Never Again, Mayor Nagin

How to prepare for the next hurricane (Part 1)

2006-03-21T09:32:00.000-06:00

Given the latest admission by the NOPD that it had enough time to confiscate weapons from law-abiding citizens during the immediate aftermath of Katrina (article by John R. Lott), I thought it would be appropriate to discuss what you may need for the upcoming storm season. Now, I'm assuming that if this applies to you, you're either foolish enough to stay or unable to leave AND you've stockpiled enough food and water to last until FEMA figures out which direction South is. A month should be sufficient.

Ok, so you've decided to stay and you're victualed, what next? A gun, of course! And not to be foolhardy, you need to be licensed and trained. This is where the friendly Louisiana State Police come in with their handy Concealed Handgun permit website (link). Here you'll learn all you need to know to start packing some serious heat. As you've no doubt heard from articles or anecdotally or articles that reported anecdotal evidence, people found weapons, especially shotguns and handguns, very useful in New Orleans after Katrina, even without resort to firing their weapon in many cases. Given the flooding and ongoing rescue operations, the NOPD had difficulty responding to reports of violence, assuming it was even possible to report it.

Note, that this is the same NOPD which recently cleared officers of looting the Tchoupitoulas St. Wal-Mart "live and direct" for the MSNBC audience, even finding time to be "discourteous" to the reporter who had the bad grace to imply that the officers needed to arrest the looters. Hmmm, time to loot and take guns from citizens, no time to stop actual crime... right in front of your face... on national TV. Great!

To be sure, the Conceal Carry permit does not include shotguns. Lord, would that be a giant fella who could conceal ol' bark on his person. Anyway, keep in mind that a weapon is no laughing matter, though our local leadership is, and you should always avoid confronting a criminal at all cost. Nevertheless, some situations can't be fully prepared for or avoided and that's where a good gun can make your day.

Take care.

Scott

Just so you know...

2006-03-03T11:23:00.000-06:00

Following a death in the family and the recent holiday, this picture about sums up my last two weeks. Thanks to cheezwiz for sending this pic to me.

Over the next several weeks our local politics will begin to pick up steam, and NAMN will be, too. Hopefully, our audience will still be in the mix.

Scott

The Mysteries are Solved Again

2006-02-13T13:00:00.000-06:00

The Mysteries are Solved – 25 Answers to Those Who Know Very Little About New Orleans

On September 30, 2005, Mike Davis and Anthony Fontenot published an article in The Nation entitled, "25 Questions about the Murder of New Orleans", which was widely reprinted throughout the blogosphere. I posted my original article shortly thereafter, which questioned the author's on a range of issues from obvious mistaken points-of-fact to outrageous accusations and race-baiting. Since that time, the authors have edited one portion of their original article, but not some of the most scandalous, in my opinion, parts.

With the release of the House report on the vacuum of leadership this city, state, and country were operating under during the height of the crisis, I feel responsible recrimination is needed so that we can better avoid future catastrophes. However, what Messrs. Fontenot and Davis published does not fall into that category, and they have yet to answer for their crimes.

This article was originally separated into three parts. Fortunately, time has allowed me to learn a few tricks of the blog trade, and I can now shrink the viewable portion of this article into something a little more bite-sized. So without any further delay, here are their questions and my replies.

Question #1

Why did the floodwalls along the 17th Street Canal only break on the New Orleans side and not on the Metairie side? Was this the result of neglect and poor maintenance by New Orleans authorities?

Well, now I don't feel so bad about amending this article. The above question, taken directly from The Nation website, originally referred to the "white side" of the levee in Metairie. Here are a few examples where someone obviously didn't get the memo:

Why did the floodwalls along the 17th Street Canal only break on the New Orleans (majority Black) side and not on the Metairie (largely white) side? Was this the result of neglect and poor maintenance by New Orleans authorities? (from Common Dreams)*
Why did the floodwalls along the 17th Street Canal only break on the New Orleans (majority Black) side and not on the Metairie (largely white) side? Was this the result of neglect and poor maintenance by New Orleans authorities? (from Mother Jones)*
Why did the floodwalls along the 17th Street Canal only break on the New Orleans (majority Black) side and not on the Metairie (largely white) side? Was this the result of neglect and poor maintenance by New Orleans authorities? (from InfoShop.org)*
Why did the floodwalls along the 17th Street Canal only break on the New Orleans (majority Black) side and not on the Metairie (largely white) side? Was this the result of neglect and poor maintenance by New Orleans authorities? (from ZMag.org)*
* emphasis added

I can see these two are now familiar with Lakeview, Lake Shore, and Lake Vista. I originally excused Mr. Davis' understandable ignorance; however, for Mr. Fontenot, who self-identifies as a New Orleans architect, this was a willful and dangerous disregard for the truth and a scandalous attempt to race bait. Thankfully it appears they've tacitly admitted their error. To answer their second question, no, the levees are under the purview of the Orleans Levee Board and the Army Corps of Engineers, neither group being a New Orleans-centered organization.

Question #2

Who owned the huge barge that was catapulted through the wall of the Industrial Canal, killing hundreds in the Lower Ninth Ward--the most deadly hit-and-run accident in US history?

This is truly one of the most compelling sites in the 9th Ward. (see "Something Everyone Should See") I’d like to know the answer to this as well; however, hit-and-run requires that someone be controlling the vehicle at the time of the crash. The true hit-and-run was Mr. Davis and Mr. Fontenot in their foolish article, though not the largest of this sort in history. It would also be interesting to find out where they came up with their numbers, since, at the time of publication and until today, no one had the death-toll in the Ninth Ward anywhere near this high.

Question #3

All of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish east of the Industrial Canal were drowned, except for the Almonaster-Michoud Industrial District along Chef Menteur Highway. Why was industrial land apparently protected by stronger levees than nearby residential neighborhoods?

I could be wrong here, but isn’t the grounds of the Michoud complex higher? Do you think that might be why it didn’t flood? Here's a map, since you didn't bother to look it up and didn't expect your audience to do so, either. For the record, the Michoud complex is roughly 2-6 feet above the flood elevation. Water naturally seeks its own level, so thus the higher areas, such as the French Quarter, the Marigny, Bywater, and parts of Uptown along the River AND Michoud initially may have taken on some water, but these eventually receded into the lower lying areas. Doesn't everyone remember the pictures of standing water around the Superdome and the French Quarter? How long did that remain? Pretty simple concept as long as you're intellectually honest or curious enough to learn the answer. I assume you'll amend this, as well.

Question #4

Why did Mayor Ray Nagin, in defiance of his own official disaster plan, delay twelve to twenty-four hours in ordering a mandatory evacuation of the city?

Because he’s an idiot. After the recent MLK Day speech, is there any question? While you’re asking the Mayor questions, find out why his official disaster plan was removed from the City website. (See my previous article "The Cover-up has begun...").

Question #5

Why did Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff not declare Katrina an "Incident of National Significance" until August 31--thus preventing the full deployment of urgently needed federal resources?

Better question, why didn’t Gov. Blanco ask for troops under the manner prescribed by the Posse Comitatus Act and why didn’t she make this request until August 31, 2005? Have you seen the outtake from here CNN interview on that same day? The delay in designating this could be because the levee breaks weren't readily apparent until August 30th, 2005. Perhaps, if the city and state had spent the nearly $150 million on communications equipment they were allocated (less than $20 million was spent), we might have known the true extent of the forming disaster. The authors seem to hope that everyone who reads this article will not have firsthand knowledge of the early days of the flood. Firsthand knowledge includes those who were evacuated throughout the South and had to rely on sketchy media reports to confirm our worst fears. It wasn't until August 31, 2005 that the evacuees and the general public began to learn what was happening in New Orleans, while government officials seemed to know sometime late August 29th or early August 30th.

Question #6

Why wasn't the nearby USS Bataan immediately sent to the aid of New Orleans? The huge amphibious-landing ship had a state-of-the-art, 600-bed hospital, water and power plants, helicopters, food supplies and 1,200 sailors eager to join the rescue effort.

Your question is framed deliberately to mislead people into believing that the Bataan was docked around the corner. At any time during either of your academic studies, did you learn that most waterborne vessels try to avoid hurricanes? Do you realize that means the Bataan was quite a distance, i.e., several hundred miles, from New Orleans? This isn't the "Philadelphia Experiment", so ships aren’t capable of instantaneous teleportation. Why are you still asking this question?

Question #7

Similarly, why wasn't the Baltimore-based hospital ship USS Comfort ordered to sea until August 31, or the 82nd Airborne Division deployed in New Orleans until September 5?

See previous comments. As for the 82nd, please refer to the following link, where you will see that they first arrived on Sept. 3rd.

About 80 percent of the Crescent City was flooded after levees broke Aug. 30. That became a challenge for the paratroopers when they arrived Sept. 3. The division had just four boats at the time, Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, the 82nd's commanding general, noted. However, the division quickly "started getting Coast Guard, Navy and Marine assets placed under our control," Caldwell said. *
[* emphasis added]

Are you grossly misinformed, in general, or is this a purposeful lie? Note that this is the 82nd Airborne, not Waterborne or Amphibious, so the delay should be understandable. For those who don't understand the difference, airborne units specialize in jumping out of planes behind enemy lines, not conducting civilian water rescue. Nevertheless, these brave men and women came to our aid, and we appreciate them immensely.

Question #8

Why does Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld balk at making public his "severe weather execution order" that established the ground rules for the military response to Katrina? Did the Pentagon, as a recent report by the Congressional Research Service suggests, fail to take initiatives within already authorized powers, then attempt to transfer the blame to state and local governments?

I guess the Library of Congress trumps the full Congress (please see Posse Comitatus, 1878). All of Sec. Rumsfeld’s plans are for naught if local leadership, in this case Gov. Blanco, doesn’t ask for Federal military assistance specifically. Also, you've still failed to cite your sources after four months.

Question #9

Why were the more than 350 buses of the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority--eventually flooded where they were parked--not mobilized to evacuate infirm, poor and car-less residents?

Ask Mayor Nagin. I’d share his disaster plan with you, in the spirit of citing my sources, but it was removed from the City’s website shortly after National Review Online wrote an article concerning Mayor Nagin's disaster plan and cited the plan's location on the city's website. I met a young couple who possess Louisiana-issued CDL licenses and work for a private transportation company. This company contacted City Hall to offer the services of their drivers during the run-up to Katrina. Unfortunately for many people, the city never got back to them and one can easily presume many other similar offers of support.

Question #10

What significance attaches to the fact that the chair of the Transportation Authority, appointed by Mayor Nagin, is Jimmy Reiss, the wealthy leader of the New Orleans Business Council, which has long advocated a thorough redevelopment of (and cleanup of crime in) the city?

First, how is someone’s wealth at all relevant? Second, name one responsible person who HASN’T advocated cleaning up crime in our city? Third, please cite the full and specific examples where Mr. Reiss made such comments. Those with your backgrounds shouldn’t be so careless with such reckless assertions without supporting documentation. I guess if you're for cleaning up crime in New Orleans, you run the risk of being labeled a racist.

Question #11

Under what authority did Mayor Nagin meet confidentially in Dallas with the "forty thieves"--white business leaders led by Reiss--reportedly to discuss the triaging of poorer black areas and a corporate-led master plan for rebuilding the city?

I would like an answer to this, as well. However, cite a reliable source that verifies that this meeting took place, before you jump to any further conclusions. For college professors, I am quite surprised at how sloppy your work really is, gentlemen. Again, after four months, your work is quite shallow.

Question #12

Everyone knows about a famous train called "the City of New Orleans." Why was there no evacuation by rail? Was Amtrak part of the disaster planning? If not, why not?

