Hello Everyone!
The aftermath of hurricane Katrina has really tested this country's resolve with regards to recovery and survival.
From my own personal perspective, here is my report card on this country's ability to handle this situation:
Federal Government, you get below a F....please close so that the rest of the country can stop paying taxes to you which has now proved to be for nothing!
State Governments, you get a "C" as you are trying to help people in general down there, but most likely more could be done.
The American People in general, you get an A+++++++++++++++++++++ for your deep generosity which knows no bounds.
Now....on to the major media....
For once, I guess I am split on my opinion of the general media. Generally, you guys piss me off. Let me be more specific...the news editors, program directors, or anyone else responsible for who we see on our screens, and how they position their stories. YOU STILL PISS ME OFF.
Why? Because you are all opportunists. You lack the ability to feel compassion about any subject with out feeling the need to turn it into a story opportunity. You have completely forgotten the older days of responsible news journalism. You typically only see an opportunity to position your stories to drive up speculation. You never try to bring two parties together to solve anything!
Want an example? Over one week of jumping on the comments of a frustrated black mayor and re-invigorating an age old issue of Black people vs White people. You then sprinkle a little additional controversy by bringing George W. Bush and his administration into the mix. By basic problem with this is your inability to focus on other peoples needs...
Like entire missing Native American Tribal Nations. Let me say that again...
ENTIRE TRIBAL NATIONS ARE MISSING IN MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA...
OK, do you think that would catch any-ones attention? You would think it would, but there is nothing on ANY major news outlet. I would think you major news people could spare an occasional 30 second piece about a tribal nation such as the Houma's who are for the most part...missing.
And please... don't sit there and tell me that "Gosh...we didn't know...THANK YOU FOR TELLING US...when I myself have done just that! I guess I will send this rant to someone who appreciates comments like this...filmmaker Michael Moore.
On the one hand, I have appreciated seeing attempts by the different news organizations try to connect families to loved ones, but can you do it without combining it with a story? With out deliberately instructing your reporters or corespondents to play on the race card?
CNN, thank you for running the pictures of missing children continuously on your broadcasts, with contact information. That stand alone effort needs to be commended. You can still work on some other issues that I have already stated, but thank you for at least posting their images and posting the toll free number (800-843-5678) for the national center for missing children, as well as their website (http://www.missingkids.com)
So (sadly) since the news media, the federal government, and other organizations have forgotten our Native people, it is up to us, independent native news media, to try to help our people. Maybe we can not only raise awareness, but get a fund raiser together that can be long term.
We are going to be introducing a payroll deduction plan at our own casino that employees can utilize to make donations over time. The organizations that receive the donations must demonstrate that they are utilizing the money to benefit the people.
Under consideration are:
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
United Way
However, the needs of the Houma people are as important as others affected by the storm. Again, I just want to be sure that the donations go to help our people as well as others.
I would love to hear others opinions, please feel free to e-mail me at:
Thanks for taking the time to read all of this.
Sincerely,
Michael Kickingbear
Indigenous Peoples Music
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