Crises in New Orleans is History Repeating Itself

[CottonBear]

Crises in New Orleans is History Repeating Itself

In 1927, the Mississippi river swelled, putting most of New Orleans under water. The city’s mostly Black, largely poor population was told to gather together into safe havens until the crisis passed, as their neighborhoods were sacrificed to save the city’s more desirable areas. The disaster and violence that ensued changed the course of American history.

By Jacques Amalric
September 8, 2005

Liberation - Original Article (French) ÊÊÊ

Galveston, 1900

Men Pose in the Debris of Galveston's Grand Hotel.
Much has been said and written about the causes of the catastrophe that has devastated the American coast along the Gulf of Mexico: the incompetence of Federal authorities, the insensitivity of George W. Bush, and the effect of racial inequality. Here we will delve into some historical and contemporary facts that merit reflection:

In the year 1900, a hurricane, we know not whether it was a category 4 or 5, devastated the port of Galveston, Texas. It killed over 6,000 people. The local newspapers, burning defenders of racial segregation, charged that Blacks took advantage of the ensuing disorder to cut off the fingers of White victims to steal their wedding rings, a charge that has never been established. The devastation of Galveston brought good fortune to  Houston, which quickly became the State’s vital center.

In 1927, a gigantic swelling of the Mississippi flooded New Orleans. To save the most handsome neighborhoods of the city, the (White) people in charge of the city allowed the floodwaters to invade the poorest zones of municipality; they promised to compensate for the damage, but they never did. At the same time, they gathered part of the black population into relief camps. But as armed guards blocked the exits, the relief camps also flooded. The racial violence which followed encouraged many Blacks to leave the city and to try their luck in the North.



These events also marked the beginning of New Orleans’ decline with the appearance of neo-fascist demagogue Huey Long, who seized upon the discontent to leave his mark on Louisiana. Elsewhere in the country, voices began to rise demanding that the Federal Government intervene in the event of a national catastrophe. These demands paved the way for Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal after the 1929 Stock Market collapse.

more...

http://www.watchingamerica.com/liberation000040.html

This is a very good article from a website which publishes translated articles about America from foreign papers.
http://www.watchingamerica.com/

[leveymg]

1. The history we hide about ourselves only fools us.

I'm sure that the events in New Orleans of 1927 are known by many in the predominantly Black areas that are still underwater.

Wonder why nobody else in America can remember this? Really confirms the addage about history unlearned is oft repeated.

That lesson particularly applies to Fascism.

[CottonBear]

4. "The history we hide about ourselves only fools us."

We should make this history known to our friends, relatives, comrades and the media, because, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

Bookmark the website and spread it to other DUers. It is important to have another perspective.

Peace, CB

[Clarkie1]

2. Facinating history lesson. Thanks for the post. n/t

[CottonBear]

3. Bookmark that website. It is very important.

It is a way to know what the world is reporting and thinking about us.

Peace, CB

[texpatriot2004]

5. "We could not have known" about this unless we read books...

American History books you stupid greedy selfish bastards.