I think you’ve confused Amtrak’s City of New Orleans, not so well-known outside the region, with Williams’ Streetcar Named Desire, which is world famous. Nonetheless, your point is valid, and must be answered. I believe rail evacuation was at the very least tacitly included in the City’s disaster plan, but it’s no longer available to verify on the City's website.

Question #13

Why were patients at private hospitals like Tulane evacuated by helicopter while their counterparts at the Charity Hospital were left to suffer and die?

This is one of your most reckless assertions. And, again, you cite no supporting evidence. You’re implying that the patients at Tulane were lily white and those at Charity were black as night, when you, especially, Mr. Fontenot, have ample opportunity to know the facts. Shame on you. And, after four months, no clarification or retraction. Shameful!

Question #14

Was the failure to adequately stock food, water, portable toilets, cots and medicine at the Louisiana Superdome a deliberate decision--as many believe--to force poorer residents to leave the city?

Possibly. Was the decision to wait until the Superdome opened and not bring supplies for oneself, despite Mayor Nagin’s public statements to the media, likewise a deliberate act to force the government to provide one’s necessities? I'll remind you of not too long ago during Hurricane Georges in 1998, when a vocal portion of the Superdome's evacuees complained about the selection of food, (hotdogs and Corn Flakes, I believe) despite being instructed to bring their own food. A cop I know relayed a story to me that a group showed up with a couch(!!!) on their pickup truck. Does this sound like someone who seriously considers their emergency needs? According to this same officer, every place where "two walls met" there was biological and non-biological debris, and the Dome's furniture and suites were ransacked. Even in 1998 the Dome was not an adequate place of refuge, and many who were there in 1998 came back in 2005, so why the surprise?

Question #15

The French Quarter has one of the highest densities of restaurants in the nation. Once the acute shortages of food and water at the Superdome and the Convention Center were known, why didn't officials requisition supplies from hotels and restaurants located just a few blocks away? (As it happened, vast quantities of food were simply left to spoil.)

How do you propose, once the electricity is off and ice not readily available, to avoid food spoilage? Also, if so many were desperate for food, then why were so many shoe and electronic stores looted on Canal Street and in the French Quarter? Finally, when they did illegally enter places with food, e.g. Winn-Dixie on Rampart Street, why were so many non-essential items stolen, such as beer and cigarettes, instead of sustenance providing items? Still haven't answered this after all this time, gentlemen.

Question #16

City Hall's emergency command center had to be abandoned early in the crisis because its generator supposedly ran out of diesel fuel. Likewise, many critical-care patients died from heat or equipment failure after hospital backup generators failed. Why were supplies of diesel fuel so inadequate? Why were so many hospital generators located in basements that would obviously flood?

For once your questions are valid and well framed. While you’re asking about diesel fuel for the command center, ask Mayor Nagin why the NOPD and NOFD didn’t have adequate supplies of food and water. No one has ever answered that question adequately. Sure, Chief Compass was forced to resign, which I thought might open the flood gates (sorry) for information concerning why out police and fire departments were left to dangle in the breeze (sorry, again). Perhaps, the City needs to hire the crew at Intercosmos / Zipa, who were able to maintain their generators despite shortages, to help the City prepare for the next storm.

Question #17

Why didn't the Navy or Coast Guard immediately airdrop life preservers and rubber rafts in flooded districts? Why wasn't such life-saving equipment stocked in schools and hospitals?

Ask yourself why you think such equipment could be stored in public schools and hospitals. Are you serious about this idea or just figure it looks better in hindsight? Schools and hospitals are not proper places to store this equipment. If the Navy and Coast Guard were going to airlift this stuff to people, why would you want it anywhere else besides in their possession? If you're interested in this, why not advocate a vest in every house?

Question #18

Why weren't evacuee centers established in Audubon Park and other unflooded parts of Uptown, where locals could be employed as cleanup crews?

Maybe this wasn’t feasible because of security issues. Had you considered that the police weren’t in control of the city, you might realize that opening another evacuee center would be foolish. And which locals were you suggesting clean up the city, the looters or the evacuees? Funny how you talk about clean up at the point in the crisis when order needed to be restored.

Question #19

Is the Justice Department investigating the Jim Crow-like response of the suburban Gretna police, who turned back hundreds of desperate New Orleans citizens trying to walk across the Mississippi River Bridge--an image reminiscent of Selma in 1965? New Orleans, meanwhile, abounds in eyewitness accounts of police looting and illegal shootings: Will any of this ever be investigated?

Since it has been several months since Katrina and your comments first appeared and we’ve heard nothing definitive from anyone in the media, though that hasn't stopped them from speculating, so here's my guess: 1) Nagin sent people across the GNO bridge without notifying Gretna PD, 2) some of these people partook in the looting and burning of Oakwood Mall, 3) Gretna PD decided they couldn't handle an influx of storm victims possibly threatening their jurisdiction, so they stopped the flow at its source. Someone needs to ask why Mayor Nagin sent people to the West Bank in the first place. And your Selma comparison is spot-on, as long as you conveniently forget that what happened in Gretna wasn’t about voting or segregation laws, but about maintaining public safety and order. Again, shame on you.

Question #20

Who is responsible for the suspicious fires that have swept the city? Why have so many fires occurred in blue-collar areas that have long been targets of proposed gentrification, such as the Section 8 homes on Constance Street in the Lower Garden District or the wharfs [sic] along the river in Bywater?

Well, we may never have a definitive answer to this, since our Mayor didn’t provide any supplies or protection for the Fire Dept., but here is my guess. The Ninth Ward area was subjected to rushing and rising waters, which tend to knock smaller structures, such as houses, off of their slabs, which often ruptures the gas pipes beneath. This leads to explosions, which causes large, area-wide fires. Nevertheless, why do the authors care about some abandoned wharves (not wharfs, Professors) being converted into a cruise ship terminal? Furthermore, if you make an assertion, you must back it up with proof, but I don’t need to keep reminding you of that. Four months later, your silence is deafening.

Question #21

Where were FEMA's several dozen vaunted urban search-and-rescue teams? Aside from some courageous work by Coast Guard helicopter crews, the early rescue effort was largely mounted by volunteers who towed their own boats into the city after hearing an appeal on television.

Is everything the Federal Government’s fault? A better question would be why FEMA turned away roughly 500 local volunteers who caravanned from Lafayette, LA to the edge of New Orleans with their personal watercraft. These people were willing to risk life and limb to save fellow Louisianians, yet were turned away for not holding the right paperwork or some such nonsense. That's the real scandal.

Question #22

We found a massive Red Cross presence in Baton Rouge but none in some of the smaller Louisiana towns that have mounted the most impressive relief efforts. The poor Cajun community of Ville Platte, for instance, has at one time or another fed and housed more than 5,000 evacuees; but the Red Cross, along with FEMA, has refused almost daily appeals by local volunteers to send professional personnel and aid. Why then give money to the Red Cross?

Perhaps, we’ve something we can agree upon. The Red Cross has a canyon of a money funnel, but a stir straw for a money spout. To me, that makes them criminal.

Question #23

Why isn't FEMA scrambling to create a central registry of everyone evacuated from the greater New Orleans region? Will evacuees receive absentee ballots and be allowed to vote in the crucial February municipal elections that will partly decide the fate of the city?

They have created said registry and absentee ballots are always sent when valid, why didn’t you know that? Sorry, I forgot your penchant for asking things be a certain way, so you can claim credit for them later when they were done as planned. If anything, this disaster will make it easier than ever for the current leadership to defraud the elections by your very same absentee ballots. Are you going to help ensure that doesn’t happen? The elections are in April 2006; where will you be?

Question #24

As politicians talk about "disaster czars" and elite-appointed reconstruction commissions, and as architects and developers advance utopian designs for an ethnically cleansed "new urbanism" in New Orleans, where is any plan for the substantive participation of the city's ordinary citizens in their own future?

When you say, “ethnically cleansed” and refer to “ordinary citizens” are you referring to all black folks, poor folks, or poor black folks? Could your questions be any more irresponsible? And for the last time, would you please cite specific times these types of comments have been made.

Question #25

Indeed, on the fortieth anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, what has happened to democracy?

Helluva ending, gentlemen, I’m glad to see you ended on a high note. On the Fortieth anniversary of Katrina I hope to be sharing stories with my grandchildren about what it was like back then in my home in Lakeview, New Orleans. If you’re still around, your seats will be waiting. Please use this interval to grow the hell up.

Thanks for sticking with me on this rather long article.

Scott M. Phillips

Seeking first-hand accounts...

2006-02-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Never Again, Mayor Nagin would like its readers to submit personal experiences with any of these organizations: Red Cross, FEMA, Salvation Army, your insurance company, political officials, etc. Please post these to the comments section or send us an email at editor@namnonline.com.

Thanks.

Forman to the Rescue

2006-02-08T12:22:00.000-06:00

Director of the Audubon Nature Institute and commnity leader Ron Forman has announced his candidacy for Mayor of New Orleans. Mr. Forman is a proven business leader, his list of accomplishments is long and distinguished, foremost, rebuilding and transforming an aging, decrepit zoo into a world class facility. He has brought national and international attention to the region, more importantly, he has created numerous jobs and helped many small businesses that support the Audubon institute.

He is a proven leader that will serve the city of New Orleans well.

From the political perspective, he is a fresh face with significant name recognition and a huge financial warchest. He is not business as usual, no offense to Mitch Landrieu but what has the Landrieu family really accomplished in New Orleans, look at the tax record for Mitch Landrieu and Mary Landrieu and Moon Landrieu. They are tax and spend liberals, they increase the size of government which serves no one.

Forman will garner the majority of Republican and conservative Democrat support, he will also be a formidable candidate for the business community. He essentially erodes completely the base of support that propelled Ray Nagin into office. Combined with popular support from a broad spectrum of civic leaders throughout New Orleans he will be a formidable candidate.

With large amounts of the African-American vote relocated, temporarily or otherwise, this will prove, in this writer's opinion, the political death knell of not only Mayor Nagin, but also the exit of Marlin Gussman as Sheriff, Eddie Jordon as District Attorney, and most assuredly the exit of both Clerks of Court (Criminal -- Kimberly Williamson Butler and Civil -- Dale Atkins).

Adrian

Master and Commander: Righting the ship

2006-01-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

The challenge of being a political leader in many respects is very much like being the Commander of a ship. The ship is the political and geographic entity which one, who has been elected to a leadership post, must keep on course, keep maintained and keep the crew morale high. The ship on the open seas is susceptible to storms, attack by outside forces and the proper or improper maintenance performed by specialized (bureaucratic administration) crew members.

The ship known as New Orleans took on a severe hit on August 29, 2005. We weathered a fierce storm and then trouble, the potential death of any ship, taking on water.

In any chain of command their is the Commander of the ship (New Orleans Mayor) who reports to a higher level of command (Governor) and who in turn reports to the highest level of command (The President).

I use this analogy because it is eerily similar.

The ship took on water, was righted by aid directly from the highest command and now is a vessel run by incompetent leaders.

The truest test of command is to lead in the face of adversity. We as a citizenry were failed by our leadership at all levels. When the leadership fails, the crew must take action to prevent the ship from sinking and destruction. What would be a logical step, mutiny, the ouster of the captain and replacement by, we hope, an able leader.

Given this knowledge we must be prudent to elect leaders that will right the ship and guide us into safe harbor. The citizens of New Orleans must act in the absence of leadership, remember to vote in April and to vote again when the next Governor's election comes around.

In a democracy we are ultimately responsible for the progress of the city, the state and the country.

