September 4, 2005

Breaking The Camel's Back

I've never been a fan of Anne Rice, and am I glad of that right now. I've read so much nastiness over the last week, and I've kept my peace, but I think this was the proverbial straw. Here's what she has to say about us:

But to my country I want to say this: During this crisis you failed us. You looked down on us; you dismissed our victims; you dismissed us. You want our Jazz Fest, you want our Mardi Gras, you want our cooking and our music. Then when you saw us in real trouble, when you saw a tiny minority preying on the weak among us, you called us "Sin City," and turned your backs.

Should I ask for the money I donated this week back? Since I don't care and all.

Actually, Ann, I went to New Orleans once and once was quite enough. I don't want your Jazz Fest, or your Mardi Gras. So no, I don't want anything from you or your city. But despite that, I still care about the people there. And the people of Gulfport, and Biloxi, and all the other towns and cities devastated by this disaster. And so do millions of other Americans --- they're fellow countrymen, just like me, just like you. I know it must be a difficult concept for you to grasp with all your wealth and fame, but we care even without wanting or getting anything in return. And despite your small mindedness and nastiness, we'll still keep caring, and keep helping. Sorry to disappoint you. If you honestly believe we dismissed the suffering of the victims of the hurricane, then you're a sad and deluded person. Maybe you should stick to your fantasy world, because you surely don't seem to grasp the real one.

Posted by Ithildin at September 4, 2005 12:02 AM | PROCURE FINE OLD WORLD ABSINTHE

I just don't understand people like that. Millions of dollars are rolling in, people are volunteering to let refugees stay in their homes, people are taking time off from their regular jobs to do volunteer work...

What more does that... ahem... what more does she want?

BTW, I agree with you about the Big Easy: been there once, don't want to go back. I can make my own red beans and rice.

Posted by: docjim505 at September 4, 2005 5:06 AM

Sadly I have come to expect this all too often from the privliged in our society. I can't help but wonder if she sincerely believes that nonesense or if she just sees this as a way to garner a few more minutes of fame.

Posted by: Ursus_Trollkin at September 4, 2005 10:52 AM

Think you hit it on the head with describing her as a sad and deluded person. This is almost tame compared with some of her behavior before the hurricane -- you should check out her full-page ads taking her neighbors and fellow residents to task over religion and more for good examples. I found it telling that her main character is a spoiled immature whining brat, who never is at fault and never takes responsibility, despite having centuries to do so.

Posted by: Laughing Wolf at September 4, 2005 1:23 PM

I've been wondering what Anne Rice would have to say about what happened in her city. Now I wish I didn't know.

Posted by: deb at September 4, 2005 2:39 PM

Her reaction irritated the hell out of me.

Posted by: P. Campbell at September 5, 2005 9:16 AM

The people of the city of New Orleans and of the state of Louisiana really need to be more careful of who they elect to office and then demand more of their office holders. Their officials dropped the ball and now are trying to blame it on Bush. This was a rough test for the Department of Homeland Security. Next time it may be terrorists rather than just looters who take advantage of the situation.

Posted by: Evon at September 5, 2005 7:33 PM

Actually, I'm tired of the whole philosophy that's occured over the past twenty to thirty years, that since New Orleans still had the "French Quarter Land Theme Park" (and associated areas such as the Garden District) it didn't matter that the rest of the city was going to heck in a handbasket.

I guess Ms. Rice is looking for reasons it still doesn't matter.

Posted by: Phil Fraering at September 5, 2005 8:18 PM

Personally, having lived there for three, I love New Orleans, but I'd be the first torecognize it's not everyone's taste. And if I didn't already (though I did), I now thoroughly HATE Anne Rice.

Posted by: Dave J at September 5, 2005 11:09 PM

Dear Ms. Rice...

Yes Ma'am, we turned our backs...

We turned 'em to open the doors to our churches, our food pantrys, our convention center, our sports stadiums and our schools...

We turned our backs to collect cots and drinking water, diapers and sandwiches... To set up phone networks and internet access points so the missing could be connected...

To provide triage services, innoculations and hospital care in one the finest medical communities in the world.

And when they told us this ordeal might last months we turned our backs and collected more money, more supplies and enlisted more volunteer help...

We don't want your thanks Ms. Rice, but we would appreciate it if you don't crap on us anymore...

Posted by: davek at September 6, 2005 3:52 PM

She better be carrying garlic and a cross i case she ever interviews another vampire I VANT TO BITE YOUR NECK

Posted by: condor at September 6, 2005 8:41 PM

Some people should learn when to keep their mouths shut, especially when they're in the spotlight. It just makes her look petty.

Posted by: Angela at September 9, 2005 5:26 AM