The week that was:

I heard the warnings for people to flee New Orleans.

I heard the advice for those remaining to take shelter in the Superdome.

I thought, “Fair enough but the Superdome better hold together.” I wondered about the Mississippi delta and levees.

I read the various reports on looting, raping and smoking crack cocaine.

I saw the headlines in the Saturday Mercury scream “ANARCHY” and noticed all the faces were very black and not the deep tan of music videos and New York.

I saw the news’ tapes of looters and noticed they were carrying clothes and food. Those on high ground were familial groups.

I saw the geographical map of Louisianna bordered by Texas (good ol’ God fearing George W), Alabama and the neighbouring Florida (good ol’ God fearing Jeb) and wondered where the eventual national guard and troops would originally be based. Would they herald from the east, west, north or south. My money would not be on the South.

Indirect discrimination arises when a policy or process allows one sector (gender, race, religion or political persuasion) ascendancy or privelege over another sector. The controlling group usually cannot see the prejudice. They are right.

What I didn’t see was that, “Flee New Orleans” meant those with cars; “Go the Superdome” meant the underclass. Now “Health care” means those with the income to buy. Segregation is alive and well.

Why have I recounted this? American politics under George Bush’s Republican Party has embraced the voter support within the evangelical born-again Christian right. John Howard’s team are actively seeking dialogue and granting credence to these same groups.

Unfortunately, many in this movement primarily care about middle class (read “white Christians”) life issues (read “abortion” or “euthanasia”). Australia should be very cautious about adopting a right wing Christian agenda.

And before I am inundated with responses on this, I should flag that I firmly believe Jesus Christ was one of the world’s greatest philosophers and ethicists and pass no comment on his divinity. It is just that people often justify their behaviours and beliefs through their own form of hero worship.

A good memory to close. An American black recalled seeing white women helping black babies and black men helping white children and commented the friendships and assistance would help build better future relations.

No cartoon here even though the natures and quirks of human souls are all too visible.