My message is to never forget the lessons of the last several months and do what is needed to bring New Orleans to glory.

Adrian

A lesson in manners...

2006-01-25T16:24:00.000-06:00

...is needed.

I want to share with our audience an email which was received this morning from an irate and obviously unstable person who felt that "unsolicited" email is a sufficient reason to email threats of bodily harm. Here's the letter, with all expletives replaced with the corresponding form of the word Nagin and the name of the offender withheld (though not forgotten):

Who gives a Nagin what you think, not I.[sic] Where did you get my email? You have no right whatsoever to have sent [sic] me your stupid thoughts. If you ever send me an email again, I will some how [sic] find you and you will be very sorry you sent me an email. Stop spamming and screwing up what the IP world could be. Such temerity to send someone you do not know an email. It's Nagins like you that [sic] are truly screwing this world up.

Send another email and it will be your last.

First, I've removed this person's email from our list, for, you see, it isn't truly "temerity" until I know that danger exists. This person either doesn't understand the meaning of the word and likes his handy-dandy word-of-the-day calendar or he assumes his reputation for digital violence precedes him. Nevertheless, he's no longer bothered by my titanic attempts to ruin the "IP world".

Second, if you intend to do or threaten harm to someone, is it wise to send it under your full name, a name that can be easily looked up via any search engine to, perhaps, find out where you work or where you filed for Red Cross? Third, it's the actual Nagin's who are screwing up this world, not small-time blogs such as this. Fourth, you won't receive another email from us that much is certain, but be forewarned that the floods make me a little more difficult to locate and I am well-armed.

Finally, if anyone does not wish to receive an email from this blog, please just let us know. I will gladly remove you from our list. But please, please, please, do not insult me or anyone else's opinions and especially do not threaten anyone; I just might forget to withhold your name.

Scott M. Phillips
Editor

Ideas, Ideas, and more Ideas

2006-01-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

I began my first post with a rant about how we are not considering the radical changes that are needed. To recap, a) New Orleans shouldn't have been built in that location, but it was, b) if we're going to rebuild, then the "same old" is not an option, and c) where's the money for storm surge protection for areas outside New Orleans. Well, here's my suggestions in no particular order:

First, tell everyone in New Orleans low-lying areas to stop remodeling and rebuilding. That time will come later. Let’s start by fixing some of the worst problems. If the city had been at or near sea level, the problems would have been far less severe. This is how to do it: Hire as many dredges a possible, and start dredging the lake, pumping water INTO New Orleans and Chalmette, non-stop for as long as it takes to fill in the low spots. The existing levees will serve well to keep the water in the city, allowing sediment to fall out, and creating an above-sea level barrier for the dredge spoil.

This technology is already used to rebuild barrier islands. For those areas near the river, simply divert sediment rich river water into the areas needing rebuilding. This is the best opportunity the city has ever had or will ever have again in the near future to achieve this. Many people (unfortunately) have little or no value remaining in their properties. After the holes are filled up, we can start rebuilding infrastructure and homes, at or above sea level.

By the way, this is an opportunity to point out a similar albeit smaller example. When NOLA decided to “fix” the I-10 underpass near Metairie Rd., I pointed out to many people that the pumps were a really poor solution. It will only be a matter of time before the pumps fail and the area floods again. The original idea to route the Interstate under the railroad tracks was inept at best, and we have been paying for this idiotic idea since the underpass was built. Where else in the country do you have a 12 foot ruler to measure water depth on an INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. So the City/and Feds spent millions of dollars to install pumps. And yet this past month, less than a year after the pumps came on line, the underpass filled up again, because the power was out to the pumps. DUHHH!! Let’s stop making stupid decisions and apply dollars towards REAL solutions. An overpass is the ONLY solution to this problem.

Second, sorry guys, but Plaquemines Parish is just not a place for people to live. Maybe have some apartment complexes there, but no more single family residential. And as for commercial, you better build your stuff high in the air, and strong enough to survive punishing onslaught from 30 foot waves on TOP of a 30 ft surge. And why not take advantage of technology being developed in the areas like the Florida keys to provide break-away features in residential and commercial buildings. The idea is that during a catostophic event, the storm surge is allowed to go through a building, taking the walls and contents with it, but leaving the steel reinforced concrete columns. Then reconstruction simply rebuilds the breakaway portions, to the intact structural components. And instead of flat surfaces on the upper decks, curved facades are built to help deflect and route the wind/water around the structure instead of creating flat, wind-catching facades.

Third, start diverting as much Mississippi River water as possible to all existing natural and manmade waterways to all of Southeastern LA. This is the only way to stop the loss of wetlands and begin restoring.

Fourth, we better start charging the rest of the country for the oil, natural gas, and refined fuels produced here.

SaPere

31 Flavors of Ignorance

2006-01-17T14:19:00.000-06:00

31 Flavors of Ignorance

On a day meant to commemorate the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mayor C. Ray Nagin chose to provide a gathering of celebrants at City Hall with his take on the future racial make-up of our city. Claiming that a “conversation” with the late Dr. King was his inspiration for the speech, Mayor Nagin took license with Dr. King’s memory to promise a future for New Orleans that was “chocolate”. We assume this means African-American, and not Rocky Road or Chunky Monkey. Since our Mayor decided to use a little creative license with Dr. King’s memory, we feel the only logical remedy is a small dose of Dr. King’s words.

We must use time creatively.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

When Mayor Nagin mentioned that "[God] sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane..." because He is mad at America for a list of ills surrounding both the war in Iraq and black-on-black violence, not once did he note his own lack of planning. This isn’t a case of God taking sides over whether or not someone lied about pre-war intelligence, but poor maintenance of our levee protection, compounded by inadequate planning and lackluster local leadership at the height of the crisis. But let’s say for argument’s sake, Nagin is right and God is actually mad at the USA, does it make sense that New Orleans would be the target of His wrath? Why not Washington, D.C.?

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

If one could reasonably claim such direct contact with the Almighty, where were Mr. Nagin’s pronouncements to heed our impending destruction? No, this isn’t a case of God forewarning one of his people, but rather a leader whose lost touch with reality and feels pandering to our basest emotions will allow his political career to continue.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mayor Nagin on the other hand has a dream of a “chocolate” New Orleans. It sure must be difficult to have such high-minded and lofty goals, Ray.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let us finally put to rest the notion that C. Ray Nagin did anything correctly. Like yesterday’s speech, Mayor Nagin has no one to blame but himself and his administration. When given the time to prepare and ample warning of what our weaknesses were, Mayor Nagin did nothing. Ooops, I almost forgot, he did create a disaster plan. Any idea how that worked out for us?

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sadly, Mayor Nagin didn’t and still doesn’t measure up.

Giving Willy Wonka a Run for His Money

2006-01-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

To think I was starting to believe that the traffic on this blog slowed down because we had moved forward with rebuilding our lives. Moving from a state of frustration at the lack of leadership in the city of New Orleans to a new year, complete with insurance settlements and future plans.

Then I see the news today. Somebody should check and see whether they took the real Mayor Nagin and hid him in a basement closet at City Hall. What the hell happened?

"A chocolate city?" Has he lost his mind? Next thing you know, he'll be searching through wonka bars looking for a golden ticket. Then, he'll blame President Bush or Governor Blanco when he doesn't get it.

This time, the Mayor did it to himself. There is no one to blame here. He said those inflammatory things. He went and called out the President for being in Iraq for the wrong reasons. He used derogatory slang to talk about the racial make-up of the city. (Not to mention it was his fault in the first place that he didn't have enough buses to take people out of the sweltering Superdome. Better yet, he was the guy that had no clue that people were starving at the Convention Center.)

The days of waffling and back-tracking need to end now.

Nagin appointed the almighty Bring New Orleans Back Commission and then contradicted them when they wanted to implement a four-month moratorium on building. The Mayor approved a plan with all of the local tourism professionals and other leaders regarding Mardi Gras, then he said he had nothing to do with it.

He has made no progress in short-term housing, presented no ideas for economic development (except for the casino zone, remember that one?), and constantly worked to shift the blame to everyone but himself.

For the smartest guy we've ever had as Mayor, he sure has a habit of looking dumb.

Our biggest problem is that we have no real prospects to take this guy on in the election this spring. New Orleans is desperate for someone with true vision, an understanding of our culture, racial relations and economic future, regardless of their color or religion.

We are starving for direction and our elected officials, especially the mayor and city council, are the last ones to get the joke.

I will credit the Mayor today in one aspect - continued violent crime, such as the shootings at yesterday's second line, will keep everyone away and kill the collective fortunes of the city and our hopes forever.

Every day or so, you wake up and think today we'll get something done. Today, we'll move closer to a safer city, getting closer to home or more business opportunities. Then, you get back to your FEMA trailer or temporary housing 70 miles away and all you want to do is forget everything you saw and heard. Maybe tomorrow, b/c I am ashamed of Mayor Nagin today.

We Need RADICAL New Ideas

2005-12-20T14:21:00.000-06:00

Recently, I've had a lot of thoughts concerning rebuilding the New Orleans area, but my ideas are from an outsider, at least outside of the immediate New Orleans area, yet my area, Terrebonne Parish, still faces many of the same and similar issues.

For instance, we don’t have ANY hurricane protection levees here in Terrebonne or Lafourche Parish, as is the case in many other areas of South Louisiana. Yet had we been hit here, over 200,000 people could have been displaced in much the same way as New Orleans. Houma is also an important oil-industry and tourist city. If NOLA gets billions of dollars from the Feds for levee protection, why can’t we get some too? What about all of the millions of coastal residents in cities across the Gulf and Atlantic? What about Galveston, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile, Pensacola, Destin, Panama City, Miami, the Keys, etc. (this list is very long).

Or is it that since New Orleans placed itself in one of the worst possible geological locations, at up to 15 feet below sea level and dropping annually, they are somehow rewarded with billions of dollars in federal relief. But our country and the Big Easy have a long history of rewarding poor performance.

Oh, by the way, had the nation’s insatiable thirst for oil and gas not sucked so many resources from Louisiana, we would not have destroyed our marshes with oilfield location canals, intercoastal waterways, and allowed the devastating coastal erosion that has vastly undermined our hurricane protection. These marshes HAD the ability to absorb billions of gallons of storm surge and protect the inland areas like New Orleans.

Finally, I am starting to grow tired of al the bullshit clichés too. But what we really need are plans to really fix things. These MUST be radical ideas. The ideas are not optional ones, if we don’t really fix the underlying problems this area will be unhabitable in the not-too-distant future. However, since I hate to complain without providing ideas, I will follow up shortly with what I believe we need to do.

SaPere

Something everyone should see (part 2)

2005-12-16T15:38:00.000-06:00

Last week I posted a brief story, which included some pictures from the levee breach in the Lower Ninth ward of New Orleans. To the non-locals in the audience, a ward is a political subdivision of our city; their are seventeen wards in New Orleans. Most might remember this place better as the levee that was, according to Minister Farrakhan, purposely blown to save Uptown and the French Quarter. To be fair to the Minister, his baseless accusation isn't completely far-fetched; however, the last time this occurred was during the Great Flood of 1927 (see Rising Tide)

But I've digressed.

Continuing upon my theme of showing you things you may not have seen or will ever see, I again travelled to the devastated parts of our city. My first stop was in New Orleans East (right) where, indeed, pimping is still not easy. There's a book out there just for the things people say on their refridgerators after this storm. The best usually include comments on either President Bush or FEMA, my favorite being one that said, "FEMA, eat me!" To the non-locals, East is not only a direction here, it's an entire neighborhood. The rest of pictures can be viewed here (Da' East).

