Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 7:06AM All the kings horses and all the kings men . . .
The rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast is going to be a mammoth task. The consequences of the hurricane are still unfolding and becoming known. The economic, social, and political issues will be argued for priority.
My fear is that the region will be rebuilt more on factors that are "politically correct" than what is practical and doable.
For instance, the issue of race is not used to help disadvantaged persons of a minority by various leaders, it is instead used as a sledge hammer to force an issue that makes no sense otherwise.
I am waiting for someone to advocate the government pay to rebuild all the homes of people who did not have insurance and for all of those who are on Social Security and Welfare. Then some economist or anyone with common sense would bring up the issue of the prohibitive cost of such a project and how building homes for people who do not contribute to the economy in a productive sense is a bad idea. Enter Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton screaming racism. The press will let their bombastic diatribes go out over the air without challenge. Politicians will give them audience and concession, and no one will have the guts to recognize the elephant in the room.
Race is just one special interest group. Often it is a smoke screen for someone’s personal gain. I would refer them to the story of the little boy who cried, “wolf.”
I hope the planners and decision makers do what is best for the long-term benefit of the region and all people. The rebuilding needs to be something that can sustain itself, otherwise, it will be the largest housing project ever constructed.
The utility company in New Orleans, Entergy has filed for chapter 11 bankrupcy. They lost 140,000 customers and they have $450,000 in repairs to make. They are but one business. I am sure they will have to scale down and rebuild as their revenue permits.
The city has been closed down. As people return, they will find a lot of non-hurricane destruction in the form of vandalism and looting. The Times Picayune reported nearly every business in the 6th District had been looted. The Wal-Mart on Tchopatoulis Street was completely cleaned out with one exception. The books and educational supplies were left untouched.
I think the big problem becomes less complicated if individuals do what they can with their problem before looking for outside help. The homes and businesses should have been insured. If they were not, then they will learn a lesson in not having insurance.
I have seen many cases and heard interviews which point out an attitude of some. “Because of the hurricane, the government owes me a check.” People want to gain from the disaster. They think the government owes them. In this area, there are many takers and this disaster only makes them want to take more.
Things are changing and will continue to change. New Orlenians are scattered throughout the country. Some will set down new roots. Some will improve their situation. Many times, a crisis becomes a needed push and better things result.
I think the city can be a more complete city. It can be more than a good place to go to get drunk. The education system needs to be fixed and crime needs to be addressed.
I hope that hard times will drive away the undesirable element and only those with character, a love for New Orleans, and a willingness to work will remain.
I think politicians who have traditionally depended on the poor democratic base are worried all of their constituents will move away. The political landscape will be affected. Time will tell in what way.
The Army Corps of Engineers have a goal to bring the levee system in New Orleans back to pre Katrina levels by next summer. Then something can be done to make them stronger. That discussion will be interesting.
A whole lot of thinking must go into this. I hope the money is spent wisely, but in any case, it is going to be an interesting historic event to witness.
Until the next time
John Strain
