Friday, May 2, 2008

The saints are coming




There is a house in New Orleans, they call the Rising Sun
It's been the ruin of many a poor boy, and God, I know I'm one.

I cried to my daddy on the telephone, how long now?
Until the clouds unroll and you come home, the line went.
But the shadows still remain since your descent, your descent.

The saints are coming, the saints are coming.
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply.
The saints are coming, the saints are coming.
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply.

A drowning sorrow floods the deepest grief, how long now?
Until the weather change condemns belief, how long now?
When the night watchman lets in the thief Whats wrong now?

The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply.
The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply.

This video is a criticism of President Bush's response to the New Orlean's disaster and the media's portrayal of the response. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans descended into chaos. Police officers and emergency crews had to choose some people to save and to watch others die. Some committed suicide when this burden became too heavy. The government could've done more but the military, including 25% of the Louisiana National Guard which normally is called in during times of emergency, was fighting in Iraq.

How great it would've been if the might of the US military machine had been turned towards this cause as shown in this video. What an effect it would've had restoring order and delivering much needed help. Instead, as I watch the fantasy Harriers, Apaches and B2 Spirits in the video I'm left with a feeling of what could've been... You may blame the government, President Bush, the media or, like the author of the song, maybe even God but I think it's important to realise that the same thing is happening today and we are to blame.

Canada, Europe and the US are fighting a war to save "Mother Earth" and we're ignoring the dying world around us. To the point where even food is being diverted to Biofuel so that we can keep our precious cars on the road and feel good that we're "saving the environment". Now World Vision is reporting that as food prices soar they can't afford to feed seven million people that they were previously helping. Seven million people! If that doesn't horrify you I would be worried.

Everywhere I go I see "green products" geared towards "green consumers", I wonder how many people would spend all their energy fighting the green cause if they had to watch their child slowly starve to death. Next time you see something "green" or "eco" or "earth-friendly" try to think of the last time you saw anything that suggested we should do anything for the starving poor in the world.

Don't wait.

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