Larry Grogan mentioned at Funky 16 Corners that there are some hurricane relief benefit record auctions going on at the Soulstrut board. I didn't see any of them because instead I found a video clip posted there of Keith Olbermann's MSNBC editorial. If you haven't seen it, you can read it on his blog. Many have spoken eloquently about the regional (and national) disaster from Katrina and its aftermath; but I don't think I've read or heard anything as measured, succinct and spot-on as this. Here's a sample,
And most chillingly of all, this is the Law and Order and Terror government. It promised protection — or at least amelioration — against all threats: conventional, radiological, or biological.
It has just proved that it cannot save its citizens from a biological weapon called standing water.
Read the whole thing, though. Then recall the story about the king who had no clothes. But, mere incompetence is not the issue here. This adminstration had to be dragged to the rescue and still hasn't quite made it (or gotten it). And it was pretty much MIA in pre-storm preparation. I agree with that poor crying local official who called it abandonment. Just saying you care after you did nothing productive when it was needed most only proves that you are lying or delusional. The party's over in New Orleans, for now. It's up to people who actually give a shit to bring it back. Remember, it is a city that dances in the streets after a funeral. There will be a lot of funerals, and a lot of rebuilding; so put on your best dancin' work boots and join in.
Anyway, that's my take on it this early AM. Nighty night, America. More music is on the way. . . .
Based on the premise that the true Home of the Groove, at least on the North American landmass, is the irreplaceable musical and cultural nexus, New Orleans, Louisiana and environs, this audioblog features rare, hard to find, often forgotten, vintage New Orleans-related R&B and funk records with commentary. Some general knowledge of N.O. music is helpful here, but not required to get your groove on.
Based on the premise that the true Home of the Groove, at least on the North American landmass, is the irreplaceable musical and cultural nexus, New Orleans, Louisiana and environs, this audioblog features rare, hard to find, often forgotten, vintage New Orleans-related R&B and funk records with commentary. Some general knowledge of N.O. music is helpful here, but not required to get your groove on.
Pages
▼
The Olbermann rant was about the most concise piece of editorial thus far. It's a chilling time to be alive in America, but there are stories of average citizens helping one another that tell the real story.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to you for the updates regarding the musicians that have been located (on the wwoz link) and your truly excellent website. Thanks for everything.