Although the Times did not cover the flooding in Louisiana very well, it did, during this time, have a very good article on making perfect toast.
Well ......the response of the NYT to the Louisiana floods may not have been what it should have been and we can vote our pocketbooks on that issue.
Far more disturbing is a President that is photographed with a big grin pasted on his face as he plays through and this at the time that Louisianians are fighting for their lives and property.
He could have been and should have been anywhere else but schmoozing on that golf course.
The morale boost that only the presence of the President can provide was a lost opportunity and a vacuum filled by Trump.
That smile was a punch in the gut and a deep betrayal of Democrats in Louisiana that have supported the President these many years......a deep betrayal. How do I express my deep frustration?
(Please do not waste your effort in spouting silliness and nonsense about President Obama being asked not to come. It isn't true. It is only cover).
Far more disturbing is a President that is photographed with a big grin pasted on his face as he plays through and this at the time that Louisianians are fighting for their lives and property.
He could have been and should have been anywhere else but schmoozing on that golf course.
The morale boost that only the presence of the President can provide was a lost opportunity and a vacuum filled by Trump.
That smile was a punch in the gut and a deep betrayal of Democrats in Louisiana that have supported the President these many years......a deep betrayal. How do I express my deep frustration?
(Please do not waste your effort in spouting silliness and nonsense about President Obama being asked not to come. It isn't true. It is only cover).
Very simple answer, they didn't want to make their hero look bad. Wonder how long it took them to cover Katrina, hmmmm?
Excellent post, Liz. But I think the NYT is more concerned with hammering Trump, Fox News and Sean Hannity. They have an election to win!
Poor flyover country gets ignored again by the NYT.
The damage down around Baton Rouge would be as if the entire city of Albany or Yonkers had every home ruined. A relative reports that only about 20 houses in his subdivision, including his own, were undamaged. Damaged means having to demolish the house or strip it to the outer walls, frame and studs; it isn't just putting some furnishings out at the curb. Still, Louisiana approaches being a dystopia. How much bad news from one place is the Times expected to cover in depth. Get this, despite the mighty Mississippi on the west side(not implicated this time) and a relatively flat land criss-crossed by creeks and bayous, the geniuses had determined that flood insurance was unnecessary.
2
NY values, calling people who just lost everything "geniuses".
I am so very, very weary of the Public Editor's writing well-researched and well-found criticisms of the Times, and the editors involved announcing that they did the right thing. "We definitely could have done more" is not the same as "We dropped the ball, and we're trying to make up for it now." The Times could always have done more, on any story -- the question is why the Times did nothing.
It would make me ecstatic if, just once, an editor said "This story was wrong, this coverage was wrong, and -- crucial part -- this is how we are going to avoid making that mistake in the future."
It would make me ecstatic if, just once, an editor said "This story was wrong, this coverage was wrong, and -- crucial part -- this is how we are going to avoid making that mistake in the future."
6
Where is the outrage. Obama vacations while the largest natural disaster since Sandy ravages Louisiana should be the headlines of every news paper and television news broadcast out there. It's simply outrageous how irresponsible our news media is. Shame on you for calling yourselves news reporters you are over paid readers. Anyone could do what you do so let's find people with a conscience who will tell the whole truth despite what the big bosses tell you to say.
1
Amen Sueja.
The NY Times liberal elite are just like Barack Obama.
The liberal elite look at Americans suffering, wring their hands, maybe text a donation to some charity and then brag about helping "those people."
It's possible that liberals are the worst human beings on this planet.
The NY Times liberal elite are just like Barack Obama.
The liberal elite look at Americans suffering, wring their hands, maybe text a donation to some charity and then brag about helping "those people."
It's possible that liberals are the worst human beings on this planet.
What was the president supposed to do -- apparently his FEMA is functioning well. He is not hand-holder in chief. This sort of commentary seems paranoiac. LA gets plenty of coverage -- perhaps because it is a dystopia.
2
Like to see you say that too some good old boys from Louisiana.
About 2 years ago my family and I moved from CT to Lafayette, LA for a multitude of reasons. Heroic efforts are continually underway in the affected areas. We initially saw the situation hitting the fan on Friday morning, Aug. 12'th, and through the weekend discovered that this would, indeed, turn out to be a historic event, the likes of which haven't been seen before. The lack of news coverage, not only by NYTimes but other mainstream news sources, is downright deplorable and borderline unethical. To wait until the following Monday morning (Sunday night at 8:20PM?) to report bare-bones observations without coming close to noting the breath and scope of catastrophe unfolding in this great state is a testament to either biased reporting or, truly not having your 'finger on the pulse of the nation' as some put it. As an organization deserving of some credit, and for the sake of honor and integrity, NYTimes, take credit for your missteps in neglecting the coverage another disaster in Louisiana before it catches up in the future. Let me make one thing clear once again: Heroic efforts are continually underway in this state, over a week later. I see them first-hand as a first-responder. It's your duty to broadcast this to the nation as a whole.
I think the Times should take a hint from this, because there is more writing on the wall. The Times has the reputation of being one of the best papers in the country, even the world, but lately it has been becoming a political mouthpiece. It champions particular causes and candidates, rather than just reporting on the news in as unbiased a fashion as it can. Completely unbiased journalism is likely an impossibility, but the Times doesn't really seem to even be trying of late.
Honestly, I would recommend the Times' leadership reach out explicitly to the other ends of the various cultural and political divides in this country, and seek involving intelligent, articulate writers into their folds, despite the differences in opinion. Actually, no—BECAUSE of them. It would be really great if the Times could rise above the pedestrian squabbles that most of us are already familiar with, and instead strive for an editorial attitude that seeks to honestly reflect as many sides to a story as there are. In as politically complex a world as we live in today, that would be a grand thing to see.
Honestly, I would recommend the Times' leadership reach out explicitly to the other ends of the various cultural and political divides in this country, and seek involving intelligent, articulate writers into their folds, despite the differences in opinion. Actually, no—BECAUSE of them. It would be really great if the Times could rise above the pedestrian squabbles that most of us are already familiar with, and instead strive for an editorial attitude that seeks to honestly reflect as many sides to a story as there are. In as politically complex a world as we live in today, that would be a grand thing to see.
1
Raymond Jetson's piece in the editorial section of the New York Times yesterday, August 19, gives us some idea of the devastation that's been occurring in Louisiana near Baton Rouge and in, I assume, Iberville Parish. The banks around St. Gabriel, on the East bank of the river, have been disappearing into the river as early as the 1700s. This is not an adequate reason to dispel questions of culpability when it comes to the U.S. Corps of engineers. (cont)
Yes, same thing happened last year when much of North Carolina was under water, with billions in damage. I could find nothing about it in Times online, and had to go to the Washing Post to find anything at all, though even their coverage was minimal. We don't have a national news source...
Kudos to the NYT for being accountable
3
I still don't understand why there isn't more coverage after this. When I get really busy, as I have been the past week, I just skim the NYT headlines. I completely missed that this disaster was happening until I tuned into NPR today. I've subscribed to NYT since college 18 years but ago now leaning towards canceling my subscription and relying on NPR and PBS NewsHour. NYT headlines include stories on doping, Olympics, fake Lochte robbery but nothing on LA. I am a big sports fan but this is absolutely ridiculous in terms of priority of coverage. And it's not just that this major disaster is not in the headlines; it's that there has been zero published on LA flooding for past two days. Actually, I think I just convinced myself to cancel my subscription.
1
Yes, there are too many articles, and articles on top of articles about the misadventures of Lochte, Trump, Kanye West, Kardashians, Caitlyn Jenner, and the list goes on. I wonder if the Times isn't losing its way.
For me, it is also disappointing that the Times ignores stories close to home, such as Thursday's huge fire on Staten Island that burned 7 homes, sent 10 firemen to the hospital and displaced over 50 people, mostly poor living in substandard rental housing. We need a little love every now and then, too.
For me, it is also disappointing that the Times ignores stories close to home, such as Thursday's huge fire on Staten Island that burned 7 homes, sent 10 firemen to the hospital and displaced over 50 people, mostly poor living in substandard rental housing. We need a little love every now and then, too.
I'm sorry, but I don't have hate in my heart - except for people who hate others who don't like them and save all of their love for those who. Hypocrisy needs to be called out because otherwise people will pretend to be angels.
And I am puzzled as to why a comment I submitted twice that mentioned only that Donald Trump has said nothing about these floods in person and on Twitter, that Hillary Clinton linked to the Red Cross on the first floods day, and David Duke made a tasteless joke about it was not printed.
That is pertinent because people are attacking the NYT for not responding yet they are not attacking Donald Trump. Yet a comment that started with my name was printed? Fair is fair. I'm going to submit that comment again. And again. Until it is printed.
And I am puzzled as to why a comment I submitted twice that mentioned only that Donald Trump has said nothing about these floods in person and on Twitter, that Hillary Clinton linked to the Red Cross on the first floods day, and David Duke made a tasteless joke about it was not printed.
That is pertinent because people are attacking the NYT for not responding yet they are not attacking Donald Trump. Yet a comment that started with my name was printed? Fair is fair. I'm going to submit that comment again. And again. Until it is printed.
1
OK, so my comment is finally printed after Donald Trump, who as I mentioned in those previous tries ignored these floods completely Tues-Wed-Thu. That's while Hillary Clinton linked to donations to the Red Cross on Twitter Tuesday night. Mr. Trump apparently finally got some advice to pretend to care about it and it is finally the top story on Fox News - because he made a visit. Notice the people complaining weren't saying they were getting wall to wall coverage, or even decent coverage, on Fox News; they were getting it from the Guardian or BBC. Now Mr. Trump is there so Fox is there.
Anyway, I'm done and will move on. Say what you like. The double standard is there, I have pointed out, and that's all I can do. People have a convenient way of ignoring double standards (black vs. white, Fox coverage vs 'liberal rag NYT' coverage, etc.) The double standard is there, they know it, and it is up to the Times decide to cater to their complaints if valid. I do not work there.
Just notice that on your Trending metrics that when you do have coverage about things they claim to care about (the two huge stories about coal country this week included, one today, and one at the top of Business and of course the flood op-ed today), they must not be clicking on them in great numbers because those seem to be ignored. I look through the whole entire home page/section pages on weekdays so I find them, but someone is not looking - but some are all too willing to complain.
Good luck to them.
Anyway, I'm done and will move on. Say what you like. The double standard is there, I have pointed out, and that's all I can do. People have a convenient way of ignoring double standards (black vs. white, Fox coverage vs 'liberal rag NYT' coverage, etc.) The double standard is there, they know it, and it is up to the Times decide to cater to their complaints if valid. I do not work there.
