of blacks who are impoverished the overwhelming majority of "government leeches" in this country are white women. Many are pointing fingers at black leadership in New Orleans when the potential threat of the levees breaking were there before black leadership, give me a break! I'm glad you all would like to think that you have gotten to where you are in life due to sheer "hard work."

Whites do not understand the experiences of Blacks in America nor do you try to and I don't expect you to start now, maybe we will finally get somewhere when you get out of your White bubble and really learn about and validate the experiences of others. Unless you've been black and poor you can't say what these people could have or should have done or didn't do. Race and class are inextricably linked in this country, has anyone considered that housing for the poorer people was the furthest below sea level and they all just happen to be black!!!! The poorer you are the less likely it is for you to be able to afford housing in a safe place whether it is violence ridden or below sea-level. For the person asking what's wrong with "Walking", have you ever had to walk to safety in a hurricane? These comments are ludicrous. I pray for not only the victims of the hurricane, but those of you who are breeding ignorance as well.

[RJ]

Anti-ignorance: Racism begets racism and calling whites racists keeps it going. Try and take the high road or is that even possible? Probably not.

I grew up WHITE and poor. Don't tell me that class and race are intertwined. I've been in the welfare lines. I've lived in poverty. I've seen my family take 2, sometimes 3, jobs to put food on the table. It took hard work for me to be the only person in my family to go through college.

I pray for you, too because you obviously hurt and are lashing out. Don't be like the racists, but you're getting close to it. Validation of a problem doesn't solve it. Neither does tolerance.

BTW, the NOLA residents aren't lazy. They suffer from a lack of very horrible leadership at multiple levels of the system.

[Betty]

THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO GET IT TOGETHER!!

[lolita]

I think there is a major issue in the States regarding segregation and education. This has come to light for all the world to see. It absolutely disgusting that this had to happen for people to realize the problems within their country. Regarding poverty, my parents know about poverty, because they came to North America with only a small luggage in their hand, not speaking a word of english. They in turn made a fantastic life for themselves and for us, their children, with respect, pride,honor and hard work. The issue here is that people need to stop pointing fingers at each other, and lay blame on others for their unfortunate state, but to make a POSITIVE difference with themselves and with others. The government cannot help you with this, you need to find it within yourselves.

[irok2badusuk]

Bush means well. He cares about the people. But he's incompetent. These qualities might be ok if he was working at a 7-11 but they are not ok when one's job is president. Thanks to Kanye West for broaching a subject (however inarticulately) that requires more discussion. The Bush administration wonders why all those black people didn't just throw a case of Evian into their range rovers and drive to their summer homes. There is a lack of understanding in the current administration that is bordering on criminal.

[Joe]

All I have to say is that it is a real shame that Kanye West chose himself to be the spokesperson for the African American race on national television. If he wanted to make a real statement against the governemnt and media he could have at least tried to sound half-way intelligent instead of the bumbling fool that he came across as. He looked like a nervous third grader trying to give a book report in front of his classmates. For someone in his profession that is used to performing live in front of cameras and crowds of people I would expect better. Hell, I think Mike Tyson could have done a better job!

[jane]

i have never heard of this rapper because i dont listen to that music kanye west let everyone down he made mike myers look bad and chris also kanye needs to give all his money to all those poor black people in lou. stop making excuses for being black how many more years are you going to make excuses for black people that have always relied on the welfare i dont see other races making excuse a hispanic man will go out and work a black person is crying i dont want to work i want it put in my hands because im black kanye does not want peace in the world he wants war among people

[moosetracks]

The Democrats idea of people on welfare is being good to them, is only destroying them.

The able bodied, young and older, need to be educated. If they will not stay in school, they need to be put in a reform school type of system.

They need to be self-reliant, not rely on government handouts. To the Democrat Party, freebies = votes.

They have not demanded enough from their voters, to enable them to further their education and good/better jobs, for their dignity.

The young that only listen to rappers and talk like them, only hurt themselves to gain a better life...who would hire someone who talks like a rapper?

It's time they listen to Bill Cosby.

According to a newspaper in Tallahassee, workers and Jeb Bush offered to Mississippi and Louisiana, help to evacuate before the storm hit..they refused help.

Louisiana Gov. has been upset with the N.O. mayor because he didn't support her when she was running for office...."he will have hell to pay." she reportedly said.

2000 School buses underwater, cause the Mayor wanted Greyhound buses! Costing the lives of nursing home patients.

This storm has uncovered more than just the devastation of a town.

[!]

Some of these people wake up everyday and spend the whole day trying to figure out how they further milk the system. They do not want work.
Thats a damn fact. Some of the women have been taught the more kids they have to larger the welfare check they can get and the more wick and foodstamps they can get.
Its shameless !!

[!]

Posted by: ohlalala | Sep 4, 2005 1:52:52 PM
---------------------------------------------

Ask me if i care you idiot !!

[!]

Kanye West does not care about "White people" !

[B.J.]

You white folks is just as hateful and deviish as you was in slavery! You need to go some where and burn!!!!!!!!

If George Bush had not taken the money from the enviromentalist when he first went into office this shit would not be going on. If the country believed in taking care of its black Americans like its illegal Mexicans it would not be going on. So you hateful ass white folks can shut up cause it was not for your mistreatment of black folk in slavery you would not have a AMERICA. You stole it from the Indians and the black folk built it up. You aint done shit but hate like you still do.

[absynth_minded]

You all desperately need some "Prussian Blue" in your life ;)

[absynth_minded]

Shit, if I woulda known we were throwing a party I would have brought balloons or chips or something....

[Tricia]

President Bush did try to help the people and told people to leave so it's the people faults if they don't listen and there's so much that the president can do because he's not in charge of that state. He has to get permission from the governor which he ask her if he could help bring in food and water and she said no because she had a plan to get the people on bus so that they wouldn't get hurt or kill so if you want to blame someone blame it on the governor and mayor.

[brownalmostblackman]

"God helps those who help themselves". This does not include looting and stealing!!!

[socorro gomez]

did you know that wu-tang clan deliverd a valentine to new york fans

[socorro gomez]

don't think that bush should have ever been president again he has not done one single thing he said he would do so he should get kicked off of office he has no right to creat illusions to all of and not even do as he says he will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!