I grew up out here, but the area is too vast to pictorialize in a couple of visits. More later.

Next, we went to Chalmette and greater St. Bernard parish. Parts of this area not only flooded, but also suffered an oil spill from the Murphy Oil refinery. This is the area home to the Chalmette Battlefield, aka the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1814.

It is doubtful that much crack can be found here anymore.

[Editor's note: before any angry Chalmatians send us hate-filled emails, we know it says "Cracked House" and fully get the joke. Furthermore, we applaud this owner's spirit.]

Again, the scope is too much to document in an hour, but what we did get can be viewed here (St. Bernard Parish). More of that later, too.

Our final stop was back to the Lower Ninth ward. Apparently, someone kind of important preceeded our visit. If you look closely, you'll see two military Humvees escorting this caravan to see the infamous barge. Each time back reveals more jaw-dropping pictures, which can be viewed here (Ninth Ward).

Like I said last week, I believe these are places that people must see to fathom. Most will not have a chance to visit before things are fixed, so that's the reason for these pictures. However, anyone who'd like to tour these areas firsthand, may email me to arrange it.

And, before I go, I must not forget to thank my fellow blogger, cheezwiz, for joining me in this mini-adventure. As always, you must sign-in to view any pictures in my Kodak photo albums. If you're with the media, proper citation to this website is required to use my photos.

Uncle Speed

Same Old New Orleans "Rag" time

2005-12-15T11:05:00.000-06:00

Well the old Times-Picyanose (aka the Times-Picayune) hasn't changed its cowtow-to-the-political-powers-that-be stance. Today I watched a Congressional committee lowrate Blanco and Nagin unmercifully. At one point the chairman quoted from a report issued by Louisiana listing $180 million federal dollars received for emergency communications equipment in the past five years, with only $15 million spent. He asked #1) Why wasn't the remaining $165 mil spent on equipment, and #2) Where is the money? [Editor's note: Where's the $15 million in equipment?]

Blanco's answer after a pregnant pause: "We'll get back to you."

The T-P website publishes her speech verbatim but makes no mention of the above or of the fact that Representative Steve Buyer chastised Blanco and asked her why his constituents should pay for Louisiana's folly and misspending of hundreds of millions of federal dollars to prevent the disaster of the storm's aftermath. He cited the contrast between the LA debacle and MS and AL's preparedness and then walked out of the hearing! The T-P also makes no mention of the question unanswered by Blanco regarding what was planned to get the poor, sick, and disabled out of harm's way. As much as I am no fan of Blanco or Nagin, it was uncomfortable to watch. Unless they are subpoenaed, don't count on them returning to DC anytime soon.

When and until Louisiana gets its act together and submits specific plans to Congress, the response will be the same. Taking a shotgun approach and asking for blank checks ain't gonna work. Railing at the Feds while not taking responsibility for their failures will continue to backfire. The only hope to turn around Congress is for the quick departure of both Blanco and Nagin where some new faces can make the plea without any baggage.

Peter Fenerk

Something everyone should see

2005-12-09T12:26:00.000-06:00

If anyone wants know why the levees broke in the Lower Ninth ward, they merely need to take a 30 minute drive towards Chalmette. Follow the path of slightly more damaged homes along St. Claude until you reach Caffin Ave. Take a left and drive until you cross Claiborne Ave., then turn left on any of the streets that are passable. If it's raining, you might want to bring a truck and boots. When you get near Surekote and Jourdan, you'll know where to look.

Thanks to fools, such as Minister Farrakhan, a sizeable portion of our city and the nation believes the levees were blown intentionally to save Uptown and the French Quarter. But I can assure you that the large brown object behind me was to blame for this disaster, and not some conspiracy of rich, white and Creole bankers circa 1927.

My neighborhood, Lakeview, which took 10-12 feet of water in most parts, looks like Eden compared to this place.

This low-income neighborhood to the East of downtown was comprised of mostly shotgun doubles and singles. Many of the occupants weren't the owners, so it's doubtful they'll return. Unfortunately, most were built up on piers that were not cemeted, and many houses in this area ended up floating like driftwood.

To my neighbors, please make sure that you take the time to think about these people and their homes, when you start complaining about how many thousands your insurance company should be paying you. To my fellow citizens, keep in mind that this is but one small section of the greater devestation and we need your continued support in our rebuilding efforts.

The rest of photos can be seen here: Ninth Ward photos. This site requires that you sign-in with an email address.

Uncle Speed

The Giuliani Pass

2005-11-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Mayor Nagin,

After watching your interview with Eric Paulsen, I have a few comments you need to hear from someone like myself. However, before I go into all that, let me say that Mr. Paulsen’s interview must have felt like a velvet glove. I’m quite disappointed in Eric’s performance given what he told me personally was his personal agenda in interviewing you. I guess passions cooled and he’s decided he wanted continued access to your office.

Now on to your specific comments.

First, you mention that your detractors and political enemies were plotting against you and looking to make hay from your performance of late. I guess you’ve so little good news to share that you have decided to deliver to us the obvious; however, you failed to mention those of us who supported you pre-Katrina and would have supported you again. We are the ones who put you in office, not your enemies and detractors, yet you seem incapable of acknowledging the fact that WE are upset with your leadership.

Perhaps, the strain is a little more than you’re capable of handling.

Second, your latest talking point appears to be that we must all come together in order to get what we want. That's true, however, where does it state that we have to allow you to lead us toward our newfound togetherness? Are you arrogant enough to believe you are the only one who is capable of this task? That question was rhetorical, by the way.

Finally, you mention that you aren't getting "the Giuliani Pass", which I take it you mean to say, "Unceasing praise and glory heaped upon your person without anyone questioning your leadership." True, as you said, the scope of this disaster far exceeded the WTC attacks, and this is the nation's greatest single natural catastrophe; however, your response, both before and afterwards, do not warrant in this writer's opinion any sort of praise, much less a "pass" of any type. The 9/11 attacks weren't something anyone could have planned for, unlike a hurricane.

Mayor Nagin, please for your sake and ours start admitting your specific mistakes and how you plan to rectify them, and stop with the paranoia.

Uncle Speed

Myth Busters #1: Nagin is a Good Businessman

2005-11-07T13:28:00.000-06:00

One of the most remarkable aspects of any great leader is the myth that often surrounds such people. Caesar was thought to be lucky, Napoleon never let on about his height, and FDR expended great effort to conceal his handicap. When given the alternative between the real and the unreal, many times our leaders tend to assume and/or are buffeted by our tendency to accept unreality over reality.

Over the past few years, I've heard the mantra from Nagin supporters that he's a good businessman, followed by, usually tacitly, the corollary argument that he will run the city like a business. This argument has little merit on its face, since businesses and political entities are not alike. However, and this is my main point here, if business and politics were alike, then what has C. Ray Nagin done to earn the reputation of being a good businessman?

First let’s dispense with the myth. Looking for Mayor Nagin's resume, which has been removed from the city website, presumably for rewriting, this is all I could find:

Before becoming Mayor, Mr. Nagin served as the vice president and general manager for Cox Communications in Southeast Louisiana. He transformed the local operations of the cable company from one of Cox’s poorest performing markets to one of its most profitable assets. He hired a staff that put a new emphasis on customer service and used technology to gain efficiency. Those two strategies are playing key roles in Nagin’s efforts to transform City Hall as well.
from citymayors.com

Sounds quite impressive, though someone forgot to add Mr. Nagin’s time in a public accounting firm before joining Cox Cable, where he did or didn't, depending on when you asked Mr. Nagin, pass the CPA exam. So that leaves our "great businessman" with two employers and no personally owned businesses for the past 25 or so years.

So, let's discuss Cox Cable. First, it's a public utility, second, it's a virtual monopoly, and third, it's a bureaucracy (more on that later). Ask yourself one question: How difficult is it to increase profits, when you have few competitors and plenty of potential customers? The answer is not really, for you Nagin supporters in the audience.

Ok, so now that we've dispensed with the myth that Mr. Nagin ever earned any respect as a formidable businessman, let’s discuss what his background may have taught him and how that affects us today.

Being a bureaucracy, rising within the ranks is just as often due to factors other than business acumen. In fact, I fully believe that anyone with business savvy wouldn’t work at such a place for very long, either because they’re bored or grow tired of being passed over by their inferiors, perceived or not. These types of organizations do, however, create very formidable internal politicians, whose talents often lie in taking credit for other’s work and covering their rears in a pinch.

So does this sound familiar?

Mayor Nagin has not brought a single new corporation of any substance to this area, but claims credit for the accomplishments of others, such as our nascent movie industry (thanks to Gov. Foster's tax credits). When asked to deal with this city’s greatest catastrophe, instead of relying on proactive planning and efficient delegation of duty, Mayor Nagin blames the Federal and State Governments, exaggerates to the national and local media about what’s occurring within the city, fires Eddie Compass for his own failure to prepare our city, and proposes an idea [casino expansion] he can’t implement.

Does any of this sound like a great businessman?

Unfortunately, he's no businessman, but he continues to job his constituents.

WWL and the AP, our "news" sources

2005-10-31T11:00:00.000-06:00

Putting the ill in shill

WWLTV.com and the Associated Press have stepped-up to the plate big time for Mayor Nagin, yet again. In an article outlining the Mayor's possible political future (link), our largest media outlet subtly makes its case for Mayor Nagin's reelection based upon a sort of cordial reception at a town hall meeting. Note this happens to be one town hall meeting which the Mayor actually attended, though 30 minutes late.

The usual arguments are put forth that the Federal government was responsible for the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, despite statements to the contrary within the City's own disaster plan. I'd reference said plan, had it not been removed from the City's website, but the New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness mission statement reads:

[OEP] is responsible for the response and coordination of those actions needed to protect the lives and property of its citizens from natural or man-made disasters as well as emergency planning for the City of New Orleans.

Yet, Mayor Nagin, despite the facts, believes he deserves credit for the, "1.5 million people ... evacuated from the New Orleans area...." And WWLTV.com and the AP let that statement and others stand unchallenged.

Well, not me.

First, Mayor Nagin is only responsible for the roughly 450,000 living in Orleans Parish. Second, of that much smaller number, between 50,000 and 100,000 remained in the City; not quite as impressive. Third, between 25,000 and 40,000 people filled Shelters of Last Resort, while 200-400 publicly-owned buses remained idle and subsequently waterlogged. Fourth, receiving cordial receptions at public meetings does NOT equal electoral support and it is irresponsible for any reporter to insinuate otherwise.

Finally, the author of this article, Kevin McGill, states that the "[Mayor Nagin's] tearful, anti-federal government tirade on live radio a few weeks ago was an aberration." I guess Mr. McGill didn't bother to look up the Oprah interview.

On the road to recovery

2005-10-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

Has courtesy died?

In the last few weeks, I've noticed a sudden change for the worse amongst our residents. No, it's not looting or blaming the Federal government for all their woes, but something much more innocuous, but important to civilized society, nonetheless. What I have noticed in my travels around the New Orleans area is that people, not all, but enough to notice, have suddenly taken a leave of common courtesy.

Is this even worth mentioning?

Let me explain some of what I witnessed. On Thursday this past week, twice, once on Williams near West Esplanade and the other on Severn near Lakeside, I had two female drivers block the turning lanes on major streets. This was presumably so they wouldn't have to wait a nanosecond longer than necessary to pull out of a parking lot and in to on-coming traffic. Also, I mention these driver's gender, solely because this appears to be how this form of temporary (I hope) insanity seems to be manifesting itself in the fairer sex. In a similar time period, the men in the driving population tended to turn abruptly and without signaling; when cited for their negligence, they always gestured crassly as if they were the wronged party in this transaction.

