Spike Lee

"When the Levees Broke" a mini-series type documentary by Spike Lee is one of the most educational shows I have ever watched. In it you get commentary by many of the survivors of the hurricane, as well as many reporters and others that were involved in the relief process. You see the aftermath of the hurricane in a different aspect than normal news reports showed. Many news reports showed the devastation, but this was truly in depth coverage. People dead in the streets, houses completely destroyed, streets flooded for miles, and it seemed as though the damage would or rather could not be repaired. Within the show you hear many times "where was the government?" or "where was FEMA?" You see news reports with reporters interviewing those around them to find out how mad they were at the President, but my question is, what were those reporters doing to help? How come no one asked why the camera men were just standing behind the camera, why not put the camera down and help someone? Now I am in no way attempting to defend the government in their slow effort to provide aid, because as the President of our country, over looking people dying from a plane and not coming into "ground zero" for two weeks was inconsiderate and inhumane. When people see that picture, do they really think that someone 14,000 ft in the air is really sympathetic to those dying below him? The documentary by Spike Lee is wonderful in the sense that it shows its viewers the details and the first hand experience of the situation. I would definately recommend viewing the show, or at least checking out the website.

When the Levees Broke

Throughout the events of Hurricane Katrina, the residents of Louisianna (mainly New Orleans) were referred to as REFUGEES. This is a name the media generally gives to people fleeing countries during times of war to avoid persecution. Yet, this is a name that we gave to people simply seeking shelter and normal living conditions. This name was given to people simply needing help. This documentary shows you how the citizens of Louisianna feel about the entire situation. It is eye-opening and educational. If you do watch it, please make sure you pay attention to the segment about the President's mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, because she makes a comment that few will forget.