Pearl Jam, My Morning Jacket, R.E.M. and Nine Inch Nails‘ Trent Reznor have all signed a petition asking both Barack Obama and John McCain to have a presidential debate in the flood-ravaged city of New Orleans. Organized by the Gulf Restoration Network and Voice of the Wetlands, the petition asks the candidates to come to the Big Easy to discuss how the government plans to use federal money to restore Louisiana’s coastal security and stabilize the state’s communities. Google, YouTube and New Orleans universities are co-sponsoring the debate, scheduled for September 18th, and ask both candidates to commit the attend the event. Artists like 311, Jackson Browne and a host of N’Awlins-based musicians like Dr. John and the Neville Brothers have also signed the petition, which was then sent to Obama and McCain via the U.S. Senate. So far, neither has responded.
Pearl Jam, NIN, R.E.M. Sign New Orleans Debate Petition, Ask Obama and McCain to Partcipate
8/6/08, 4:08 pm EST
Comments
Jungleland | 8/7/2008, 9:27 am EST
Where is Bob Barr in this? He is the one who can make REAL changes
Steve | 8/7/2008, 12:53 pm EST
The military was ordered to shoot missles at the levee, destroying a portion of it, that would open the flood gates into the poor communities and therefore saving the rich communities and tourist havens. Sound ridiculous? Watch Spike Lee’s ‘When the Levees Broke’ and other eye witness accounts on You Tube and I’m sure you’ll agree with me.
Alex | 8/7/2008, 3:17 pm EST
The federal government has been giving New Orleans money for years, and they obviously didn’t want to use it to fix the levees( before Katrina) It’s a known fact that the engineering on those levves were out of date and very old. And if you think about it, Hurricane Katrina was a terrible event ,but for those communtities in the long run, it alows them to be rebuilt and possibly new and more economic growth.
BringEm | 8/10/2008, 12:09 pm EST
They need to have this debate in New Orleans before the election, a commitment to restoring the coastline and greater levee protection is essential to the future of the unique city of New Orleans.
Alex | 8/26/2008, 1:24 am EST
.
Alex | 8/26/2008, 1:24 am EST
.
Martin | 9/11/2008, 5:00 am EST
Who gives a crap if they participate. We’ve heard too much of their jaw flapping already. How about including the 3rd parties in the debate? Now that’s a debate worth watching.
Sherwood Conde | 4/28/2009, 10:40 am EST
I have an effort that goes to New Orleans twice a year. We will be going again in September. Spent one week renovating a family’s home. Currently we are seeking funding from several Banks, but for now, you are responsible for airfare. Anyone interested in our effort, you can email me at information@condellc.com. Thanks. I wish there was some way to link the Bands’ and their intended concert to our efforts.

Email
Stumble
AIM
Del.icio.us
DiggThis
Fark It!

- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.