Now, I can accept and understand some absentmindedness due to the tragedy, but that only lasts until you've been politely notified of your transgression. The two female drivers I mentioned before acted as if they didn't hear anyone honking at them to back out of a lane of traffic. Forgive me, but am I wrong to be really bothered by an apparent sense of entitlement displayed by many of the people I see on the road?

I don't think so, and here's why.

First, if you think your last several weeks have been bad, consider that your fellow drivers' might have been as bad or much, much worse. Second, this excuse of "it's a bad time" doesn't excuse you from being a jerk. Third, the traffic violations I've mentioned are examples of rules that are meant to protect all of us. Finally, and this is a repeat, stop thinking solely about your own cares.

This is a tough time for all of us, so let's consider how we treat one another in this very stressful time.

Uncle Speed

The New Orleans Saints - an Allegory

2005-10-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

What we can learn by way of example from our NFL franchise

Once again, our beloved Saints have lost yet another game. Holding a 14-point lead over the hated Rams of St. Louis, a team hobbled by injury, illness, and penalty, the Saints didn't figure to have much difficulty in holding on to win, but these are afterall the Saints. This was supposed to be a gimme by NFL standards, and, despite inconsistent play, the Saints still had a decent shot at the end.

That's when one of the most terrible calls I've seen in recent NFL history was made and then compounded by a ridiculous loop hole of sorts in the "instant replay" rules. First, the call was that a Rams cornerback snatched the ball out of the hands of Saints Tight End, Ernie Conwell, one of about a thousand former Rams on the Saints roster, and said cornerback thus raced for the endzone to seal a Rams victory. The only problem was that Conwell was on the ground and touched by another Rams player, which means Conwell was tackled and the play was over.

That is, unless your jersey is black and white stripes.

The refs somehow saw a different game than the rest of the entire television audience, and decided to rule that the catch was being juggled by Conwell on the ground and thus still a live ball that could be snatched and returned for points. And here's where the salt gets poured in to our wounds: the Saints couldn't challenge the play because they were out of timeouts AND the officials couldn't force a review because the "two minute warning" hadn't been announced (there was 1:55 remaining at this point, by the way).

If there was any doubt in the ref's mind, he should have called the play dead on the spot. Given the amount of time left and the fact the Saints had no timeouts, had the call gone in favor of the Rams, the outcome would have been the same, a Rams victory. Instead, a referee makes a horrible call that effectively ends the game in favor of one team over another, and the outcome isn't decided on the field.

I know some of you might be saying, "Get over it, the Saints were going to lose anyway." Well, replace the Saints with any other team in the NFL in that situation and, just to focus the mind a little better, put your hard-earned money on the outcome, and tell me you would say such a thing. Nevertheless, the Saints are punished for doing what they thought was right and lose because of some petty rule, right?

Well, not exactly.

First, we should never have been that close to that team. We should be beating the tar out them, and not just because it's especially enjoyable against the Rams, but because we are demonstrably better than the Rams. This is the same thing we've been doing in New Orleans for generations. There were so many advantages that our city at one point or another held over our southern rivals, that it's difficult to list everyone without forgetting a few dozen. However, we still have a great climate, access to transportation, a wonderful atmosphere to live, great food, abundant resources, and friendly people, to name but a few, and still we lag behind the Atlantas, Houstons, Charlottes of this world.

Second, stuff happens. I know my prior comments belie this statement, but I do believe luck, bad or not, plays a big part of our lives. And, as my grandmother says, "The harder she works, the more luck she has." Katrina may have devestated our city, but it shouldn't have been this bad. Why was it then? We obviously haven't worked very hard at preparing ourselves. Whether it was Mayor Nagin's slight oversight in not preparing enough bus drivers for evacuations or individuals who DROVE to the Superdome before the storm, we all could have done better to prepare for this hurricane.

Third, winning consistently doesn't happen by accident. The Saints lose because they do not prepare themselves, likewise many of us do not succeed for the same reasons. Winning, whether in life or sports, is the result of a combustible mix of talent, hardwork, and cooperation. Although I didn't hear it directly, I sensed that a lot of Saints fans expected us to win because of what we've been through. The NFL is a business, and after they show the proper respect for our suffering, these teams are going to try like heck to kick our butts. Nothing personal, just business. In order for New Orleans to rise once again, we are going to have to work harder and longer than most of us ever have. Get used to that new reality, because no one owes us.

Finally, like the Saints, we've allowed the wrong people to run things for too long. Jim Haslett does not have what it takes to win consistently in the NFL and Tom Benson is a God-awful owner and even worse neighbor. Likewise, the same politicians who think they're part of the solution, were part of the problem to begin with, and thus lost all claim to our continued support for their efforts.

Like Mayor Nagin said, "You can keep the team, but leave us the name and jerseys and we'll get another franchise." While this is a reprehensible negotiation stance based upon specious reasoning, I agree with his sentiment. Mayor Nagin, you can have your "team", but leave us our city.

Things I'm Tired of Hearing

2005-10-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

As I stood among the other 999 or so disenfranchised residents of Lakeview today and listened to one politician and bureaucrat after another, I made a list of things that I just can't hear again when it comes to the future of my family, my property and my livelihood. Here they are and feel free to add your favorites that I may have missed:

"I'm here today on behalf of Mayor Nagin..." - Someone needs to tell this dude that when 500+ people, who used to be your most ardent supporters, show up for a meeting, you show up too. Instead of dispatching your cronies to come tell us that none of you know any more about our city than you did 6 weeks ago, be a man, sack up and tell us yourself. Better yet, quit sitting at Cafe Du Monde, telling us about wanting to hear jazz and blaming everyone else for that horrible casino idea. Do something.

"Transitioning out." - Is anyone transitioning in? After "I'm here to help," "transitioning out" is a FEMA worker's favorite saying. We should create a drinking game at the next public meeting. Each time, the FEMA guy from the corn fields of Indiana says "transitioning out," take a shot. When that same guy mispronounces New Orleans, Orleans or Metairie, take two shots. We'll be loaded in a half hour.

"I just want to thank..." - Based on the politicians' (democrats and republicans) lovefests that we see so often on TV interviews and at public gatherings, you would think that they were each driving debris trucks, patrolling the streets and checking and clearing catch basins. Moreover, you would think that with all of the time that has passed and the tireless work of one politician after another, that I would be moving my grass in front of my new two-story bungalow in Lakeview. We get it. You want to show that you are working together. My question is what are you working together on? As I sit here tonight, we still have to pay back the $750 million in financial assistance that Congress allotted to us. We also have like 14 businesses out of 75,000 that have received small business loans. Maybe ya'll should start working against each other.

"I'm just like you..." - This is a tough one to write about b/c it refers to the people that try to identify with all of us, b/c they lost their house too. I sympathize with these guys, truly. Some days, I can't get rid of the image of my devastated neighborhood, that freakin smell and the sight of my daughter's nursery scattered and destroyed. BUT. Your job is to ultimately give us some information. If you are in the same boat as we are, you too should recognize what information is regurgitation and useless and what we can use.

"Louder. We can't hear you." - This is actually something I don't hear that often, but in my opinion, it embodies my frustrations with some of my neighbors. First, if you are at one of these meetings and you see one of your neighborhood homies, it's cool to talk to them, but please ask your girlfriend with the cackle and your loud-mouth buddy on his cellphone to keep it down for a while. I don't care how loaded you got last night and I don't care to listen to you tell your buddy about it. I'm trying to listen to this lady from FEMA tell me something I already knew.

Second, to my fellow neighbors struggling to hear the guy on the stage, please keep your cool. There is a sense of anger that has overtaken so many of the good people in Lakeview. I share in it, but we cannot let it overtake our determination and drive to rebuild our neighborhood. This effort is obviously going more slowly than we want. I want to smack the hell out of the city and the Corps of Engineers. But that doesn't help us.

For all of the goofy things that some of these volunteers and agency representatives say to us, they are trying their best. Be patient and check yourself before you wreck yourself. As Steve Ambrose used to say referring to America's challenge in WWII, "we're all in this together."

Before I sign off, I want to send out some props to some people who are working their respective cans off. As surprising as it is for me to say, big ups to the employees of the N.O. Sewerage and Water Board. Pumps started working quickly and many of the diehards in the city can drink safe water b/c of your work. Maybe the 5 guys watching the other guy work during the past 20 years paid off.

Until next time. Cheezwhiz out.

Please don't forget to hug your parents...

2005-10-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

What was working out to be a good few days in the NAMN family has taken a sudden and tragic turn for the worse. One of our own lost his mother today (10/17/2005), and we are all grieving with him. While I will not mention which contributor I am referring to, instead I would like to eulogize parents in general.

I am fortunate to have my mother. While our relationship may not be perfect, (who's really is?) I can't imagine that I would change it. She's always been someone I could rely upon to provide love and support, and I hope she's around for a long, long time.

However, I learned some things from her strained relationship with her father.

First, adults seem to find common ground in children. My grandfather was a great and mostly positive influence on my life, and it wasn't until after he passed that I realized how much my mother and grandfather may have been working out their earlier differences through me. I don't think they ever fully reconciled, but that's the other thing they taught me. Parents and children are not perfect people, thus many mistakes are made, but one mistake that needn't be made is guilt over things said or left unsaid. Unfortunately, I never heeded that lesson with my own father, from whom I was completely estranged when I received word that he was in an irreversible coma.

I doubt this post will ease my dear friend's grief over his loss, if he even reads this; however, I would be glad to know that my words changed someone else's life a little. Please say a prayer for my friend and his family.

Sincerely,
Scott

When push comes to fold

2005-10-19T17:16:00.000-05:00

Today, Mayor Nagin made it official that he was withdrawing his proposed expansion of casino gambling. We applaud the mayor for once again bending, but not appearing to break, to the will of the people. Including the zip code reentry plan and his aborted repopulation of New Orleans, this brings his monthly total of waffling when faced with any resistence to three, though I may have missed some others.

The Mayor was quoted as saying, "The governor didn't much like the idea, so it is pretty much dead." Wasn't just the Governor, Mr. Nagin, but your stated rationale leaves one wondering where in your concept of representative government your constituents fall.

I do not assume that NAMN had much to do with this, but every little bit of reason seems to help Mayor Nagin find the correct course.

Scott

Life As A "Novelty"

2005-10-14T12:18:00.000-05:00

Being a native son of New Orleans seems to have a new meaning these days. I mean, I've always been a novelty outside of the South, but things have changed. When I first moved to Baltimore five years ago, everyone reacted with surprise and glee when informed of my hometown... as though they never knew people actually lived in New Orleans. And this reception became commonplace over the past few years. Now, I get a similar, yet more subdued response. Which is fine. I've always enjoyed being thought of as a little different. However, the thing that gets me is the propensity for the same people to offer their opinions on the present situation... and specifically the future of the city.

First off, let me say that most people offer the proper amount of condolence and are willing to listen to my perspective on this tragedy. The ones that confuse me are those who unthinkingly proffer their view that the city should have never been built in the first place... or that, as our esteemed House Speaker Dennis Hastert noted, "It looks like a lot of that place could be bulldozed." The weird thing is, in a way, both are right. But only if you look at it from an outsider's point of view. People in Baltimore (and apparently, Illinois) are so far removed from the situation that it may as well be happening in Iraq... or Indonesia. They have no perspective, other than that presented to them by CNN or Fox News. And they definitely have NO insight into the hearts and minds of the people of New Orleans. We love our town, flaws and all. There is a soul there. A living, breathing presence that so many of our larger cities lack. It may be the heat and the humidity. Or the music, the food, the culture, the history. In fact, it's all that... not the corrupt politicians, the abject poverty, or even the seedy, breast-baring tourist industry upon which our fragile economy depended. These were unfortunate by-products of the laissez-faire culture that pervaded New Orleans for far too long, but hardly a reason to abandon an entire city to the elements. Few would think twice about rebuilding San Francisco or Los Angeles were they ravaged by earthquakes. Yet New Orleans is expendable. We exist only to entertain and amuse the civilized America. And once gone, it should be left in the past, like a college pot habit... fun to recall, and occasionally jones for, but we're better off without it in our newfound maturity.

