Yesterday morning, ham radio operators Marilyn and Grant Jones tried to get bottled water to that area – Chalmette and other St. Bernard Parish low-lying neighborhoods. Only one boat was waiting at the stagnant water’s edge. The operator, who declined to give his name, said he was contracted to carry only Diane Sawyer and her ABC News television crew.
The next boat over the bridge was for CNN’s Anderson Cooper.
“We’ve got a big ol’ 18-wheeler full of water and we’ve been trying to get in for three days,” said Grant Jones.
“Supplies still hitting snags as some neighborhoods reawaken,” 09/06/2005, San Diego Union-Tribune
Okay, maybe I’m not thinking this through clearly. Maybe I’m missing something. Maybe somebody can point out exactly what that something is.
But let’s assume this report is accurate.
So.
What kind of major media news reporter would, when faced with this choice:
- Report on flooded New Orleans
- Help deliver water to stranded victims
- Report on flooded New Orleans AND deliver water to stranded victims, maybe even pull a few people off some rooftops
…would choose: “1. Report on flooded New Orleans”?
Excuse me while I go grind my teeth again.