Just notice that on your Trending metrics that when you do have coverage about things they claim to care about (the two huge stories about coal country this week included, one today, and one at the top of Business and of course the flood op-ed today), they must not be clicking on them in great numbers because those seem to be ignored. I look through the whole entire home page/section pages on weekdays so I find them, but someone is not looking - but some are all too willing to complain.
Good luck to them.
3
"I'm sorry, but I don't have hate in my heart - except for people who hate others who don't like them and save all of their love for those who."
Sorry was writing quickly in a car. That should say "I don't have hate in my heart - except for people who hate others who don't *look* like them and save all of their love for those who *do*."
I thought I replied/submitted it to the person below but maybe I didn't. If not, my mistake.
Sorry was writing quickly in a car. That should say "I don't have hate in my heart - except for people who hate others who don't *look* like them and save all of their love for those who *do*."
I thought I replied/submitted it to the person below but maybe I didn't. If not, my mistake.
You contradict yourself. You are saying that you do have hate in your heart. Hating them back won't solve anything. Sometimes they have reasons to dislike the actions of groups of people.
I, too, am disturbed by the lack of reporting on this devastating flood. I read the Times on line, and every day I have looked for substantive stories from Times reporters from the scene. I've seen one.
I'm particularly perturbed by the fact that stories about what Ryan Lochte did or didn't do (a relatively minor story), and yet another report about the state of the Trump campaign, are placed front and center while a flood that has swamped much of Louisiana, and left behind so much misery, is apparently considered a minor story.
The Times can publish what are essentially ads for where to buy million dollar homes in Texas, Maine and Delaware; it has tips for how to master five special sauces; and how to avoid jet lag. But it doesn't see fit to have continuing coverage of this major story?
I'm afraid it speaks to the perception of some Americans that papers like the Times or the Washington Post have little understanding of, or interest in, national stories that happen outside the orbits of New York, D.C., L.A., Chicago, San Francisco, etc.
I'm particularly perturbed by the fact that stories about what Ryan Lochte did or didn't do (a relatively minor story), and yet another report about the state of the Trump campaign, are placed front and center while a flood that has swamped much of Louisiana, and left behind so much misery, is apparently considered a minor story.
The Times can publish what are essentially ads for where to buy million dollar homes in Texas, Maine and Delaware; it has tips for how to master five special sauces; and how to avoid jet lag. But it doesn't see fit to have continuing coverage of this major story?
I'm afraid it speaks to the perception of some Americans that papers like the Times or the Washington Post have little understanding of, or interest in, national stories that happen outside the orbits of New York, D.C., L.A., Chicago, San Francisco, etc.
6
It isn't surprising. The NYT is written by, and for, a particular group of people. Those people don't include Trump supporters, Bernie Supporters, or anyone in flyover country, that huge swath of middle America that the Times routinely either ignores or disrespects. For the Editors of the Times, LA means Los Angeles, not Louisiana, and the Times is about "Real News' not the day to days issues, concerns, struggles of the average Louisianian.
7
"The heavy rain started on Friday, and as flooding began in towns across the Gulf Coast, the governor of Louisiana declared a state of emergency. ... It was not until Sunday night, at 8:20 p.m., that The New York Times posted a staff-written story on its website, which appeared Monday in print."
Just a question: Why be so specific about the time of day (8:20 p.m.) of the NYT's coverage on Sunday without being at all specific about the time of day on Friday that the heavy rain began?
Just a question: Why be so specific about the time of day (8:20 p.m.) of the NYT's coverage on Sunday without being at all specific about the time of day on Friday that the heavy rain began?
4
If Louisiana was a "Blue State" - committed to being all-in for Hillary Clinton -- then the Times would have been front and center on the story -- along with many "Human Interest" features...such as how the floods have impacted a community of young artists...
“I think it’s a big story and I think we were on it...”
I think not --
“I think it’s a big story and I think we were on it...”
I think not --
5
Agreed. Agreed. Agreed. I was scouring the website for news of the flood last weekend and could't find it.
2
If a Republican was president they would have had front page headlines every day implying that it was the Republicans fault. The Times has no interest since Obama is president. The Times shamelessly used Katrina 10 years ago to beat up Bush. Now days it's "all the news that's fit to print we can use to destroy a Republican."
6
We need not only better coverage but a better response all-around, not to mention some historical perspective. John M. Barry's book, Rising Tide, The Great Mississippi Flood and How It Changed America is about an interstate flood so disastrous that it reshaped our nation and our national politics - in fact creating Big Government under a Republican president who needed to respond to a natural disaster that did not respond to human dictates of staying within one state. The implications for politics, economics and matters of race were significant, and created a legacy that we would all be better for knowing.
4
And Obama is vacationing, golfing with Larry David. But remember how Bush was bashed over Katrina? But the NYT isn't biased, no, not at all!
5
Had a Republican been President the NYT would have been all over it like white on rice. Has anyone heard from Obama in between his golf games?
5
I understand NY Times. You can't make political hay out of this with a DEM mayor, a DEM governor and a DEM president. No need to cover this story.
4
Not all Northerners look down on the South. Some of us love Louisiana and did all we could in whatever way we could to get the word out up here of the severity of the problem and how badly help was needed. We had Sandy - this is our time to pay it forward and many, myself included, did. Disappointed in the Times coverage but FaceBook make up for it. God bless the Cajun Navy and everyone who helped each other!
3
Many of us are actually FROM the south.
1
Of course you didn't care about it. There isn't a republican politician in charge of anything you could blame for it.
5
I am very critical of people criticising Times for their coverage of floods. The unfortunate short-sightedness shown by critics cannot see the big picture of what matters. A Trump reshuffle is HUGE news and it needs to be covered. We need daily at least five articles telling us about either how Trump is Hitler-reincarnated or how Hillary is a wrongly interpreted saint. With such important matters to cover, who has staff to spare for some floods. Also please check NYT for how corrupt is this new face in Trump's campaign while look at the Holy apostles of Hillary, unblemished and so without sin.
6
It's not rocket science.
The NY Times was busy devoting it's resources to its 24 hour blitzkrieg of lies, deception and slander against GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump.
It was more important to lie about Trump's family than to send reporters to Louisiana to report on the families we lost as Americans.
The NY Times was busy devoting it's resources to its 24 hour blitzkrieg of lies, deception and slander against GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump.
It was more important to lie about Trump's family than to send reporters to Louisiana to report on the families we lost as Americans.
4
Specifically, what lies do you mean?
3
Count me as one who has been shocked and disappointed at the lack of Louisiana coverage while Olympics dominate the front page. Is it really more important that a swimmer may have lied about being robbed in Rio than that thousands are displaced and whole areas are flooded in Louisiana? I think not. Really poor reporting and management allocation of resources. As a subscriber who has been checking every day for news, I'm really disappointed.
5
“I think it’s a big story and I think we were on it...”
It could well have been that they were "on it" as was said. However, unless it makes the website or print editions, being "on it" is a decidedly meaningless statement.
Good for Ms. Spayd to call them on this. Unfortunately, as she may be beginning to understand, meaningless, self-serving comments from the editors working under the direction of Mr. Dean Baquet, are the only answers that she will receive.
Once again, there is a great disconnect in the relationship between the writers and editors and the Times' more intelligent-than-average readership.
It could well have been that they were "on it" as was said. However, unless it makes the website or print editions, being "on it" is a decidedly meaningless statement.
Good for Ms. Spayd to call them on this. Unfortunately, as she may be beginning to understand, meaningless, self-serving comments from the editors working under the direction of Mr. Dean Baquet, are the only answers that she will receive.
Once again, there is a great disconnect in the relationship between the writers and editors and the Times' more intelligent-than-average readership.
7
Erika, I'm exhausted from reading your comments. I would expect you are too, because you seem to be carrying an awful lot of hate in your heart. You clearly meant to be harsh. The difference between Katrina and this is not the racial makeup of our community. The majority of those that relocated from NO after Katrina came here. The difference is that we learned our lesson. After Katrina we sat with our hands tied waiting for the government to respond and watched in horror as our neighbors sat stranded and suffering. We'll never make that mistake again. This time, we acted. Without asking for permission or waiting for clearance, every person willing and able jumped into action. People traveled from all over our state with their boats and equipment and they ACTED. We saved each other out of love with no regard to race or class. And we will rebuild together, volunteering our time and resources until it's done. While you sit on your computer presuming to know the heart of every person in our community, we are in awe of the outpouring of love and compassion we're experiencing. #prayforlouisiana #louisianastrong
6
No hate here. Just pointing out - as always - that you can criticize the media all you want - note so many here have already made it all about Obama when Trump has said nothing about this) and Clinton said something but many don't seem to care. Hypocrisy.
But right now there is not a lot of interest in this story from Times readers which is what many seem to be demanding - but you can't make people read about this. The Times put stories on the front page Tuesday night, Wednesday, and this morning it was the top op-ed with a photo on the front page (digital). I don't see a single person even mentioning that the Times did more stories this week. And the op-ed today is not in the top 20 Trending stories and the Times has removed the photo and put its normal columnists up higher (though the oped is still in the corner) because readers obviously weren't clicking on the flood-op ed in great numbers. What else do you want the Times to do? Grab people's phones and tablets and laptops and click on flooding stories for them? By the way, there's also little lingering interest in ongoing and huge CA wildfires, though the Times also put those on the front page. Where is the outrage about that from Louisiana?
But right now there is not a lot of interest in this story from Times readers which is what many seem to be demanding - but you can't make people read about this. The Times put stories on the front page Tuesday night, Wednesday, and this morning it was the top op-ed with a photo on the front page (digital). I don't see a single person even mentioning that the Times did more stories this week. And the op-ed today is not in the top 20 Trending stories and the Times has removed the photo and put its normal columnists up higher (though the oped is still in the corner) because readers obviously weren't clicking on the flood-op ed in great numbers. What else do you want the Times to do? Grab people's phones and tablets and laptops and click on flooding stories for them? By the way, there's also little lingering interest in ongoing and huge CA wildfires, though the Times also put those on the front page. Where is the outrage about that from Louisiana?