In the end, I think most New Orleanians know the city will rebound. It will be changed... how could it not... but things will return that we all know and love, perhaps with more feeling than ever. Jazz Fest in the rain. Lunch at Mandina's or Liuzza's. Rebirth at the Maple Leaf. And yes, even Mardi Gras. Not the one seen with Snoop Dogg on "Girls Gone Wild", but the one on St. Charles and Napoleon, outside Fat Harry's, sharing a drink with strangers while looking for a friend whom you think is on one of those floats. I'll be there this coming February, even if the only parade is me and Uncle Speed in a wagon pulled behind A. Franz's car. Yes, we'll be drunk... but there are just sometimes in life when that's called for. I don't apologize for that, so maybe I should just be left in the past as well...

She's alive... maybe...CONFIRMED!!!

2005-10-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Regular readers of NAMN and friends and family of the editor-in-chief may be glad to know that there has been some very promising news regarding my family's cat, Princess (captioned below).

Some angel from some humane society (I will properly identify when I know who to credit) has been feeding the animals in my part of the neighborhood. This person left a note for our neighbors and us, which my neighbor got to first, saying that they knew of two cats living in equal parts between our houses. In fact, when my home was searched these two cats were there, but scooted away too quickly for the searchers. One cat is an orange/tabby, matching one of my neighbor's cats, the other is a light-colored calico. We are hoping this is Princess.

My neighbors have set traps for the cats on our porches and hopefully they will be caught soon. With all that has passed, this would be a small victory for my family, and we can't wait to once again hold her in our arms.

Uncle Speed

***UPDATE***

Captured and awaiting a visit to the vet. Staying with my parents until I can take her "home".

***LATEST UPDATE***

Visit to the vet is an all-clear. A little lighter than before, but doing very well considering. We will not see her until Wednesday night, unfortunately.

***FINAL UPDATE***

She's finally back home with us. This was taken Wednesday night, moments after I saw her for the first time in 45 days. Amazing how well she is considering everything.

We feel very blessed to have our family whole.

Open Letter to SNL

2005-10-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

The following letter was sent to Saturday Night Live on October 3 and I am still waiting for a response.....

To whom it may concern:

I am writing about the Katrina rescue skit on Saturday Night Live. Living in the Katrina affected area in South Louisiana about 30 miles north of New Orleans, I sustained some minor damage to my home. However, many of my friends and family have lost their homes, jobs and loved ones. Some people I know have lost everything. I watched Saturday Night Live after 9/11 and it took on a very somber tone. The attempt was to boost the morale of the city. I was hoping to turn to you for the same thing after Katrina hit us so badly. Unfortunately, I watched a skit that demonstrated the lack of genuine sensitivity to what we are going through.

As you obviously do not know, the people who do the flashing and the obscene behavior in the French Quarter are not from here. I have never in my 32 years known anyone to flash who was a local. In fact, on Mardi Gras we always go to the areas that we consider "family friendly" to avoid being exposed (sorry couldn't resist) to adolescent behavior.

I ask that you send the writers of the script to New Orleans soon. I don't think any of them will be laughing. I think they will be overcome with emotion when they see heroes and heroines, people wanting to return and rebuild, determined souls who love a city as much as any in the world. I think they will find real men and real women who are not waiting for the government to take care of the problem. They are the true heart and soul of this beautiful, southern city. Many civilians worked tirelessly with police and firemen to save our citizens. One brave man stole a bus and drove people out to safety. They were not cruising in boats asking women to bare their breasts and the outcome determined whether or not they survived. It made me angry to see this skit.

People (average everyday citizens) from Baton Rouge to Mobile grabbed their boats or commandeered boats that were left behind trucks to save people. These men and women saved lives. Everyday Joes and Janes saved humans. They didn't look at skin color, sex, religion or whether or not they would flash.

I am not asking for an apology or a retraction of your skit. You still haven’t apologized for giving us Corky Romano or A Night at the Roxbury. I only ask that you try and remain sensitive to our dire situation. There is a time for humor, and we shall welcome it very soon. Down here we love a good laugh and we love to laugh at ourselves. It won’t take long before we'll be itching to tell a good Boudreaux joke. When we are on our feet again, send as many jokes our way as you can. We shall be laughing right along with you.

Sincerely,
Jason J.
Mandeville, LA

PS If you send your writers down, please make sure they go to the areas in Mississippi that were destroyed. In many places, there is nothing left. It is a humbling experience when you see a foundation and a few twisted trees where a well built home existed only a little over a month ago.

Good for Her

2005-10-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

In the last few hours, Gov. Blanco finally injected some sanity into the issue of Mayor Nagin's foolish casino gambit. Before I comment on the Governor's actions, I must confess a few things.

I was not a supporter of Gov. Blanco's, choosing to support Rep. Bobby Jindal, instead. In my honest opinion, Lt. Gov. Blanco did not show a sufficient grasp of the issues to become Gov. Blanco at a time when I believed, and still do believe, Louisiana faced either a precipice of it's own making or would turn the corner for the better.

I especially didn't appreciate her last-minute campaign ad featuring a "Republican" doctor who blamed Mr. Jindal for cutting hospital budgets. She knew better and chose to produce a disingenuous attack to secure a tight victory; Mr. Jindal should be rightly faulted for not responding, however the issue is mostly moot.

With that said, Gov. Blanco did something today for which I feel compelled to compliment her. By standing in the way of Mayor Nagin's foolhardy gamble (sorry, if that was a bit on-the-nose), Gov. Blanco has accomplished two very important things. One, she acted like a leader who may possess a clear vision of what a revitalized New Orleans can mean to the region and the state, and not one opting for a quickie fix for our economic woes.

Two, Gov. Blanco finally showed the intestinal fortitude to do something to C. Ray Nagin that she sorely needed to do: break one off in his nether regions (this is an adult forum, but I nonetheless apologize for the graphic nature of that comment). I once supported Mayor Nagin and never supported Gov. Blanco, but notwithstanding that, I can appreciate how delicious this particular payback may have been. Good for her, she shouldn't be taking some much crap from someone so insignificant.

Finally, this may prove to have one more added benefit. Mayor Nagin may now be effectively alientated from almost all of his possible support. Other than those who've a lot invested in his reelection and the terminally ignorant, very few are left to support Hizzoner.

Can't wait for February.

Scott

Mayor Nagin's latest folly...

2005-10-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the casino story is out and the lines are developing. It's heartening to learn that some on the City Council are expressing their opposition to the Mayor's latest grasp. For those who're not aware of this story, Mayor Nagin has proposed extending land-based casinos along the Canal St. and Poydras St. corridors between the river and Claiborne Ave. If you care about this issue, please be sure to register your opinion at wwltv.com.

Now for my thoughts. First, I agree with Cheezwhiz that this is the desperate act of a desperate politician. Second, casinos are not the cash cow that politcal types always tout to the public; they drain resources away from the local community in the form of gambling losses and send those profits to outside corporations in other states. In Harrah's case, they cry about the tax bill and get the rules amended after-the-fact. Third, this will drive away any serious-minded businesses who might consider adding their resources to the rebuilding of our city.

Finally, as some of you know, I personally enjoy casinos, but I do not believe they are good for my community. I believe that this plays to the image that most of our tourists remember about our city: dirty, semi-legal, and debauched. Someone who knows the heart and soul of New Orleans, realizes that her strength is in her neighborhoods, not her tourist attractions. We were a destination spot long before casino gaming arrived, and we will remain one in the future, granted our leaders do not alter the charm of our town.

One final comment on Mayor Nagin's proposal. He should be ashamed of himself for a long list of things before, during, and after Katrina, but this really pisses me off (pardon my French). Perhaps this is one more final straw with our mayor for me. Mayor Nagin's answer to fixing the city consists of proposing something he has no control over and has the ability to completely destroy the business image of New Orleans. For almost four years now, we've been told what a great businessman Mayor Nagin was and how he would bring corporations pouring in to New Orleans, and now finally we learn what his master stroke is to revive our economy: Casinos.

Pardon my lack of eloquence, but Sheesh!

Time to Pay Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain

2005-10-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

Like many others in my city I lost my home. I don't say this to get your sympathy, but so that you understand where I am coming from.

As I spent another 2.5 hours on I-10 west this afternoon, commuting to my new home in the sprawling suburb of Baton Rouge. I finally had enough.

After weeks of rants on national television, exaggerated claims of violence, documented claims of property and personal abuse by the NOPD (anyone seen my 2005 silver cadillac?), it's time for me and thousands of other New Orleanians to admit finally that Mayor Nagin is a victim of his own creation.

The truth is that even before Hurricane Katrina was a tropical wave off the Ivory Coast and before our fair city was invaded by thousands of television reporters in hipwaders, Mayor Nagin had failed us. Three years ago we were fooled into promises of new jobs, new partnerships, greater transparency in business and new ideas. Let's finally admit now that none of those things were even close to fruition during Mayor Nagin's watch.

Let me first say that I don't care whether the mayor of New Orleans is black, white, male, female, Asian, Hispanic or Haitian. I want to be able to work with companies with owners of all races. In the end, it doesn't matter, as long as we are all working toward common goals.

That being said, the white middle class in New Orleans, me included, looked at Mayor Nagin and saw potential. Potential for Nagin as a leader and visionary and potential for our city. More than anything, we saw the image of a politician that looked better ethically than his predecessors. As months of inactivity turned into years, we did not demand more from Nagin. We essentially gave him a free pass b/c "at least he's not stealing from us." In a way, Nagin has stolen from us, by wasting his time in office, patting each new idea on the head and saying that big things were on the way.

It's time to admit that there are no big things on the way, as long as we have Nagin as our mayor. In fact, we face a bigger problem... Mayor Nagin with no where to go at all. Today's outlandish announcement about establishing land based casinos in the heart of NO's downtown doesn't even make sense. The mayor has no ability to make this happen. He cannot issue gaming licenses. Plus it would take a charter amendment to do anything close to creating more land based casinos. Nagin writes a letter to Governor Blanco, who is facing her own problems, offering that the two partner in this effort (which is buried among a bulleted list of tax incentive ideas and a bunch of other things you've heard before). Is Nagin going to then blame the Governor when we stand up and unilaterally vote down HIS idea?

This "idea" is going to the same junk pile as Nagin's plan for selling the airport, building a new airport, Job1 initiative, Canal St. redevelopment into upscale residences, new technology in the city and transparency on contracts.

The bottom line is Mayor Nagin is not the person to lead New Orleans. He'll lead us into oblivion. (What happened to my Troy Carter for Mayor t-shirt?).

Pay attention to the man behind the curtain.

Eddie Compass resigns...is that enough?

2005-09-27T18:09:00.000-05:00

Today we witnessed the departure of the City's #1 police officer (see: story). Never Again asks, will Mayor Nagin do the honorable thing and follow Compass' example? Not likely, but we can hope.

In the meantime, I would like to say that I am sorry to see Chief Compass leave. My humble opinion is that the greatest faults that led to most of the problems within the NOPD were mostly not his fault. But he resigned we assume because that's what he felt leaders in such a situation must do. Good luck, Chief.

