I think I feel a pulse
New Orleans is coming back to life, albeit slowly. This morning at the Sheraton Hotel, Mayor Nagin, Governor Blanco, Admiral Allen, FEMA reps, and folks from the SBA addressed 1500 New Orleans business owners. The purpose of the event was to inform people about what is happening in government to assist businesses in their efforts to reopen.
They said that Katrina wiped out 360,000 jobs in the area, but at the same time, businesses lack employees. Workers have been scattered out across the nation. So the people here have a great chance at finding a job. The awarded contracts thus far have gone to Louisiana businesses in 44% of the cases.
Burger King is offering a $6,000 signing bonus. I don't know the details, but I am sure people don't get the money until they work a year. Still, businesses need help and they are paying better wages to get it. Of course, costs will go up. I am waiting for the $5.00 Whopper to cover those signing bonuses.
I watched part of the conference on television and was shocked at some of Mayor Nagin's comments. I have searched for the exact quotes or even a story about his comments, but it is not being reported. Mayor Nagin was speaking like a preacher delivering a sermon. He was lecturing on race saying folks should get used to living by or working with people who do not look like them. Myself, I do not like elected officials preaching to me, especially about morals. Usually a politician needs to listen to such sermons, not deliver them. So he continued the sermon. He began talking about how folks from Louisiana should get the majority of the work. Then he said this, "We don't want to see the city fill up with Mexican workers." After a few more comments, he said, "A few Mexican workers are OK, but we want our people to get the jobs."
I am reporting this, because no one else has. It is evidence of a racial double standard. A black mayor can make such a statement and nothing happens. Imagine a white mayor making such a comment. There would be demands for a resignation, and an apology. The major news outlets would make it the lead story.
All skin color aside, public officials should not make general statements about entire races. Until we demand correct behavior from EVERYBODY a double standard will continue. In my book equality works both ways; opportunity and responsibility. I also believe that if someone is responsible, they increase their opportunities.
So businesses are beginning to reopen, traffic jams are taking place, and politicians are arguing with each other. It's a start.
I remain optimistic. I believe in the happy ending. Problems are only minor inconveniences. They will be overcome by some body. The fate of New Orleans is still a story unfolding and no one really knows what will happen. With the help of our neighbors, the American taxpayer, and local citizens, New Orleans will be back.
Strange fact: I just heard on the news that 51 carbon minoxide deaths have been reported from people running generators in their house. These folks are worthy of a Darwin Award.
Until the next time
John Strain