3
I don't care if the NYT or any other news outlet covers what's going on here or anywhere else. I personally get my news from a multitude of publications because I know that there's no one source that covers everything. Those attacking have taken issue with the national media as a whole not covering something that has devastated such a large area. For people who have completely lost everything they've acquired over a lifetime, in areas not in a flood zone and without flood insurance, they need for people to care, because they will need help to rebuild. Not a handout from the government, but for people to care and be willing to lend a hand as they rip their homes apart and pile their life up on the side of the road. I only commented because I took issue with the comments you made implying that our state and anyone who at all cares about what's happening here does so because it happened to a certain class of people. There is no political or racial divide among those suffering. Perhaps that is why there's no mainstream media coverage - because it doesn't fit anyone's narrative. When anyone suffers, it absolutely matters, whether it's on the news or not.
2
Liz Spayd, not long after you arrived there was a story about content. We were all disgusted at the idea that the NYTimes was not going to move its focus away from reporting.
Now, we are having a global cascade of extreme weather events like this, and I for one, who follow these things, watched it unfold before it happened.
One suspicion I have is that the costly consequences of ignoring climate change are not something that fits well with some of your premium advertisers and the climate change denial industry, though you do some good reporting there. But it's time to show the steady increasing drumbeat of ruined lives. Texas has been something else this year!
But the ongoing cascade of weather events, even setting aside the many eloquent people who rightly complain here, is news that is only going to get worse over time.
There really is no need for five new Trump stories every few days. I know I'm as bad as the rest in clicking on them, he's so appalling, but this really is news. It's lives, a lot of lives.
For a summary of this year's weather costs, have a look, scroll down a bit here:
https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/warmest-julyand-warmest-mo...
I followed Haiyan at that site before during and after. And I knew about Katrina two days before it made landfall. It's not difficult. Climate is weather over time and space. If people had the evidence, they would gradually notice the connections.
Now, we are having a global cascade of extreme weather events like this, and I for one, who follow these things, watched it unfold before it happened.
One suspicion I have is that the costly consequences of ignoring climate change are not something that fits well with some of your premium advertisers and the climate change denial industry, though you do some good reporting there. But it's time to show the steady increasing drumbeat of ruined lives. Texas has been something else this year!
But the ongoing cascade of weather events, even setting aside the many eloquent people who rightly complain here, is news that is only going to get worse over time.
There really is no need for five new Trump stories every few days. I know I'm as bad as the rest in clicking on them, he's so appalling, but this really is news. It's lives, a lot of lives.
For a summary of this year's weather costs, have a look, scroll down a bit here:
https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/warmest-julyand-warmest-mo...
I followed Haiyan at that site before during and after. And I knew about Katrina two days before it made landfall. It's not difficult. Climate is weather over time and space. If people had the evidence, they would gradually notice the connections.
4
Forgive me, Ms Anderson, but these weather events have been on-going for millennia, and will be on-going for millennia to come.
You are, however, right to blame man, but you dwell on all of the wrong reasons in doing so.
Much of the problem arises, as it did in Katrina, from man's insistence on removing nature's natural mechanisms for dealing with such weather and in hardening the Mississippi River shorelines so that the massive amounts of water being poured on the region have nowhere to go but up and over...or through...the man-made barrier trying to keep the river "under control".
Nature's system of marshes and wetlands absorb millions on millions of cubic meters of water, preventing it from becoming a problem to populated areas.
And when people build, and continue to build, on lands that are susceptible to flooding, the problems only become exacerbated.
Don't you think it is time to stop beating the climate change drum when there are some significantly more telling reasons why these "events" are so devastating?
Or are you one of those that think man is immune from both Mother Nature and natural selection?
You are, however, right to blame man, but you dwell on all of the wrong reasons in doing so.
Much of the problem arises, as it did in Katrina, from man's insistence on removing nature's natural mechanisms for dealing with such weather and in hardening the Mississippi River shorelines so that the massive amounts of water being poured on the region have nowhere to go but up and over...or through...the man-made barrier trying to keep the river "under control".
Nature's system of marshes and wetlands absorb millions on millions of cubic meters of water, preventing it from becoming a problem to populated areas.
And when people build, and continue to build, on lands that are susceptible to flooding, the problems only become exacerbated.
Don't you think it is time to stop beating the climate change drum when there are some significantly more telling reasons why these "events" are so devastating?
Or are you one of those that think man is immune from both Mother Nature and natural selection?
3
Most of the damage from Katrina was because the levee on Lake Pontchartrain busted. That was the reason so many people flooded. It wasn't the hurricane at all.
Over $20 billion dollars in damage. Over 100,000 homeless or displaced. Over 100,000 cars damaged. Over 50,000 homes destroyed. Over 30 inches of rain in a 48 hour period. The suffering extends in about a ten Parish area. The overwhelming majority of people lived above sea level. Baton Rouge apologizes to the nation for not being entertaining enough for the Times to report our misery.
14
Living above sea level is one thing.
Living above flood level of a river, is quite another.
Apples and oranges, Storm warning...or Grapes and cucumbers.
Living above flood level of a river, is quite another.
Apples and oranges, Storm warning...or Grapes and cucumbers.
Most of the people did live above flood level of a river. Most lived no where near a river. Over 30 inches of rain in a 48 hour period. Didn't you read that part?
Another thing that keeps news from being published is when a parent corporation kills the story because of a conflict of interest. There always needs to be full and complete objectivity in reporting. It would be nice if there were some sort of law protecting freedom to report, and especially whistleblowers.
1
It's pretty obvious why--the NYT and the media in general is too busy focusing all of its attention on the worst election in American history--an election that will change 99.9 percent of Americans' lives not one iota no matter which of those two sociopaths wins. Stop with the Trump-Killary garbage already, and report some actual NEWS.
2
I have a feeling that if we had a Republican president in office, that the NYT would have been on this story sooner.
12
Just more northeast snobbery toward the south. Why cover news when you can have a team of reporters and photographers watch to see if The Donald picks his nose in public so they can land on it with a 130-inch expose on Sunday?
7
"I think it's a big story and I think we were on it." Mark Lacey
"As long as the world is spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes." The 2000 Year Old Man
"As long as the world is spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes." The 2000 Year Old Man
5
Thank you lame stream media for remembering to cover our historic tragedy in Louisiana. I'm just a small town Cajun boy who earned an education and left Louisiana for better opportunities, but Louisiana will always be home. It's laughably obvious the lame stream left only care about us when a tragedy suits their agenda, like the Baton Rouge police situation. The media were able to mobilize coverage of that in hours because it fit their narrative. But, they couldn't seem to muster enough care to cover this historic Weather event. All we get is an "opportunity, sorry". Not good enough. People deserve to be fired for this. Lack of coverage is unfair to the suffering and doesn't bring to light the cries for help. President Bush was blasted by the left for taking to long to send aid, but yet I have seen nothing said of Obama's paltry performance. Sicking!
7
Well in all fairness, the paper is busy as heck getting Hillary elected.
12
Liz, thank you for finally getting caught up with things in Louisiana. We appreciate anything and everything that you can do to help down here. This is a tragic storm event but somehow the human spirit shall prevail. Now that you are in gear kindly push on the accelerator.
3
I suspect the attitude was that since New Orleans is okay, it must not be all that important. Maybe the Times needs to get a better reporter to cover Louisiana or connect with a "stringer" based in Baton Rouge.
2
This makes me feel a little better. I thought that there was something wrong with me (living in a bubble) when I found out about the flooding on Monday. It wasn't me, it was the media.
2
My family have finally been able to return to our home after fleeing the rising flood waters and have been out of touch due to ATT phones down and Cox cable out. Surprised and shocked that the suffering of an entire region have gone without more attention than local media. 90 perfent of homes here in Denham Springs were flooded included my own. I am blessed to have family and friends healthy. My loss pales in comparison to my neighbors and fellow citizens. We do not live in a flood zone. Our house sits at 52 ft and the local river crest is 39. We are miles from the Amite river but it did stop the flood waters from devastating the area. This flooding is unprecedented and people need to be aware. Help is coming mainly from faith based organizations and our fellow neighbors. Federal help has been painfully slow. We aren't waiting for a handout but rather getting to work getting our lives back to some sense of normalcy.
The situation is ongoing as well with flood waters continuing South. So please keep this area in ypur prayers.
Kevin in Denham Springs.
The situation is ongoing as well with flood waters continuing South. So please keep this area in ypur prayers.
Kevin in Denham Springs.
3
Oh dear, I get my weather news on the hop, and didn't realize how behind the NYT was. My friends and I were all over it; but we watch the patterns worldwide, and we are equally if not more ignorant of other crises worldwide. However, I have a suggestion.
Anyone who can, please donate. Portlight is a good one, associated with Wunderground. You have to scroll down to the middle, where the donate button is:
http://www.portlight.org/
Anyone who can, please donate. Portlight is a good one, associated with Wunderground. You have to scroll down to the middle, where the donate button is:
http://www.portlight.org/
2
The NYT should have a relationship with someone like Jeff Masters of Wunderground to stay on top of world weather crises. Right now, there's flooding in Texas again. (Also the west Pacific, if anybody cares.)
https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html
Another person who stays on top of things is Andrew Freedman at Mashable (former of ClimateCentral.org , another good one)
http://mashable.com/author/andrew-freedman/
https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html
Another person who stays on top of things is Andrew Freedman at Mashable (former of ClimateCentral.org , another good one)
http://mashable.com/author/andrew-freedman/
1
Same thing happened in 2010 when the Nashville area had once in a lifetime flooding. Hardly a peep from national media. Must have been busy then too. If it happens in the south, who cares, right? We're all just a bunch of hicks. Things like this feed into the conservative psyche that the mainstream media is out of touch and looks down on southerners. I'm not a conservative by any stretch of the imagination, but I see their point.
18
The Ny Times couldn't spin it because the Nashville flood mostly affected white people.
1
"Busy period", my rump. When is it not a busy period for y'all?
I realize this story was difficult to cover, where no lens has a wide enough angle and the hilly terrain made access to flooded areas impossible by both land and water.
But that's why I subscribe to Times, and not what remains of the Times-Picayune that was excellent in 2005 but is now a maddening click-bait rolling news blog. The NYT seems to be one of the few places left to find real reporters.
You certainly have no trouble keeping up with the Donald. How about assigning the one stringer to him and put real reporters on planes to cover stories about life changing disasters affecting tens of thousands? I'm not paying 40 bucks a month for "aggregation". Please, reexamine your priorities. Or better yet, hire someone to cover the region, in the way Francis X. Clines used to.
Footnote: please explain the quote marks around 'Disaster' this morning. I think you're safe to factually state disaster in headlines without qualifying it with quotes.
