Kanye West goes off the script

At the NBC live televised benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims, rapper Kanye West departed from the prepared script in order to go on a riff about "his people" who were suffering in New Orleans, specifically how white looting families were described as "getting food" while black looters were described as thieves. He also stated that soldiers had been given permission to go into New Orleans "and shoot us." Mr. West also wrapped up by saying that "George Bush doesn't care about black people."

Now, he was on stage with comedian Mike Myers (the Austin Powers guy) who was obviously discomfited by this performance. Immediately after the remark about the president, NBC cut away. You can see an MSNBC video of the incident on this page.

First of all, politicizing a benefit concert is not a smart idea. Secondly, what on earth does he mean by "his people"? I would like to point out that, in spite of the divisive attempts by black racists and white racists, all of the people on the Gulf Coast are Americans. Which means that they are all our people.

I hope this outburst does not cause adverse effects for Red Cross donations. Some of the more rabid Republicans might not be able to see the big picture. ::Gulp::