Katrina Survivors Storm Capitol

[sandnsea]

"I can't believe that some people in Washington think that after a category 5 hurricane the solution is to unleash a category 5 assault on working families.” That was the sentiment of Hurricane Katrina survivors, brought to Washington to draw attention to mounting needs that continue to go unanswered. Campaign for America’s Future sponsored the visit of several survivors who met today with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

The survivors shared stories about the recovery and assistance they have still not received. Dian Palmer of New Orleans, who organized a team of volunteer nurses, said she had witnessed closed hospitals, no reliable health care system, and a desperate need for Medicaid funds and care. Michelle Baker echoed her complaints saying "I lost my job and the benefits that come with it and when I recently applied to get some help from the government in the form of Medicaid I was rejected. Turned down. Refused.”

“It is a cruel hoax on the victims of Katrina to use their plight to promote a budget that doesn't address their needs, that increases the deficit and gives tax cuts to the wealthiest people in our country,” said Rep. Pelosi. She and Senator Reid are continuing to push Congress for a budget that addresses the priorities of America’s working families and doesn’t ask the “the poorest children in America” to pay for the pressing needs of Katrina survivors.

Reconstruction issues were also discussed at today’s meeting. “Vincent Morris spoke about how the people of New Orleans want to lift themselves up and rebuild their lives but that local contractors are still struggling to find work because of the way contracts are being awarded throughout the Gulf Coast.”

Senator Reid blasted the Republicans over these misplaced priorities and continued favoring of the wealthy few. “Republicans talk a good game about helping victims, but when it comes time for meaningful action, they are nowhere to be found,” said Sen. Reid.

LINKS:
http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/?view=plink&id=1426

[malaise]

1. Good for them

Damn they have been treated badly.

[Muddy Waters Guitar]

7. I'm surprised many haven't rioted already

There's already so much pent-up anger over the way they've been screwed, and now the Rethugs are insistent on cutting their Medicaid benefits, while using their hard labor to support the ultra-rich. It's a return of Robber Baron exploitation.

If the Rethugs try to cut Medicaid or Food Stamps to the poor, or go back on their promises to rebuild Louisiana, the Dems in Congress need to close ranks and make it clear who's fighting for those who've lost so much in the Hurricane. Few better demonstrations of what we stand for.

[bloom]

2. that's good

[IndyOp]

3. Love It!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

To everyone here at DU who sent financial support to Campaign for America's Future to get Katrina survivors to DC: :applause:

[Digit]

4. The media has been too silent on the plight of Katrina survivors

Maybe it is time to give the media a nudge.

[amitten]

5. I couldn't agree more.

I know there's plenty of exciting news to go around right now. But...AN ENTIRE AMERICAN CITY HAS BEEN OBLITERATED. And the people are all still homeless and living in despair. Insurance companies are denying claims left and right. Where is our media? This is still an unresolved issue, begging for coverage.

[sandnsea]

6. People are preoccupied

Iraq, Plame, Wilma, Horowitz murder. The media is writing the stories, they just aren't getting attention. Just like the Dems regularly fight bad legislation, etc., and get little attention. It's just not sensationalist enough.