Tony Snow Cuts Off Reverend With Racial Concerns
Reported by Deborah - September 10, 2005
Today on FNL,Tony Snow cut off a concerned and angry Reverend who was voicing objections to the way FEMA has dealt with the needs of people in shelters waiting for financial assistance. Alicia Acuna was reporting from a shelter where people are losing patience because they have recieved the wrong information from FEMA. 9/10/05
The Reverend told Acuna that the "people are painted as thugs".He explained that the people need communication in order to feel respected. Acuna replied that even reporters were confused about whats going on.
The Reverend was extremely angry because he had heard that FEMA was shutting down and claimed that he was on the phone all night urging them not to make that move. He added that as a "minority black man, he wants FEMA to know that these black folk are not going to take it."
When he referred to the Red Cross as the "White Cross" and offered some other angry comments that were racially charged, Tony Snow abruptly cut him off with a nasty comment," The Reverend obviously needs more sleep."
comment: Snow's behavior was shocking and unprofessional. This man had every right to express his concerns. If Snow was a good journalist, he would have tried to explore the situation honestly. None of the people in the lines were interviewed, of course, so viewers have no idea what they're experiencing.
FEMA has given the evacuees inconsistant and confusing messages. First everyone was getting a $2000. debit card and now that's changed to only the people in the Houston shelters. Everyone elese needs to apply by phone or e-mail. The phone concept is crazy enough but the e-mail suggestion is ridiculous. It's no wonder that tempers are short.
Tony Snow should apologize to the Reverend and invite him back to voice his concerns.
