The forgotten "refugees" of Katrina:now this concerns me.....

Note: Because the residents of New Orleans seem to be off the radar, I think it is shameful that in our collective short attention spans, all the rest of us "compassionate" Americans have moved on.

Michael Brown, Do You Care about Katrina Suicide?
By Allie Deger

On December 27, 2005 The New York Times ran a rather unsettling article concerning the sharp increase in suicide among those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The newly doubled rate has recently been propelled into discussion by most major news agencies, following the addition of the breaking double-murder-suicide of the Dearings, a North Texas family.

Since evacuees were first herded like cattle into the Superdome, suicides among a group that formerly had relatively low rates have now climbed to the national average. Upon first glance this may seem like a low statistic (9/100,000 for Katrina survivors vs. 10/100,000 for the nation), but consider the broader picture: A given group, predominately African-American New Orleans residents who previously did not kill themselves, now do. Consider that the Dearing family was living in a small apartment with limited government assistance that did not contribute to the rent. Consider that the Dearings were going to be evicted from their apartment in only a week’s time.

There were three suicides at the Superdome. 2.7 million are still without power. It is believed that the suicide rates will continue to rise during 2006. FEMA's "long-term" financial aid lasts … 18 months.

There is an apparent correlation between what can be understated as a calamity and the recent influx of suicides. This hurricane, this ruin, has broken people. Is it outlandish to want to hold an official accountable? Let us revisit a few memorable words by the impeccably articulate Michael Brown "If you'll look at my lovely FEMA attire, you'll really vomit. I am a fashion god." This, of course was not in regard to the suicides that were concurrently taking place. This was in regard to his new dress shirt Brown was to wear on television.

Michael Brown should be criminally charged for manslaughter due to his negligence, which led to the suicide of seven people in the four months that followed Hurricane Katrina. Instead, the former Arabian horse expert is out of a job, but CONTINUES to receive a salary of $148,000.

Is this a proportional response?

Also check out: New Orleans Residents All Over The Country should Be Put On Red Alert: The Neo Cons Are Trying To Illegally Bulldoze Your Homes And Steal Your Property