Uncle Speed

An Open Letter to Michael Moore

2005-09-24T23:42:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. Moore,

The purpose for my writing this to you is to answer some things you said and didn’t say in a letter immediately following Hurricane Katrina slamming into the Gulf Coast. Considering all I've been through this month and what your gross opportunism represents to my fellow citizens and myself, you're lucky I'm even willing to attempt to be civil with you. However, you wanted to make this tragedy suit your political aims, and I feel I am honor bound to reply point-for-point.

First, Mr. Moore, you compare “lost” military helicopters to you losing your car in a Sears lot once. Not sure what one has to do with the other, but I have a suggestion - try looking for the car with the serious front-end suspension damage (that's a joke). But I digress from your real point. You ask where the helicopters were. Here's the answer: They were on their way. Anyone with the slightest understanding of military logistics, understands that roughly every soldier in the field has 10-20 supporting him in the supply areas. Perhaps a soldier of your considerable, ahem, well, you know, might require a slightly higher number, but you get my point. So, when the soldiers were called for, which by most reports was on Wednesday after Katrina hit, they started moving. The faster units, such as 82nd Airborne, got there quickly, while more cumbersome units, e.g., Air Cavalry, got there a little later.

Your letter to the President shows that you, to put it as mildly as possible, are ignorant on a very fine point of law; I would like to enlighten you. The President, any President, can't send Federal troops in to any state, unless invited by the Governor of said state. It's called the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which effectively ended Reconstruction. It's very important, though apparently not important enough for Gov. Blanco or her staff to understand, or for you to consider in your open rant.

Second, Mr. Moore, you ask where the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) is, or was given the time that has elapsed. Well, that, too, should be asked of Gov. Blanco. Those are her forces to command. Two units were headed back from Iraq in October before Katrina; in fact, because of the storm, they're return was expedited thanks to the Defense Department. Though that doesn't seem to be your point, rather you really wish to say that LANG soldiers don't take the same oath all other soldiers take. Furthermore, they aren’t trained to be combat soldiers, but instead were tricked and only signed up to be relief workers and get free college tuition. Please, before you disparage their honorable service, bother asking a representative sample of these fine young men and women what they believe their duty is.

Third, no weather personnel stated that the storm was headed to New Orleans on Thursday. This is an outright lie, Mr. Moore, and I defy you to prove this point. In fact, as of Friday night, no one thought the storm would head any further East than Mobile. You should know your timeline a little better.

Fourth, you state Bush was in San Diego on Tuesday. So what? He already planned to visit, and NO ONE knew what was about to unfold in New Orleans. A better question would be to ask where Mayor Nagin was during the same timeframe. Rumors are that he may have been anywhere from Baton Rouge to Dallas, but unlike you, I don't have to deal in rumor and innuendo to make my point. Please state for the record what role during the formative moments of such a crisis do you really think the Federal government plays. Obviously, you expect your readers to fall for your trap that the Feds are responsible for being everywhere at all times.

Fifth, no level of funding for the Army Corps, whether increased or not, would have made a difference in this storm. Have you ever visited New Orleans? I’m not referring to the touristy parts, but the residential areas to the North and East of the French Quarter closest to Lake Pontchartrain. If you have, you would be familiar with the size of our levees and might begin to fathom how long it would take to raise them to the necessary levels. Also, the 17th Street Canal breach, something near and dear to my family and friends, was recently enhanced. However, according to some at LSU, these levees may not have been topped at all; instead they may have buckled due to faulty construction. Explain how more money would solve this. Also, last I saw, the Army Corps had plenty of personnel in their New Orleans office, despite your insinuation that they’re all busy rebuilding Iraq.

Sixth, on Day Three, where do you propose that the President land Air Force One? Debris, looters, snipers in the area, and more vital assets being needed in the area, and you think the President should stop for a visit. I wouldn't even suggest that Hillary Clinton, were she to become President, do such a foolhardy thing. Get a little perspective here.

Seventh, I believe, when you compare Katrina to an F4 tornado stretching from New York to Cleveland, Mr. Moore, you could only honestly be referring to the far western edge of New York state. The hurricane force winds, which spanned roughly 120 miles, a wide distance for sure, were nowhere near the hundreds of miles between NYC and Cleveland, which you seem to be deftly implying. If that wasn’t your intent, you should be clearer for those who may be geographically challenged or use a less confusing example. Also, an F4 tornado has winds above 200MPH; so again, Mr. Moore, you are either ignorant of facts which are readily available on the Internet or you purposely exaggerate to bolster your point; in other words, you lie… again.

Eighth, do you realize that, despite relying upon a theory about global warming, you misapply accepted science within this very same field, that, were it to become true, would lead to LOWER temperatures in the Gulf, not higher? Also, those pesky scientists and a few public officials, not to be confused with Leftist environmentalists and their fellow traveler Communists, predicted this storm for 40 years, ever since Betsy in 1965. Those of us who grew up here were fed a steady Summer diet of warnings about what would happen when the “Big One” hit; some were crazy-sounding, some more plausible, but all bad, so there's plenty of blame to go around, not just for Bush and the GOP.

Ninth, Mr. Moore, you claim that others will politicize this catastrophe, while you politicize it yourself. Let me state for the record - I'm a New Orleanian, first, and a Republican, second, and that span is daily increasing. Mr. Moore, you and everyone else who finds political advantage to my, my family's, and my friends' losses are nothing better than vultures preying upon our misfortune. If you really care, you can help out and shut the hell up, in that order.

Tenth, Mr. Moore, the poor of New Orleans have only liberal welfare policies and local corruption and incompetence (almost all Democrat, btw) to thank for their endemic poverty. Those who chose to stay home, not just the poor, stayed home out of ignorance of and desensitization to the dangers of such a storm. My wife and I had reservations at the Pelham hotel downtown along with several friends. I thank God everyday that we changed our minds Sunday morning; I do not think my .38 with three full clips would have been sufficient (and I wouldn’t have returned the ammo to Kmart). If what LSU is surmising, my fellow citizens may have needed evacuation because of incompetence and/or mismanagement on a grand and, possibly, criminal scale by the Army Corps, Levee Board, and building contractors. If you needed to see white folk, Mr. Moore, why didn't you take a look to Lakeview, Gentilly, or Chalmette? Oh, wait, that would require basic curiosity, intellectual honesty, and the testicular fortitude to come down here to help those you claim to champion.

Finally, I wish you the best in your future endeavors. Despite almost completely disagreeing with your politics, I feel those such as yourself can play a vital role in our politics. However, please refrain from using our misfortune to advance your goals; I'm positive you're capable of making your case without our help.

Sincerely,
Scott

The Cover-up has begun...

2005-09-20T10:19:00.000-05:00

Not really begun, as much as continues. As noted previously, the City of New Orleans posted an official emergency plan on its website: http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=46&tabid=26.

Fortunately, knowing this might happen, I saved the relevant portion:

Conduct of an actual evacuation will be the responsibility of the mayor of New Orleans. ...The city of New Orleans will utilize all available resources to quickly and safely evacuate threatened areas. ...Special arrangements will be made to evacuate persons unable to transport themselves or who require specific life-saving assistance. Additional personnel will be recruited to assist in evacuation procedure as needed. ...Approximately 100,000 citizens of New Orleans do not have means of personal transportation.
This link worked not just a couple of days ago, however, now it appears I do not have sufficient access to view the plan. Or, perhaps, it's down for maintenance and retooling to fit circumstances.

Or they're just plain embarrassed.

Against Nagin - Portrait of Ineffective Government

2005-09-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

I have a somewhat unique point of view that I’d like to share with you over the next several months.

From September of 2003 through March of 2005, I served as a Staff Writer for Mayor Nagin’s Office of Communications. During that time I wrote countless press releases, media advisories, and talking points for Mayor Nagin. I also single-handedly researched and wrote the Mayor’s Two-Year Progress Report.

During my time at City Hall, I got to know the Mayor a little more closely than most people, but only through proximity. The Mayor made a habit of keeping his public mask on, even around the office.

Mayor Nagin suffers from several afflictions of personality that make him a liability to the future of New Orleans. Over the next few weeks, I will present a number of arguments against Nagin as a statesman as well as a leader. I encourage anyone to ask questions and voice their opinions, consenting or differing.

Number One on the list of shortcomings:

1. Nagin tends to believe his own press.

I know this because I used to write it. Nagin is not special in his desire to bend facts to make his administration look good. Everyone expects that. But what bothers me is how Nagin claimed credit for “Hollywood South.” His communications staff slapped a label on economic activity that was already happening (to the tune of nearly $200 million in production work over 2 years) courtesy of the Louisiana Film Tax Credit incentive, which was put in place by Governor Mike Foster’s office.

Yet Nagin spent city money to visit Los Angeles and meet with studio reps in an attempt to bring more movies to the city. Hollywood South is smoke and mirrors, a catchy hook to claim credit for something other people had already done. And now, Hollywood South is under a thin layer of petroleum and bio-hazards.

Like most novice politicians, Nagin’s rhetoric does not match his effectiveness. He promises the world and delivers a scoop of dirt. Everyone remember the noble concept of a passenger rail from downtown to the airport? That was a jewel in his campaign rhetoric that went away quickly after I came on board.

Nagin’s special disease is “Talk Big – Act Small.” Where the change requires a tsunami’s force, most of Nagin’s plans have provided the cumulative effect of a wave pool. You cannot deny their effectiveness in small doses – such as “Project Second Chance” and the city-sponsored New Orleans Lightning (a biddy basketball team that won a tournament in Nice, France). But when lives were on the line, in a crisis, Nagin’s poor leadership created crime, anarchy, and ultimately death.

Ultimately, this Mayor is more flash than substance. He has an immense ego, judging his administration’s success by the number of cover shots he has on magazines, how often he sees himself on TV, and how favorable the press coverage is. Nagin enjoyed his honeymoon in politics, that first 18 months where he could do no wrong, bringing credibility and “accountability” to the Mayor’s office as the face of a “New New Orleans.”

The truth of the matter is that, while Nagin's national recognition increased, the city's core problems of widespread povery, blighted housing, and unimaginably bad crime remained. This makes him a poor choice to continue the next 4 years as mayor.

Now in the wake of his inept planning and execution of evacuation for Hurricane Katrina, Nagin now has blood on his hands as well. We'll be talking more about this as the weeks wear on.

Talk about leadership

2005-09-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

Much has been made of Mayor Nagin's and Governor Blanco's leadership in the wake of Katrina's aftermath. Local and national media have been stepping over one another to heap praise especially upon our beloved C. Ray, but some of us, perhaps a lot of us, would like to know a few things, things the media are uniquely capable of reporting to its audience.

First, why wasn't our first line of defense, namely police and fire departments, better prepared for this disaster? Mayor Nagin, the City Council, and other top officials mostly grew up around these parts, so ignorance of what could happen if the "big one" hit is not a viable excuse. If Mayor Nagin knows enough to tell evacuees heading to the Superdome and other last resort shelters to bring several days of food and water, then it is unconscionable for our leadership not to have more than a day's worth of food and water on hand for our emergency personnel.

Second, what happened on the GNO bridge? Gretna says one thing, New Orleans says another, refugees say yet another version. What the hell happened? Without having been there, here's my guess: A) Mayor Nagin tells some refugees to flee over the GNO without consulting anyone on the other side, B) Some of those fleeing include some unscrupulous people who decide the West Bank would be a great place to loot and cause mayhem, especially the Oakwood mall, C) Gretna PD decides it doesn't want that to happen, so they react to protect their citizens and property and barricade the GNO, D) Nagin decides he's on to something, despite having no communication with West Bank authorities, and tells another wave of evacuees to get moving, and E) Warning shots are fired and people are turned back by an understandably zealous police force. If my choices were between sitting on the GNO before the Gretna PD barricade and the Convention Center mob, I'd choose the former; not likely Gretna PD would harm a stationary group of people fleeing what's below. Nice of Mayor Nagin to imply that property and race were the two deciding factors in this case, despite evidence to the contrary.

