Douglas Brinkley on Louisiana’s ‘state of distress’

The World

Two disasters, two presidents, one city. Even though the Gulf oil spill hasn’t directly hit New Orleans, it’s hard not to think of the disaster in the context of the Hurricane that hit the same region five years ago. Historian Douglas Brinkley says its residents are in a state of “permanent stress.” But, he says, he’s more angry now because this disaster was man made. New Orleans is Brinkley’s adopted home town and he assesses President Obama’s response so far.

Brinkley is a Professor of History at Rice University and is also author of “The Wilderness Warrior” and ?The Great Deluge.?

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you. We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll help us unlock a matching gift of $67,000!