I realize this story was difficult to cover, where no lens has a wide enough angle and the hilly terrain made access to flooded areas impossible by both land and water.
But that's why I subscribe to Times, and not what remains of the Times-Picayune that was excellent in 2005 but is now a maddening click-bait rolling news blog. The NYT seems to be one of the few places left to find real reporters.
You certainly have no trouble keeping up with the Donald. How about assigning the one stringer to him and put real reporters on planes to cover stories about life changing disasters affecting tens of thousands? I'm not paying 40 bucks a month for "aggregation". Please, reexamine your priorities. Or better yet, hire someone to cover the region, in the way Francis X. Clines used to.
Footnote: please explain the quote marks around 'Disaster' this morning. I think you're safe to factually state disaster in headlines without qualifying it with quotes.
19
As the piece notes, they have a reporter stationed in New Orleans, so there is/was no need to re-assign anyone.
1
"If there was someone on the ground, it is not very evident to me" is the Public Editor's observation (as well as mine).
A reporter "on dry ground" in New Orleans was akin to having had a reporter in Hoboken for 9/11.
Not to say this wasn't a tough assignment. These events come up fast. Katrina was heading to Florida 48 hours before New Orleans' levees failed. Coincident with flooding is a rapid breakdown of access. Had the New Orleans reporter tried to get closer via I-12, for example, he could have been stranded there for a whole day .
At least the NYT is acknowledging a problem via their Public Editor. In today's media world, that alone is a major accomplishment.
A reporter "on dry ground" in New Orleans was akin to having had a reporter in Hoboken for 9/11.
Not to say this wasn't a tough assignment. These events come up fast. Katrina was heading to Florida 48 hours before New Orleans' levees failed. Coincident with flooding is a rapid breakdown of access. Had the New Orleans reporter tried to get closer via I-12, for example, he could have been stranded there for a whole day .
At least the NYT is acknowledging a problem via their Public Editor. In today's media world, that alone is a major accomplishment.
3
You're right to call out the lauughable mendacity of calling this a busy time. Traditionally, the weeks before Labor Day are the slowest of the whole news year.
But I guess there are Trumplethinskin brain farts to cover, and Olympics down in Rio, where we here more about water problems than we do in Louisiana, where a year's worth of rain fell right quick.
Some context would help from Marc Lacey. How many reporters and bureau chiefs report to him? How many are not tethered to a specific beat or place?
That might give us adequate context why the response was so slow.
But I guess there are Trumplethinskin brain farts to cover, and Olympics down in Rio, where we here more about water problems than we do in Louisiana, where a year's worth of rain fell right quick.
Some context would help from Marc Lacey. How many reporters and bureau chiefs report to him? How many are not tethered to a specific beat or place?
That might give us adequate context why the response was so slow.
3
Liz, I do not fault the Old Gray Lady for being slow to twig to our plight here, even locally we were slow to respond, frankly because as the national weather service models started spitting out projected river levels they were so far beyond our expected reality that we assumed the models were broken.
For example, on the Amite River (which drains an area that includes both BR and Livingston Parish) at Port Vincent, about 3 air miles from where I sit, people have lived there since 1775, records on flooding accurately kept for over 100 years, highest EVER measured was 14.5 ft in 1983. It crested Monday there at 18.5! And the NWS model was spot on. NOBODY could have forecasted this
I've been trapped in my neighborhood since Saturday, watched the water creep up and stop 8 vertical inches from my front door. Nothing more hopeless than that. And I occupy a piece of land that for at LEAST the last 100 years, have never had a drop of water on it.
This is all new. When the tally is done, it will be bigger than Katrina.
Now what we need, Liz, is continued focus because most of the people around here who flooded will not have flood insurance because history says they didn't need it. Being a paranoid, I do have it, and Praise God will not need it today.
Don't worry. Just don't stop talking about us.
Thanks!....WR
For example, on the Amite River (which drains an area that includes both BR and Livingston Parish) at Port Vincent, about 3 air miles from where I sit, people have lived there since 1775, records on flooding accurately kept for over 100 years, highest EVER measured was 14.5 ft in 1983. It crested Monday there at 18.5! And the NWS model was spot on. NOBODY could have forecasted this
I've been trapped in my neighborhood since Saturday, watched the water creep up and stop 8 vertical inches from my front door. Nothing more hopeless than that. And I occupy a piece of land that for at LEAST the last 100 years, have never had a drop of water on it.
This is all new. When the tally is done, it will be bigger than Katrina.
Now what we need, Liz, is continued focus because most of the people around here who flooded will not have flood insurance because history says they didn't need it. Being a paranoid, I do have it, and Praise God will not need it today.
Don't worry. Just don't stop talking about us.
Thanks!....WR
16
Little opportunity for race baiting here, so largely ignored by the national media. That's pretty much it in a nutshell. And btw, the people of this state (black and white together) do have each other's back. If you really want to know what's going on down here, its' well documented on Facebook.
12
One takeaway from this flood is that race doesn't divide us; government and the media do.
3
Ignorance and fear divide us, JZ. Ignorant and fearful people are everywhere. Black listing people who work in the media or in government is not fair, nor is it accurate.
4
"Race baiting" <--this is what conservatives call it when they're encouraged to discuss and/or acknowledge racial inequality. Part of white privilege is not having to acknowledge racial inequity.
4
I would like to know how it is possible the Campbell Robertson - based only some 90 (at best) miles down the road from Baton Rouge has only managed to get into the Baton Rouge area on Tuesday? One of the reasons I have continued to subscribe to the Times is because it has a dedicated Southern correspondent who knows this area. What the hell has been doing, exactly? I notice his Twitter feed has been re-tweets of the stories of local news reporters who have been working non-stop since this event began on Thursday night.
The Times ought to be ashamed. Why am I subscribing if the resources are apparently being wasted?
The Times ought to be ashamed. Why am I subscribing if the resources are apparently being wasted?
7
The Times reporter reminds me a lot of the head of FEMA during Katrina - stayed 90 miles away and took credit for everyone else's work. Had Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes been New Orleans and the surroundings parishes, it would have been front page news all over the country. Our reporters have almost all lost every thing they owned. They've been at work doing 12 hour or more shifts each day. It's probably best we've had very little national news available to us. The country probably also couldn't handle knowing that the boys in blue have been working 36 hour shifts alongside regular citizens and other agencies saving people of all races, but this is something the media doesn't like to focus on any more.
1
Was there an apology anywhere in there? If so, I missed it.
10
It's not just that you are not covering the situation, it's also about the WAY you and the other media outlets cover situations like this. You always manage to find the worst of society to interview. You always find the negative in everything. You manage to insert race, sex, politics, etc. into everything you do. You turn America into a bunch of hateful groups, and when those groups start fighting amongst themselves you do nothing but fan the flames. The media has become nothing but a bunch of s--t stirrers. YOU ARE THE PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY. You have become an arm of the two political parties empowering them to act they way they do. You ignore legitimate political discussions and force people to believe that what goes on in Washington is normal and good for the country. Your unfair coverage of Trump created the political mess we have now. If your favorite politician does something wrong you cover it up and make excuses for them. You just as well be called Pravda. What happened to investigative journalism? Where's your objectivity? Does truth, fairness and justice have any place in your world anymore? There are many people in this country who love to help when needed so it's important to have journalists who can bring these stories to the public so we can all help when needed, but if you just want to come down here and show the world how we are nothing but a bunch of dumb rednecks then please stay away. We're too busy for that garbage.
16
Thank you for the mea culpa. I'm a south Louisiana native, and the Times is my go-to source for national news. My Louisiana family and I were traveling abroad during the flooding, and were desperate for news on the unfolding crisis. Local Facebook and Twitter feeds were our best sources of updated news - not the Times, not CNN. Disturbing. We appreciate your coverage of Louisiana on many fronts but during a slow news cycle, this was particularly disappointing..
6
Very late to the story, although you had ample resources to cover Trump's gaffes and Obama's Spotify list. Look, if you guys are planning to come down an exploit this even to talk about global warming and social justice, please don't. We're very busy and don't have time for that. If you want to constructively help tens of thousands of people who lost everything or help flooding victims spending days pulling carpet and sheetrock while throwing boxes of heirlooms and pictures to the curb, then we can use some help. This is just some story, this is real.
11
My apologies for the misspellings on this post. I wrote this on my phone on the way to help people with flooded homes.
The delay was due to looking for the racial angle. Got lost trying to force it into the standard Deep South narrative of Manhatten.
15
I live in Baton Rouge, but the first paper I always check is the NYTimes. Well, when I needed good reporting on a historic disaster in my town, the NYTimes was not there. I went to The Guardian next, which had prominent, comprehensive coverage. Honestly, this British newspaper may become my go-to in the future.
14
For a national news resource, still aspiring to be "the national paper of record", it seems as though the famous art work map of the US from the perspective of Manhatten is the geographical view held in the Times news room.
3
It's really not surprising-- The South continues to be the red-headed stepchild of the nation. We're the whipping boy and the laughing stock of the left-- the entire nation, really.
Also, it wasn't just the National Guard pulling people out of homes and vehicles. Thousands of private citizens took their boats out, launched them from the flooded interstate, and rescued their neighbors... neighbors of all colors, I might add, lest the liberal narrative make one think otherwise.
Also, it wasn't just the National Guard pulling people out of homes and vehicles. Thousands of private citizens took their boats out, launched them from the flooded interstate, and rescued their neighbors... neighbors of all colors, I might add, lest the liberal narrative make one think otherwise.
9
#CajunNavy
2
What kind of a headline is this?
Scope of Louisiana’s Flood Comes Into View
As if this was hidden around some corner past which the Times couldn't see.
There is no excuse for being late.
Scope of Louisiana’s Flood Comes Into View
As if this was hidden around some corner past which the Times couldn't see.
There is no excuse for being late.
11
I just want to mention that Liz Spayd is a terrific Public Editor; she does not hold her punches, she does not stop when given superficial responses, and she is not intimated by the New York Times editors or their self-importance.
9
That seems to be so. In fact, I've been noticing that the responses she's been getting from staffers are rather brusque. The last public editor, for my money, was too timid and sympathetic.
1
So true.
The questions here IMO are 1) Why is this one event deemed worthy of more coverage than recent similar events and 2) Is the Times so malleable that a coverage demand of one event from "concerned readers" takes precedence b/c of that publicized demand?
