The day after the hurricane I watched a news report run over and over on damage to the reporter's hotel - you know the story I mean because that was the day's news on Ike's damage. Why would you have full coverage from a parking lot on falling masonry when there is a disaster blocks away? The only reason is you are not allowed to move. But the reporter missed the REAL story, that they were barred from reporting.
Comaparing the coverage of Katrina and Ike is like comparing the coverage between the first Gulf War and the current war. (Actually it is like the difference between the Vietnam war and the current war, but I am pandering to the blog demographic.)
During Katrina, reporters got the story. I think during Ike, they were given the story.
Just for fun, go to Google News and search on "bolivar peninsula news blackout." Here I can do it for you. You will see 7 stories displayed. The only one after September 16 is about a power blackout. With the economy and the debate, that just must not be an important story. Maybe all is well on the Bolivar Peninsula!
But what if you got to Google Blog and search on those terms?
- Hurricane Ike Deaths Coverup? 24 Sep 2008 by Robert Lindsay
I don't know if you're aware since we're getting no news coverage here in Texas, but thousands are missing in Galveston and Bolivar peninsula and there was a no fly zone over most of the area for over a week. No press was allowed in and ... - Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hurricane Ike news blackout; 1500 bodies found in Galveston?
I kid you not when I say that he told me they saw AT LEAST 1500 bodies in trees scattered about Galveston. They also saw a lot in various ditches and marshes, esp. on the north side of East Galv. Bay, east side of Trinity Bay, and in the marshes between I-45 and Seabrook/Clear Lake/Deer Park. - Hurricane Ike -- West End, Bolivar Peninsula, and FEMA Response 15 Sep 2008 by Maggie Jochild
... Galveston -- the Bolivar Peninsula and the west end of Galveston Island -- have been wiped out. In addition, there is some question that this news is being kept from the public by a deliberate media blackout imposed either by Texas ... - Sequel: Hurricane Ike news blackout; hundreds of bodies found in Galveston area
We have a friend who is a police officer for League City (an area of town much closer to Galveston- which seems to have taken most of the damage) and he says that even though they are only publicizing about 20 or so deaths, that there are several HUNDRED unidentified bodies on Galveston Island on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Here are some photos of the destruction of the Bolivar Peninsula that need no reporting.
I understand why there might be a news blackout in the interest of national security, but it MUST also be accompanied by a story that there IS a news blackout.
It is in the interest of national security to tell the public when a story can't be reported, because what if there is not a good reason to stop the media from covering the story? Why not put a little box on the front page of the paper, "Day X that Reporting is Barred from the Bolivar Peninusla." It would just reassure me to know the media is keeping track.
Why do the newspapers not say if they are prevented from visiting the Bolivar Peninsula and reporting freely if that is the case? And if they can go and report, why aren't they? Those of us in Texas care about our neighbors even if the stock market is going south! Add an extra page to the paper!!
Here are some photos of the destruction of the Bolivar Peninsula that need no reporting.
Harking back to my last blog: Beaumont, your rescued animals go up for adoption tomorrow. Seems the Ten Day Limit on retrieving rescues is up there.
Anyone who would like to get in touch about their missing animal, just send me your e-mail address or phone number in a comment. My comments are moderated so I will be able to get your info, but not post it online if that is your wish.
I will not post anyone's e-mail address, but just say if you do not want your comment posted. (Not like anyone will see this and comment though!)
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1 comment:
Marilyn,
It's funny how I suspected the exact thing you are saying right now. There is no way after seeing the devastation that happened down there especially on the Bolivar Penn. that they are allowing the media in there. If they are then the media just plain old sucks. Excuse my french but whether it's the Media or Texas, one of them does.
When the Tsunami hit back in 2004, I helped families identify their loved ones by scanning through 1,000's of photos of dead bodies. I know how bad it was with the Tsunami and this was not much better. Over a 160,000 people died then. I would say if anyone was lucky enough to make it in Galveston & especially the Bolivar Pennisula they are more lucky then they realize. The Media was there for Katrina and it was there for the Tsunami, why haven't they been in Galveston! Is it because it is Bush country? Just curious. I had to say it. I may be way off, but I doubt it. Keep up the great work Marilyn!
Susan "Spiritsmom"
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