I visited New Orleans in 1995. For most tourists the French Quarter is New Orleans. We stayed at the Sheraton, and spent a fascinating couple of days wondering the streets of the French Quarter. What a wonderful place. While watching the news over the last week of Katrina I found my photo album of that trip. I have photos of Jackson Square, of New Orleans preparing for the Mardi Gras. There are pictures of musicians, clowns and artists. We went to the famous Cafe Du Le Monde for cafe au lait and beignets. We browsed the flea markets where you could buy anything from alligator teeth to deck chairs. We toured the cemetries, and marvelled at the levees, and the Mississippi River so close.
It all seems so unreal.
Here is an article explaining the importance of New Orleans as a city.
We watch daily to see what news there is. We watch CNN, Fox and MSNBC for coverage. In the beginning days MSNBC had by far the most superior coverage. Now, MSM has come through. Most are asking the inevitable questions- why didn’t the authorities respond sooner?
Bill O’Reilly said last night on his show that the moral of the story is that you can’t rely on government for anything. The point is at times like these, this is the one time when you should be able to rely on your government to help. Send food, water, medical supplies. Help with evacuating those that are too sick, weak or helpless. Restore law and order.
I watched President Bush tour the devastation. Too little too late.
The only conclusion I can come to is this: bring the troops home from Iraq and Afganistan, from South Korea, and Europe. It is time for others to take care of themselves, and time for Americans to take care of their own. It is not how I would prefer it. But sometimes circumstances have a way of making us grow up. This is one of those times. We have to get real.