Do the people demanding this coverage even remember the recent events listed below? Do they realize that a new brush fire has destroyed 1000+ acres in California right now? Do they remember & are they outraged by the "lack of coverage" of:
*Flooding in West Virginia, 23 dead, 1200+ homeless, June 23, 2016
*Brush fire in California, 20,000 people evacuated, July 25, 2016 ("For this time of year, it's the most extreme fire behavior I've seen in my 32-year career", said a fire chief.)
*And let's not forget the worst mass murder in American history in Orlando, June 12, 2016, which got all of 4-5 days coverage at best before we all forgot about it?
My mom mentioned on the phone how sad this flooding is but the double standard shown by many is obvious to me. If Mr. Trump allows them to "speak freely" then I feel free to speak freely about their hypocrisy trying to influence the NYT rather than my usual "smile and nod". This event concerns them b/c those affected in the 94% white parish look like "Me, Myself and I." If they had known about the WV flooding they would be saying the same thing but they didn't. This one caught their eye, probably on Facebook. If it hadn't they wouldn't think of it twice - and will forget it by Friday.
Do the people demanding this coverage even remember the recent events listed below? Do they realize that a new brush fire has destroyed 1000+ acres in California right now? Do they remember & are they outraged by the "lack of coverage" of:
*Flooding in West Virginia, 23 dead, 1200+ homeless, June 23, 2016
*Brush fire in California, 20,000 people evacuated, July 25, 2016 ("For this time of year, it's the most extreme fire behavior I've seen in my 32-year career", said a fire chief.)
*And let's not forget the worst mass murder in American history in Orlando, June 12, 2016, which got all of 4-5 days coverage at best before we all forgot about it?
My mom mentioned on the phone how sad this flooding is but the double standard shown by many is obvious to me. If Mr. Trump allows them to "speak freely" then I feel free to speak freely about their hypocrisy trying to influence the NYT rather than my usual "smile and nod". This event concerns them b/c those affected in the 94% white parish look like "Me, Myself and I." If they had known about the WV flooding they would be saying the same thing but they didn't. This one caught their eye, probably on Facebook. If it hadn't they wouldn't think of it twice - and will forget it by Friday.
6
The National Weather Service called the flooding a "1,000 year event."
5
The National Weather Service called the flooding a "1,000 year event."
The NWS also gave that description to the West Virginia floods I mentioned. But I suspect you don't know that, do you? Selective memories - they are so convenient!
The NWS also gave that description to the West Virginia floods I mentioned. But I suspect you don't know that, do you? Selective memories - they are so convenient!
5
You still don't get it. In Livingston parish alone, 20,000 TWENTY THOUSAND people had to be rescued. They are all displaced and in shelters now. There is likely 40,000 FORTY THOUSAND people, possibly more, in shelters across the state. All homeless.
Yet you want a competition on the worst disasters in the last few years? Think what you want in your own fantasy land; we are too busy to convince you that this is on a magnitude unseen in recent history.
Oh, and yes, I know all about the California wildfire because it has been all over national news......
Yet you want a competition on the worst disasters in the last few years? Think what you want in your own fantasy land; we are too busy to convince you that this is on a magnitude unseen in recent history.
Oh, and yes, I know all about the California wildfire because it has been all over national news......
2
several people wrote that this is a TV story, not for a newspaper. I think that's first of all ridiculous, but in fact it hasn't been covered well except for local Louisiana TV stations, and this itself is the subject of a salon.com story which says that "There is no such thing as television news in this country. Louisiana is underwater. If you don’t live in or around Louisiana, you may not know that. And it’s not your fault. Cable news has mostly ignored it. Whole neighborhoods were washed away. Parents were separated from children. Tens of thousands of people were rendered homeless. Major roads and highways were destroyed. The aerial footage is apocalyptic. Among other stupidities, Adele’s admission that she can’t dance was deemed more newsworthy than a drowning American state." interesting that it's not only the nyt, but all MSM. here's the salon story http://www.salon.com/2016/08/16/louisianas-quiet-crisis-cable-news-and-t...
4
Meanwhile the paper's breathless coverage of the canonization of St. Hillary continues unabated.
7
Thank you, Ms. Sayd, for this piece. I have read the Times for 40 years and wrote a letter to the editor this weekend expressing my dismay over the lack of coverage. I expected much better from the best newspaper there is.
3
It rains, it floods, it goes away like snow storms. Floods, wind, rain etc. is not news. It is weather. Not worth reporting. Move on people.
4
40,000 homes destroyed. Portions of roads, including interstate, washed away. At least 11 dead with many still unaccounted for. Churches, schools and businesses gone. But, yeah, it's not news.
2
This was called a "1,000 year event" by the National Weather Service. Hardly same-old, same-old.
5
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1448393514&sk=photos&col...
It has not gone away, search and rescue are ongoing, many still have not heard from loved ones, trust me the people affected by this historic disaster will be happy to move on, when they can.
It has not gone away, search and rescue are ongoing, many still have not heard from loved ones, trust me the people affected by this historic disaster will be happy to move on, when they can.
3
Weekend in August. That's what the coverage gap was about. Thin weekend staff made even thinner by summer vacations.
Not that it's a great reason but that's usually why it happens. Everyone knows the best time to announce some unfavorable development is Friday afternoon in August.
Not that it's a great reason but that's usually why it happens. Everyone knows the best time to announce some unfavorable development is Friday afternoon in August.
5
I heard about this story a long time ago on the weather channel. I look to NY Times to do more in depth reporting and maybe say something about where scientists think this fits in with climate change. There has been historic flooding going on in the south all summer long and this is the 7th consecutive record setting month for global temperatures..... what is the deal?
5
The big deal is 40,000 homes destroyed and counting. There are still homes underwater. Still people getting rescued. Still people unaccounted for. There are caskets floating in the roads. A flood like this happens once every thousand years. It's not your fault that your ignorant of what's been happening here, but that doesn't give you the right to belittle our situation.
6
NYT is becoming an incredibly lazy newspaper. Sad to see her go.
7
I agree with all that has been said about the importance of covering the crisis hitting Louisiana. Major regional story.
I'd add that extreme and unusual weather is also a national story. Drought in the northeast. Flooding in parts of Louisiana that don't usually flood.
Just keep fiddling, NYT.
I'd add that extreme and unusual weather is also a national story. Drought in the northeast. Flooding in parts of Louisiana that don't usually flood.
Just keep fiddling, NYT.
1
I tried to find news on the flooding starting on Saturday. I was disappointed to not see any in the NYT, especially since the Executive Editor Dean Baquet grew up in New Orleans.
6
Just shared your headline about Jenner's reality tv show being cancelled with my son, 19. We are both disgusted that it took NYT 3 days to report on terrible flooding with climate change implications and 30 seconds to tell us about Jenner.
8
The Times is too busy going after Trump. Kudos, again, to the Public Editor for trying to get it back on track and focused on the news.
11
I thought Campbell Robertson was based in New Orleans and a dedicated (meaning assigned) NYT reporter for the Gulf South region. Was he dispatched to Rio as part of the privatization strategy the NYT actually embraces as part of its [hush-hush] capitulation to neo-liberalism? I think so. The Times should stop with the "woe is me" victimization re the bottom line and just admit to what its long-time and truly progressive readers recognized long ago: yours is the paper of the establishment that throws dubloons of empathetic reportage as is required to keep the hopeless (like me) on the subscription rolls.
1
There are many fallacies about people from Louisiana. Chief among them is that we are uneducated, racist and to ignorant to move from areas prone to flooding. What is so disheartening as a native of south Louisiana, is the stereotype that clouds the humanity of it's citizens. The humanity of our people who are on boats right now pulling people from water in areas which have never flooded. That culture knows no class, no race, no fear. So while an elitist mindset and snide commentary about what color our state is reflects poorly on the purveyors, I promise you this...not one of us will stop being proud of the diversity of our state. Not one of us will stop giving to those in need. I promise the same protestors and police from recent events in Baton Rouge are working along side each other at this very moment. And that is your story, NYT. And one worth being told.
9
Preach! What no one realizes is that we had no warning about this. It was just supposed to be a regular summer rainstorm. People woke up Friday morning, got out of bed, and put their feet down to 3 inches of water.
4
The Times did even worse by the flooding in West Virginia. Clearly if the victims are unlikely to be Times readers, the Times is slow to get the story.
3
If Trump had said something about building a wall to keep out the floods I'm sure the Times would have been all over it....pronto.
"No doubt this is a busy news period." How hard can it be to quote Trump every few hours and disagree with him? Put a 4th grader on Trump and report on the news going on around you.
9
I guess the scope of coverage picked up once The Times found a hook that appeals to its editors
Flooding in the South Looks a Lot Like Climate Change
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/climate-change-louisiana.html?hp&am...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
Otherwise it is just an unfortunate even in flyover country
Flooding in the South Looks a Lot Like Climate Change
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/climate-change-louisiana.html?hp&am...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
Otherwise it is just an unfortunate even in flyover country
4
For the NY Times everything is caused by global warming even the color of Trumps hair. When have they not dragged that baloney into a flood or a hurricane.
Wouldn't it be refreshing to hear a NYT editor just once, in response to a query from the Public Editor, say, "Yes, we blew it, we messed up, we missed the story"? That might add a good deal of credibility to the NYT. The constant defensive posturing does not.
Beyond that, I'd add this: The NYT really doesn't cover stories without violence in "out of the way" places like Baton Rouge unless and until other media cover them first. That's not a judgment. It's just a fact.
Beyond that, I'd add this: The NYT really doesn't cover stories without violence in "out of the way" places like Baton Rouge unless and until other media cover them first. That's not a judgment. It's just a fact.
6
thank you for your comment, how true are your words.
3
I would like to see less resources pointed to polls showing Trump will definitely lose in the end (it's like stepping on a crack) and more toward actual news. Not that there is any comparison to this terrible disaster in Louisiana, but the NYT has not yet reported the death of the, like it or not, legend John McLaughlin. I've seen it on the NBC Nightly News and on the NY Post and NY Daily News sites. It's as if the NYT is so busy fact checking, ahem, that they can't report. These are very disparate stories and the non-reporting is indicative of problems all the way around.
5
Column after column of "news" about Ailes of fox news but 4 days til a short story about a true national disaster.
You know what editors ? People losing their homes in huge numbers is way more important than sniggering over a competitor media jerk.
You know what editors ? People losing their homes in huge numbers is way more important than sniggering over a competitor media jerk.
6
so true
2
The BBC web page had a story on flooding in LA about 12 hours before the Times did. That a news organization from across the Atlantic Ocean had the story online (Sunday morning, reporting two deaths from historic flooding) 12 hours before the Times noticed what was going on in its own country is a sad statement about the NYT. For the Editor to say "I think we were on it" just makes it worse: it adds dishonesty to incompetence.