Third, if it's true that roughly 250 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard were in the Convention Center, then why were they there and what is the reason for their not attempting to maintain safety and order? Soldiers are supposed to be trained to operate in the absence of, and sometimes contrary to, given orders. However, no soldier can function without supplies. What, if anything, happened here?

Fourth, exactly how many NOPD officers have deserted or are unaccounted for today? We can't rely upon other municipalities to loan us personnel forever, so where do we stand?

Fifth, where were the CDL carrying drivers for all those public buses? The City of New Orleans emergency plan calls for preparing drivers in case of emergency to drive city buses to evacuate our poorest and least able citizens. Yes, it was a weekend and many would have been scared to drive with such a storm approaching. Does this mean, Mr. Nagin, that the emergency plan only operates under sunny skies during the middle of the week?

Finally, how many people can Mayor Nagin blame for this catastrophe before he gets some of the blame himself? (Ok, so that one's rhetorical)

Scott

"Amid Katrina Chaos, Congressman Used National Guard to Visit Home"

2005-09-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

From ABC News:

" Sept. 13, 3005 — Amid the chaos and confusion that engulfed New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck, a congressman used National Guard troops to check on his property and rescue his personal belongings — even while New Orleans residents were trying to get rescued from rooftops, ABC News has learned. "

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1123495&page=1

I guess the FBI wasn't available, Congressman.

Response to "Doomed Cities"...

2005-09-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. Ledeen,

Having been an avid reader of your work on NRO the past several years, I regret that the occasion for our introduction should be one where I take exception to something you've written ("Doomed Cities"). While well written, I must disagree with your characterization of the spirit of my home and the genesis of the problems that have culminated in this particular disaster.

I must note that I'm one of the fortunate who've made it to safer ground. My wife and my parents are in Memphis with me until tomorrow, at which time we will return to Thibodaux (approx. 60 miles SW of New Orleans). This will be our base of operations for rebuilding our lives. I was born in East New Orleans, lived in Kenner (my parents still do), and own a home in Lakeview (1/2 mile from the 17th Street Canal breach). All three are or were under deep water, washing away much of my past with it, but my family is healthy and safe, and for that I am forever grateful.

But I'm here to discuss what you've written.

First, you mention, "dancing in defiance of death was the city's trademark." Perhaps this is something bizarre to an outsider, but there's a poignant reason that our culture operates this way. From my earliest childhood, I and others like me have been taught to celebrate the life, not mourn the death, of a loved one. The ceremony is somber like any other funeral in any other place, but once that's done we celebrate. It's a party, yes, but one where the participants laugh and reminisce about the departed. This isn't something spontaneously erupting, but requested beforehand by the deceased. My father always said, "Don't waste money on some God awful cemetery; burn my ashes and have one hell of a blow out."

Second, if one spends time only in certain, tourist-centered parts of the city, then the impression of an "absence of industry" is unavoidable. However, that just isn't the case. For every image of a looter you've seen, I know of people risking their lives to save our city. Just one family I know has one brother and two nephews in the NOPD and one son in the NOFD. My former business partner, a first-responder during 9/11, is flying Blackhawks for the LANG. I'd have my truck packed with extra gas today, if there were some way for me to get back to my home. And I'm not the only one. (By the way, if you know of a way I can get to the city to start helping, I would be very grateful.) The thugs and animals that are preying on the others in the city are not representative of New Orleans, not to imply that you've stated such, and we will make sure justice is swift and final for those few.

Third, "the fascinating spectacle of human foibles and failures that seems at one with the city" is true; however, those failures are just as often visitors and interlopers, not natives. Not one of the authors you mention was a New Orleanian, and most of the debaucheries witnessed during Mardi Gras are confined to a 10 square block area populated for those two weeks by our beloved tourists.

Fourth, our food is good and our pace of life is slower than many, and ours is/was one of the few 24-hour towns. You can *gasp* walk out a bar with an adult beverage. We enjoy a good time. Our politicians are so notoriously corrupt, as the joke goes, one comes to Louisiana (not just New Orleans) to earn a graduate degree in political corruption. This, however, is not due to the nature of its citizens, but a combustible mix of ignorance and neglect. Again, if you didn't imply this, I'm just a little sensitive at this moment and I apologize.

Fifth, you mention that New Orleans "focuses on things past, not present or future." I'm not sure if you meant this as a slight, but it seemed that way. Perhaps, our city would be better off turning into Houston, Atlanta, or Charlotte, all towns who've lost their souls. Sure their economies are booming, but they've the cultural equivalent of Chinese food, forgotten in 30 minutes. This is a town where restaurant franchises either wait until they're sufficiently established to open here or find their start here. We fight over knocking down 200 hundred-year-old buildings because some opium addict, who happened to be a jazz genius, once ate breakfast there (kind of quaint now, given recent events). You may think this detracts from us, but my fellow citizens and I would have it no other way. And, I expect our tourists wouldn't either. Nevertheless, we don't have that luxury anymore, and I would thank you to not bring it up to a resident again.

If you'd be so kind, I have one request for you and, if you will, your readers, before I move on to helping my family rebuild our lives: If you've ever planned to visit or revisit New Orleans, wait a few weeks and come, preferably with a shovel and a strong back, or visit as soon as we rebuild, which we will do. Despite our tendency to complain about those "damn" tourists walking in front of our cars in a residential neighborhood like the French Quarter as if they were in Disneyland and telling all their friends about how our women expose themselves for plastic beads, we secretly love showing you a good time, which you may or may not remember, but we've been very careful to make sure you're safe.

God bless you, Mr. Ledeen, and your readers. He blesses those who, such as ourselves, take care of themselves, but we will be forever indebted to our fellow citizens who find it in their conscience to help us in this our time of greatest need. God speed, and bless my hometown.

Sincerely,
Scott

"Coming from you, friend is a 'four letter word'...."

2005-09-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

Much has been written and said about the acts of kindness, both great and small, performed in the wake of hurricane Katrina. However, someone needs to document the scandalous behavior of some folks regarding rising rental and real estate prices.

First, I'm not referring to buyer exuberance leading to premium selling prices for homes. That's the price you pay, when you don't operate with full knowledge of the situation. To the buyers, please take a deep breath and consider what's going to be available soon, if it isn't already, in Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Tammany parishes. It might not be your home, but it's better than being upside down on a mortgage. No, what I would like to discuss is people jacking rental prices as much as 100% higher days following the storm.

Let me explain this in the form of a story:

Family A is contacted by Family B concerning Family B's rental property. Family B is very interested in helping out Family A given the long-standing family relationship between the two (in-laws are best friends, B's daughter was the flower girl in A's wedding, etc.), so Family B offers to rent their property to Family A for $750 a month. Note: This property's pre-Katrina rental price was $550 a month. Given the aforementioned real estate exuberance in the area, Family A gladly accepts. One week later...Family B decides it now wants to sell the rental property, and informs Family A it can now rent said house for $1,000 a month with no lease.

Not that it matters much to the story, but Family A is Uncle Speed's family. I know how small this area can be, so hopefully Family B will eventually recognize themselves in this post.

Our's is not the only story like this here. Buyers please, please, please, think before you get in to this situation. If you're a landlord who did this, God rest your soul and expect the Attorney General's office to be contacting you soon.

Scott

An open letter to outsiders attempting to make political hay out of this crisis...

2005-09-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Jackass,

Having evacuated from my home in the Lakeview area of New Orleans (1/2 mile from 17th Street Canal breach), I'm one of the fortunate who've escaped with my family's lives. This excruciating waiting game gives me a lot of time reading over the Internet/watching your interview, and something you've said/written prompted me to respond.

Though your point-of-view is not unique to, rather representative of, a subclass of people who find political advantage in this tragedy, I would appreciate the opportunity to enlighten you, man-to-man, about some facts in this story because, at the very least, I believe in giving you the benifit of the doubt that you have the ability to grow up a little.

Thus far, the Federal response, while not as fast as we would like it (when I say we, I mean those of us who have a stake in this community, and not people who dislike certain politicians), is on a timetable that was known well beforehand. The problems arose, at least in New Orleans, because the leadership structure quite literally fell apart. Our city is a living example of the "Grasshopper and the Ant" parable. Doubt what I say? Look at the orderly restoration taking place in ALL the surrounding parishes and counties. The cops didn't have any stand-by food or water, instead being left to fend for themselves in small, well-armed packs of "official" looting. The firefighters, unable to do their job due to gunfire and being stranded by the NOPD in unsafe conditions, had gone "Alamo style" to the outskirts of the city at Holy Cross College, choosing to protect themselves until order could be restored. No one is reporting this for various reasons, but I know about it because of firsthand accounts from friends in the NOPD and NOFD. When you hear about "rumors" of desertions in the NOPD, know that those "rumors" total between 100-300 officers out of a force of 1500. That's freakin' insane.

The second reason for this problem is something much deeper and more difficult to solve. New Orleans is a segregated community with a large underclass of almost entirely black citizens. The public schools are almost entirely black with a handfull of 1st generation immigrants, with the exception of the three magnet schools. The schools are so deplorable and so much has been written before, I'll leave the description to you to flesh out. Needless to say, if you're born to a poor family, your chances of educating yourself out of poverty are limited. Part of the blame lies with the families, but part of it lies with the rest of us who see the need and avoid getting dirty.

Ours is a service-based economy, so most jobs don't pay well. That's not the Federal government's fault, but our own. What CEO would want to locate his business in a community where the sales taxes are high, the roads suck, and the public schools don't function? We've a hidden tax of private schooling, whereby you pay property taxes to the public system, then pay again to send your kids to a decent school, usually a Catholic one. Ours was not a well-functioning community, before and inspite of Katrina.

No one could foresee the exact outcome of this storm, but our local leaders sure could have prepared better. Ask yourself "why did this only occur in New Orleans?" St. Bernard and Slidell were much worse off, Gulfport and Biloxi were devestated, Long Beach is gone. All these are places with similar demographics, but only New Orleans turned riotous. Can you come up with any reasons from the safety of your perch in Anywhere USA?

In sum, this is a problem we've grown up knowing could happen at any moment, and we obviously didn't do enough to prepare to our eternal shame. If anything I've said has enlightened you in any way or piqued your curiosity, I'd be more than glad to offer more information. However, while I'm still looking at the sattelite photos of my water-submerged house, I'd thank you to stop using this issue and that forum to further your political causes.

Sincerely,
Scott

All gave some, but some gave all...

2005-09-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

This being my first post, I must state that I am one of the fortunate ones in the Katrina catastrophe. My family's alive & safe, we have ample resources to support ourselves, and nearly all (more on this later) of our family & friends have been overly generous & helpful. I am and will be forever greatful for these facts.

However, we did lose our home and whatever belongings we couldn't or didn't think to pack in our cars. My wife & I both lost our home-based businesses. Our cat, Princess, disappeared Sunday morning before we evacuated; we hope she's in a shelter or expired quickly. And this pales when compared to what others have lost.

I write these words, not to blame anyone for the storm, but for how they acted before and afterwards. Man cannot stop Mother Nature, if you will, but he can surely prepare to deal with the contingencies and consequences of her acts.

This is why I feel compelled to write.

Scott