11
I hate to be harsh (but these same people would show me no mercy in the same situation) but the only reason the Public Editor is hearing about this from people is because the flooding affected the middle class in the white parishes of Louisiana as much or more as the black people of other parishes. That's all this boils down to. They're shocked - shocked! that like in the West Virginia floods earlier this summer, no one outside their state cares about them.
Yet when November comes they will still push that button for Donald Trump (who some claim is over-covered in the Times. He's covered because he and his supporters are dangerous and many are foolish). Most of them love Donald Trump and if he becomes president and most certainly laughs at their situation (middle class to poor and getting poorer), they'll somehow find someone else other than him to blame.
And no, they will not be shy about calling on that gosh-darn government they hate to help them with funds right now. They'll get their check and go right back to hating the government, led by that Obama guy and that Hillary woman.
Many of these folks would burn the paper version of the NYT for fun even in 90 degree weather so the hand-wringing shown here is sadly hypocritical and sadly, laughable.
Yet when November comes they will still push that button for Donald Trump (who some claim is over-covered in the Times. He's covered because he and his supporters are dangerous and many are foolish). Most of them love Donald Trump and if he becomes president and most certainly laughs at their situation (middle class to poor and getting poorer), they'll somehow find someone else other than him to blame.
And no, they will not be shy about calling on that gosh-darn government they hate to help them with funds right now. They'll get their check and go right back to hating the government, led by that Obama guy and that Hillary woman.
Many of these folks would burn the paper version of the NYT for fun even in 90 degree weather so the hand-wringing shown here is sadly hypocritical and sadly, laughable.
4
Erika,
This flood did not only hit "the flooding affected the middle class in the white parishes of Louisiana as much or more as the black people of other parishes". Please pull up the demographic areas on the internet. This flooding hit every class and race. Flood waters/Mother Nature doesn't discriminate.
This flood did not only hit "the flooding affected the middle class in the white parishes of Louisiana as much or more as the black people of other parishes". Please pull up the demographic areas on the internet. This flooding hit every class and race. Flood waters/Mother Nature doesn't discriminate.
6
"This flood did not only hit "the flooding affected the middle class in the white parishes of Louisiana as much or more as the black people of other parishes". Please pull up the demographic areas on the internet."
I pulled up the data and demos as soon as my mom told me about this as we have relatives all over the South and Midwest and know hurricanes, floods and tornadoes like the backs of our hands (I've been in a Kansas tornado live from the basement). This particular event affected white people the most and I will no longer stand for diversionary tactics when it comes to media coverage.
Mother Nature does not discriminate - that is true - but the very human reactions to Mother Nature, especially in the age of Trump, often do. That's what we're seeing here - no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I hate to be ungracious, but there's no sugarcoating it any longer.
I pulled up the data and demos as soon as my mom told me about this as we have relatives all over the South and Midwest and know hurricanes, floods and tornadoes like the backs of our hands (I've been in a Kansas tornado live from the basement). This particular event affected white people the most and I will no longer stand for diversionary tactics when it comes to media coverage.
Mother Nature does not discriminate - that is true - but the very human reactions to Mother Nature, especially in the age of Trump, often do. That's what we're seeing here - no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I hate to be ungracious, but there's no sugarcoating it any longer.
4
I love when people compare this to the flooding in West Virginia. It shows exactly how poorly the media is covering our situation. Let me put it in perspective for you. In West Virginia the death count was at 23. We are currently sitting as 11 and counting. There are still people missing and unaccounted for. The homes lost in West Virginia was counted at 1200. In Louisiana, we are currently looking at 40,000 and counting. There are still many areas underwater. So tell me again how the West Virginia flooding, tragic as is was, is comparable.
1
Has a NYT editor ever replied "yes, we blew that one" when facing heavy criticism?
3
Probably never just like their arrogant reporters who never admit their bias.
I must add my voice to those expressing concern here. There was news in the devastation if these floods for DAYS in my Twitter feed before I read peep in your pages. I kept wondering what the problem was. We're all those other sources somehow mistaken? Was the devastation really not all that bad? No, it was quite horrible. It was just that NYT had six stories about some darn fool thing about the Darn Fool it had to run first. We count on you to do a whole lot better. That's why I subscribe.
3
I was one of those readers who expressed disappointment -- nay, dismay -- about the NYT's lack of coverage of the disaster that has once again befallen Louisiana. I find Marc Lacey's remarks troubling. How is it that the National Editor is so nonchalant, especially after being contacted by the Public Editor? If this is how he, along with the rest of the national news desk staff, make decisions about how to prioritize what is actually newsworthy (do we really need that much Olympic coverage? You're not ESPN!), the question that begs to be answered is what else has been deemed to be less important? I read the NYT for a reason, and this is not it.
3
Well, if the young professionals down on the bayou start wearing monocles, I'm sure the Times will be all over it.
1
Why is it so important to see an article about Louisiana flooding in the Times? If you want to know about the flooding, just google it.
It's not like a NY paper has to cover every story. The flooding certainly impacts the residents of Louisiana, but the Baton Rouge Advocate and the New Orleans Times-Picayune would be much better sources. Take a look at their online papers if you want flood coverage. Geez.
It's not like a NY paper has to cover every story. The flooding certainly impacts the residents of Louisiana, but the Baton Rouge Advocate and the New Orleans Times-Picayune would be much better sources. Take a look at their online papers if you want flood coverage. Geez.
4
Casey,
Sorry you feel that way, we are well aware of the fire tornado's that are taking place in California and send our thoughts and prayers to all affected. Actually, I didn't need to google the wild fires in California it was in our local paper. We have read about it and see the damage that these numerous wild fires have had on your communities. Over 1/2 of the "boot" is being affected by this flood. Thanks for having compassion on us.
Sorry you feel that way, we are well aware of the fire tornado's that are taking place in California and send our thoughts and prayers to all affected. Actually, I didn't need to google the wild fires in California it was in our local paper. We have read about it and see the damage that these numerous wild fires have had on your communities. Over 1/2 of the "boot" is being affected by this flood. Thanks for having compassion on us.
4
If you want to know about the fires in California, just Google it.
3
"If you want to know about the fires in California, just Google it."
You know the rest of us are saying the same thing about Louisiana floods, don't you? (And I have relative alumni from LSU.) Do you not see the disconnect? Is it that unclear? I suppose so. Hypocrites gonna hypocrit, after all.
You know the rest of us are saying the same thing about Louisiana floods, don't you? (And I have relative alumni from LSU.) Do you not see the disconnect? Is it that unclear? I suppose so. Hypocrites gonna hypocrit, after all.
2
How nice of people to comment that they don't care about the flooding in Louisiana. God forbid a disaster happens in your part of the country and people from other parts simply said "oh well, doesn't affect me, so who cares!" That's the spirit people of the "united" States-- simply just don't care about anything unless it affects you personally. Truly despicable, not shocking in the least, but despicable.
5
Your national editor Marc Lacey's lack of attention, and some of the comments below, show many Americans' ignorance and indifference to this part of the world. Well, wake up, United States. Louisiana is critical to America's present energy and shipping infrastructure. If you don't care about 20,000 of your fellow citizens getting flooded out of their homes, you'll care when you don't have the necessities this state helps provide.
5
20,000? It's now closer to 60,000 homes destroyed
6
The Times does not believe anyone of value lives between the coasts especially if they might be Republicans.
1
In examining the This case, perhaps a look at the national page would be instructive. http://www.nytimes.com/section/us?module=SectionsNav&action=click&am...®ion=TopBar&contentCollection=U.S.&pgtype=Blogs
Yet another Hillary e-mail story (the Walking Dead beat?), and four Trumplethinskin stories, all above the first of a couple of stories about Louisiana. Three of the five stories are repeated on the politics page, simply reinforcing the paucity of national coverage NOT in the purview of the Times' Political Hack-a-Shaq team.
What IS worth noting is the byline of the story linking the Louisiana storm with climate change: Jonah Bromwich, who used to be the assistant on this page under Margaret Sullivan.
So, less Metro coverage, now less national coverage. I feel like there's less and less compelling in the Times.
And why do the last three Public Editors Journal posts not show up on the editorial page blogroll? Still showing the post about the Michael Morell endorsement. What's up with that?
Yet another Hillary e-mail story (the Walking Dead beat?), and four Trumplethinskin stories, all above the first of a couple of stories about Louisiana. Three of the five stories are repeated on the politics page, simply reinforcing the paucity of national coverage NOT in the purview of the Times' Political Hack-a-Shaq team.
What IS worth noting is the byline of the story linking the Louisiana storm with climate change: Jonah Bromwich, who used to be the assistant on this page under Margaret Sullivan.
So, less Metro coverage, now less national coverage. I feel like there's less and less compelling in the Times.
And why do the last three Public Editors Journal posts not show up on the editorial page blogroll? Still showing the post about the Michael Morell endorsement. What's up with that?
2
I completely agree. I have gotten almost all of my news of the floods since the weekend on nola.com, which has had extensive coverage. This is a devastating natural disaster. As just one jaw-dropping fact: approximately 75% of the homes in Livingston Parish are believed to be totally destroyed. 75%! I urge anyone who wants to help to read this story: http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/08/baton_rouge_flooding_new_o...
This story gives the latest updates on the devastation: http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/08/louisiana_flooding.html
About Livingston Parish: http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/08/flooding_livingston_parish...
I have sent money to a number of organizations, including organizations that are caring for people's pets and livestock. I urge anyone who can afford to do so, to please join me.
I am cringing looking at the radar loop right now, seeing much of Louisiana in the red and orange zone, meaning heavy ongoing rain. They need our help!
This story gives the latest updates on the devastation: http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/08/louisiana_flooding.html
About Livingston Parish: http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/08/flooding_livingston_parish...
I have sent money to a number of organizations, including organizations that are caring for people's pets and livestock. I urge anyone who can afford to do so, to please join me.
I am cringing looking at the radar loop right now, seeing much of Louisiana in the red and orange zone, meaning heavy ongoing rain. They need our help!
5
I am (plainly) in Louisiana, and have been appalled by the almost total lack of coverage of the flood devastation in south Louisiana. The lack of coverage in itself is one problem, and the lack of coverage of any area other than Baton Rouge (such as Lafayette) is equally appalling. I expected much more from the national media and especially from the NY Times. I was able to find info at the BBC website before I found it here.
5
Compassion fatigue from Katrina. Why would anyone continue living there? If you live on the coast you will flood, you will have hurricanes, you will have oil spills and in fact NOTHING good is going to happen for you. You move to the coast to be miserable.
4
Martiniano,
The same reason people live where the wild fires are taking place or places that are susceptible to earth quakes. This is our home. Where the majority of floods are taking place was not affected by hurricane Katrina. These towns are not on the "coast". Thanks for showing some compassion.
The same reason people live where the wild fires are taking place or places that are susceptible to earth quakes. This is our home. Where the majority of floods are taking place was not affected by hurricane Katrina. These towns are not on the "coast". Thanks for showing some compassion.
5
People live along coastal areas--that are prone to storms or earthquakes--for many reasons, but one is to work in jobs that provide resources for the rest of the country. (And people also don't choose where they are born--there are plenty of children affected.) You might think it would be a good idea for everyone to move in from the coast--but it's going to make life harder for everyone, and Kansas will be very crowded.
1
Indeed. I see Martiniano is from San Diego, which is much, much closer to the "coast" than Lafayette, Denham Springs, or Baton Rouge (and prone to other sorts of natural disasters). It seems like he's suggesting that people should not live near major waterways, which kind of goes against how all of civilization has unfolded.
1
The Times has already said it's going to limit its local coverage. It looks like it is also limiting its national coverage, like these floods.
What exactly is the a Times planning on covering?
What exactly is the a Times planning on covering?
47
luxury real estate for the international monied class
high end weddings
fashion
high end weddings
fashion
12
Monocles.
3
They won't be covering things as much as they will be providing "content".
4
Thank you, Ms. Spayd for your article. At least NYT and a few other national news sources EVENTUALLY reported on the floods while many others ignored them.
I wonder why neither of the major presidential candidates has commented on he floods or has been asked about them. The majority of Louisianans support Trump, so I would really like to hear how he, as president, would assist flood victims and if he can still deny climate change is happening.
I wonder why neither of the major presidential candidates has commented on he floods or has been asked about them. The majority of Louisianans support Trump, so I would really like to hear how he, as president, would assist flood victims and if he can still deny climate change is happening.
28
Well said Spencer. Human suffering knows no borders.
3
If I cared about the floods in Louisiana, I'd watch television. I'm not watching television. I go to the Times for things that might affect my life (like Trump). Every natural disaster is pretty much the same and I doubt the Times can add any fresh angles to one.
8
This sounds very callous. I imagine that if the suffering and ruination were visited upon you and your town, you would feel differently [but you will no doubt deny that assertion for obvious reasons.]
2
That logic would indicate that the NYT should not have covered Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath either. And when future natural disasters disrupt the delivery of Louisiana natural gas to heat homes elsewhere in the country, that will also not be newsworthy since it is just the result of something that had no new angles.
2
When Hurricane Sandy hit NJ, we saw it on TV for days. This is just as bad or worse and nobody cares because nobody knows about it because of ignorance about natural disasters, such as yours. Good luck with your life, Larryz.
2
I just think that Trump gives the Times the highest number of clicks so it churns out story after story no matter how ridiculous.
19
National Editor Marc Lacey says it is a big story and he "thinks" we were on it"? Is there some secret New York Times I am missing?
40
Is the NYT a "national newspaper"?
Or a yuppy city paper?
During the flooding NYT did a frontage article on a Chinese swimmer talking about her period, several redundant pieces on the Donald, an article on an "artist" who does YouTube videos of herself having sex and doubt drugs, etc
We have floods killing people and the above articles are on your frontage. I felt the omission was troubling
How many middle class and mainstream value people do you guys have on staff? Where did they grow up? What do they value? I say that because I wondered how this omission occurred. Poor areas of the Deep South might not "deserve" a lot of coverage huh?
Now if you decide to market yourself as a newspaper with Nyc point of view then the above would be fine. But it's readers like me that are confused. We subscribed to the NYT after it started to advertise itself as a national newspaper with in depth coverage and a leftish tilt. Awesome!
You have to be mindful if you're gonna please the Nyc centric Cosmo crowd and people like me that genuinely want a national paper as well. I'm ok with a Nyc bias but still thought that the flooding should have been considered "all the news that's fit to print"
Overall you've done a good job of juggling these 2 missions. My guess is that the Nyc centric dominance will shrink over time. I'm glad that someone saw the omission as an error and wrote this piece.
Or a yuppy city paper?
During the flooding NYT did a frontage article on a Chinese swimmer talking about her period, several redundant pieces on the Donald, an article on an "artist" who does YouTube videos of herself having sex and doubt drugs, etc
We have floods killing people and the above articles are on your frontage. I felt the omission was troubling
How many middle class and mainstream value people do you guys have on staff? Where did they grow up? What do they value? I say that because I wondered how this omission occurred. Poor areas of the Deep South might not "deserve" a lot of coverage huh?
Now if you decide to market yourself as a newspaper with Nyc point of view then the above would be fine. But it's readers like me that are confused. We subscribed to the NYT after it started to advertise itself as a national newspaper with in depth coverage and a leftish tilt. Awesome!
You have to be mindful if you're gonna please the Nyc centric Cosmo crowd and people like me that genuinely want a national paper as well. I'm ok with a Nyc bias but still thought that the flooding should have been considered "all the news that's fit to print"
Overall you've done a good job of juggling these 2 missions. My guess is that the Nyc centric dominance will shrink over time. I'm glad that someone saw the omission as an error and wrote this piece.
64
There's always USA TODAY you can turn to,or FOX News, if the bias of the NYTimes ticks you off so badly.
4
You know what it is? You know what it is: Devastation has become routine.
Wait til the next mass murder appears below the fold.
Wait til the next mass murder appears below the fold.
8
This is the worst natural disaster since Sandy. It took the NY Times days to figure out it was happening, and even now they have no clue about how floods work and how they unfold over time (This is day #4 of serious flooding--thousands upon thousands of people are displaced...including thousands of school children.) I don't know where they get their news sources from, but it seems like it must just be a few people in a circle, talking to each other.
3
Totally agree. Reportage is lame--all the more so in the context of the announced reduced reporting in NYC. If you're not reporting on NYC, and you're not reporting on the rest of America, what the heck ARE you reporting on?
Oh wait, I know: Trump, Trump, Trump, and more Trump! With a side of Hillary!
Oh wait, I know: Trump, Trump, Trump, and more Trump! With a side of Hillary!
45
They don't even report on Hillary if it is not favorable. Some criminal shot by police in Milwaukee gets coverage, but a 27 year old DNC data analyst is murdered in a nice part of DC, wallet intact, and there's radio silence.
3
First off, Trump stories are far more than mere clickbait - I recall determining at one point to no longer click on Sarah Palin headlines after McCain had lost to Obama. No, this is real: Donald J. Trump has been nominated for President of the United States of America by one of the two dominant parties, and endorsed by the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan (third in line after the VP), and Majority Leader of the US Senate, scowling whatshisname, even though serious leaders (think: Whitman, I'm not playing partisan games here) Trump poses a serious threat and has already damaged the U.S. Tragically, this is no mere side-show.
As far as the flooding, in our new era of the continuous cycle, I will click on CNN or MSNBC if I want breathless video-enhanced instant reaction. Much as Obama icily once answered a reporter 'because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak,' I look to NYTimes for a *little* more perspective than instant on the ground reaction. Research such as how the rainfall compares to 100-year storm type planning is very useful in forming a better understanding of the importance.
Perhaps a short homepage squib alerting readers to a disaster we might not yet have on our radar if we don't watch TV might have been in order, but this column reads more like a grousing contender for a managing editor position than thoughtful internally-directed media analysis & criticism with a dash of ombudsman, which, alas, maybe with the next public editor...
As far as the flooding, in our new era of the continuous cycle, I will click on CNN or MSNBC if I want breathless video-enhanced instant reaction. Much as Obama icily once answered a reporter 'because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak,' I look to NYTimes for a *little* more perspective than instant on the ground reaction. Research such as how the rainfall compares to 100-year storm type planning is very useful in forming a better understanding of the importance.
Perhaps a short homepage squib alerting readers to a disaster we might not yet have on our radar if we don't watch TV might have been in order, but this column reads more like a grousing contender for a managing editor position than thoughtful internally-directed media analysis & criticism with a dash of ombudsman, which, alas, maybe with the next public editor...
11
You guys really have no idea how bad this is. It's unprecedented--and for flooding to be unprecedented in this state is really bad. It's not just about "on the ground" coverage for visuals...it's much more important than that. And, honestly, I didn't need the NY Times to tell me, in a front page headline, that Donald Trump has impulse control problems, OR that the GOP is freaking out about it. That could be the lead article in the Journal of Duh.
6
Let's be really clear here, none of video posted has been enhanced. There was no need. I'm living it and I can attest that the devastation is real and needs no "enhancement." We got more rain in a 24 hour period from an unnamed storm, than we got in the last 12 months combined. We are used hurricane season, but we can usually see those coming and prepare. No one saw this coming and large areas flooded that have never flooded before .
When 9/11 happened, we were among the first to mobilize and send volunteers, supplies, even built NY a new fire truck and rushed it over to replace one that had been destroyed. We do this because we we are brought up to be gracious and generous above all else. So I suppose we are having a hard time understanding why those we go out of our way to help, not only don't reciprocate, but ignore us. Have a lovely day .
When 9/11 happened, we were among the first to mobilize and send volunteers, supplies, even built NY a new fire truck and rushed it over to replace one that had been destroyed. We do this because we we are brought up to be gracious and generous above all else. So I suppose we are having a hard time understanding why those we go out of our way to help, not only don't reciprocate, but ignore us. Have a lovely day .
5
This is hardly the only major story I've seen where I got almost all my news from other sources before the NYT picked it up. I learned of the most recent terrorist attacks in Belgium and France from Euronews and the BBC hours - even close to a full day - before even a 'breaking news' banner appeared on the NYT website.
22
I read and heard a lot about it from various sources.
Perhaps the NYT could have had a little more early coverage but all this complaining seems a little too much fuss.
Perhaps the NYT could have had a little more early coverage but all this complaining seems a little too much fuss.
8
I am sorry you are not entertained by 20 billion dollars in damage and 100,000 homeless.
6
I'm sorry you aren't entertained by enough flood water to fill 6 million Olympic swimming pools.
Louisiana is one of the country's poorest and least white states. I hope the Times editors take a good, long look inside and ask themselves if this might have something to do with their failure to cover these devastating floods in a timely manner.
76
I agree colour is involved, but not in the sense of 'nonwhite'. Louisiana is one of the *reddest* of the red states. Poor - that, I give you. The newly homeless in Louisiana are in the market for a place to live, but not for 'what $2.5 million buys' in the NYT real estate section.
14
ACW: Louisiana has a democrat governor and voted for Bill Clinton twice.
I wonder if Ms Spayd felt as if she had reached some sort of customer service hell when she tried to get an honest response from Mr Lacey.
70
"Heckuva job, Lacey?"
10
Actually, Ms. Spayd sent me an email and I immediately responded. No hour-long customer service hell!
10
Wow, Mr. Lacey. It's not the promptness of e response, but the content...
So, why is there so much overlap between National and Political coverage, and what size staff do you have at your disposal, members of Carolyn Ryan's Political Hack-a-Shaq team excluded?
That might give us a better perspective about why there was such a long lag time before the Times covered the story.
So, why is there so much overlap between National and Political coverage, and what size staff do you have at your disposal, members of Carolyn Ryan's Political Hack-a-Shaq team excluded?
That might give us a better perspective about why there was such a long lag time before the Times covered the story.
4
It's a weather story of the sort done best on tv. All print reporters would bring is the usual formulaic hand-wringing and tear-jerk features that nobody reads. So I agree, if I want to know about climate change, I go to the Times. If weather and flooding pictures, tv does it. But why in the wide world would you refer to Louisiana as a "brave state?" It's a backward, politically reactionary state where, in general, climate change deniers flourish, and all efforts by the federal government to provide disaster relief will be derided. This state is so ignorant that a goodly percentage of its people think President Obama was responsible for the Katrina debacle. "Brave?"
46
Seconded strongly, Joe! Though I do love visiting New Orleans now and then.
6
You appear to be writing from Arizona, a similarly "backward, politically reactionary" state. Unlike you, however, who chooses to ignore the many thousands of Louisianians who have quite literally risked their lives over the past few days by taking it upon themselves to rescue and provide for their neighbors, I will not disparage you or the people of your state because of the political leanings of some of its inhabitants. http://www.npr.org/2016/08/16/490173970/louisiana-flood-victims-aided-by...
26
Really? Two lane closures on the GW Bridge got faster and more comprehensive coverage.
8
A helpful article at Forbes.com as to why this hurricane-level weather event did not get enough attention:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2016/08/16/5-reasons-some-w...
But it is not at all too late; the aftermath of the deluge of Baton Rouge will require plenty of national attention. 40,000 people are currently without homes. The property damage is astronomical. The highest rainfall was over 30 inches over a 48 hour period. A massive weather event. See also the weather underground's reporting:
https://www.wunderground.com/news/gulf-coast-deadly-flooding-thousands-r...
http://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2016/08/16/5-reasons-some-w...
But it is not at all too late; the aftermath of the deluge of Baton Rouge will require plenty of national attention. 40,000 people are currently without homes. The property damage is astronomical. The highest rainfall was over 30 inches over a 48 hour period. A massive weather event. See also the weather underground's reporting:
https://www.wunderground.com/news/gulf-coast-deadly-flooding-thousands-r...
17
also (and not from the media): https://www.facebook.com/atmosphereaerial/?fref=nf
Gives an idea of just how widespread and horrific the devastation is.
Gives an idea of just how widespread and horrific the devastation is.
I expect the Times to do better, I live in Europe so in an election year I want access to events. I had a family member stranded by the floods, and learned more about what was happening through facebook than the NYTimes. I don't think I will be subscribing after November.
35
Yep. bella, I hear you. I've been a loyal subscriber to the Times for over 20 years. Unfortunately, that time may be approaching the end...And I, too, learned of the flooding via Facebook!
14
I confess I let my subscription expire last year. In part because the cost had ratcheted up to an untenable point; other subscriptions to publications, several of which I frankly miss more than unlimited access to the NYT, also had to go. But if I'd really felt I was getting my money's worth from the NYT I would have found the money, I think.
3
This might be a significant national story when the claims start draining the Federal flood insurance program. In Livingston parish is is estimated that 75% of the homes were destroyed and 75% of the residents had no flood insurance. Obviously those without insurance won't be getting money from that program but they will still be eligible for other federal funds, up to $33,000.
11
Oh, but read the comments. It's not important! All disasters are the same! Just because entire towns have been wiped out, and thousands of people--thousands of *children*--are displaced--all this fuss just because no one covered this trival story. (Roll eyes).
1
To clarify, most don't have flood insurance because it's never flooded there before. They live in a non flood zone.
1
I was astonished at the lack of coverage. In fact recently it's seemed that the Times puts a few provocative stories on the front (digital) page and lets them sit in the position of most prominence for a long time, and recycles the same ditzy non-news stories in the sidebars for days.
81
If I want to follow weather, I'll watch the Weather Channel. If I want to read about climate change, I'll look for it in the Times, but without expecting much. Those stories can be written from New York or Washington, better than from Louisiana.
11
The New York Times is a NEWSPAPER, not the National Geographic magazine.
11
Of course if the state of Louisiana had elected officials with a modicum of factual scientific knowledge they just might have building codes, like requiring stilt houses, that take the demonstrated effects of man made climate change into consideration.
18
On what facts is this assessment based? My guess would be absolutely none.
8
Building codes DO require raised homes in flood zones. The thing is, most of this flooding is not in a flood zone. Baton Rouge got a third of it's annual rain in two days. No building code is going to account for that. This could happen anywhere.
32
They are not state standards, they are federal, FEMA flood maps. And the requirement to meet them to purchase flood insurance means that new housing is built to the requirements. But houses that are 50 of 100 years old clearly won't meet them. Someone from Florida should know this.
21
Well there is no partisan political angle to play and no rigid ideology to push and race baiting opportunities in this story, so of course the NYT does not cover it.
33
I know, right? Regular people on hard times.
1
The Times is not a truly national newspaper. It covers politics, New York City, the rich, and the two major New York City industries - finance and fashion.
48
New York Times has recently given up on covering local New York City news - they addressed that last week.
11
Actually, The Times has one of the largest national staffs of any media organization, with correspondents in bureaus across the country.
5
Reportedly, the LA Bureau currently has two people doing Hollywood publicity and one reporter.
"Every month, the Times attracts about as many readers to its various free platforms—via Facebook, phones, or unpaid site visits—in California as in New York, its two largest markets. But a much bigger share of New Yorkers than Californians eventually become paid subscribers."
http://deadline.com/2016/08/new-york-times-to-rebuild-la-staff-1201801809/
"Every month, the Times attracts about as many readers to its various free platforms—via Facebook, phones, or unpaid site visits—in California as in New York, its two largest markets. But a much bigger share of New Yorkers than Californians eventually become paid subscribers."
http://deadline.com/2016/08/new-york-times-to-rebuild-la-staff-1201801809/
1
New York Times - Some of the news that's fit to print.
31
New York Times - All of the news that's already online.
39
New York Times - Doing "a heckuva job" covering disasters outside the city.
2
I learned of the devastation first on Facebook and it did seem to take forever for the story to make a dent in the NYT coverage. This is a big disaster that has affected many thousands of people. The paper must do better, especially given its role in holding public servants to account for their failures to respond adequately.
40
I first learned of the devastation through TV news - News 12 New Jersey and Euronews and the BBC! All of which had the story before it turned up on the NYT online.
6
I was in Baton Rouge when the city was devastated by Hurricane Gustav. On the third day after the storm, when my handcrank radio could finally pick up NPR, and I could get some national news, the headline was about the "The first major hurricane of the season" (Hurricane Ike) about to hit Texas. Not a word about Gustav and the destruction it caused in Louisiana. Listening to the words "first major hurricane" on a hand-crank radio after days of hard cleanup in a city crippled from a storm no one heard about taught me lesson: In this country, every community deals with its disasters on its own. The rest of the nation will only hear about it long after the destruction, if at all.
39
The New York Times is so obsessed with defeating Trump, everything else is second nature.
Of course if George W. Bush were president, and he was playing several rounds of golf, while saying absolutely nothing about this disaster, it would have been front and center on Day 1.
President Obama, of course, gets a free pass, while Bush is blamed for Hurricane Katrina.
Of course if George W. Bush were president, and he was playing several rounds of golf, while saying absolutely nothing about this disaster, it would have been front and center on Day 1.
President Obama, of course, gets a free pass, while Bush is blamed for Hurricane Katrina.
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Katrina was a once-in-a-century hurricane that devastated a city of millions. Hundreds of people died. Bush did little to nothing. He indeed bore some responsibility.
The current storm is devastating for the people involved, but it's not of the same proportions, making your analogy inappropriate and ill-informed. Unless, that is, you expect the President to drop everything he's doing every time a small natural disaster kills a few people and strands some drivers.
The current storm is devastating for the people involved, but it's not of the same proportions, making your analogy inappropriate and ill-informed. Unless, that is, you expect the President to drop everything he's doing every time a small natural disaster kills a few people and strands some drivers.
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Dan, I'd say it's you who are ill-informed. "Some" 2,000 motorists were stranded for nearly 3 days and had to be airlifted water via helicopter. This is now being called a once-in-a-millennium weather event. The death toll cannot even yet be assessed as hundreds of homes are still submerged, but we do know that the waters claimed the life of the founder and CEO of an international, multi-billion-dollar publicly traded company.
This storm has obliterated an entire city at this point. I guess you can thank the media coverage that you don't know the name of that city. Your insensitivity here and in your other reply above is unspeakably distasteful in the face of this loss of life and property.
This storm has obliterated an entire city at this point. I guess you can thank the media coverage that you don't know the name of that city. Your insensitivity here and in your other reply above is unspeakably distasteful in the face of this loss of life and property.
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Large swaths of Louisiana have already been declared Federal disaster areas. FEMA is on the ground.
If Trump isn't involved, you cannot find a story on the front page anymore.
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It's likely The Times only covered the last LA flood because a republican president could be blamed.
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Floods of Biblical proportions on Friday night in August occurring in Lousiana are easily dismissed (as God's rath is never so unkind). But boom, the waters came in gargantuan amounts doubtlessly thought impossible and scores were flooded (horrible, horrible destruction and death). But the question is "was the New York Times remiss by not having coverage" in August during Trump season seems harsh. Natural disaster aside the New York Times needs to tail Trump and circus (around and about), and now including "hound-dog honeypot hunter" Roger Ailes.
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"Stayed tuned." For what? More Trump coverage. Get your act together.
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