Fat Tuesday and Memories of Katrina

Six months later and most of New Orleans still bears the scars of Katrina. Yet, the city is carrying on its Mardi Gras tradition. Fat Tuesday is here! And New Orleans is partying again. It is also paying tribute to the victims of Katrina.

It is a fitting time to remember the over 1,300 dead and thousands of lives that have been forever changed by this national tradegy. Let us never forget that any of us could suffer a catastrophic event in our own backyards. Let us hope and pray that our governments are better prepared next time. If not, we will be on our own.

Following is the text from an email message I sent to progressive radio talk-show host Nancy Skinner on Friday, September 2, 2005:

Subject: Will Anyone Be Held Accountable?
To: nancyskinneram@clearchannel.com

Dear Nancy,

I had to send this email. There is too much to say to attempt to call you on the phone. I am also feeling rather angry and confused right now.

I can’t begin to imagine what life must be like for all those desperate people trapped in New Orleans. I have visited the city twice and have some feeling for how vast this city is. Words can not describe how I feel right now. This is a horrible, terrible, disgusting, and frightening travesty. Is this America? What is happening to our country?

Where is the leadership? Local officials are begging for help. The governor of Louisiana responds to disorder and “looting” by ordering police to "shoot to kill." Where is the food? I have a wife and two young children. If they were starving, I would do anything to feed them. Meanwhile, our president responds by breaking off his vacation and holding a press conference.

After Pearl harbor FDR famously said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" and he inspired confidence. That was leadership. Today, we get empty words, and incompetence. Will anyone be held accountable for cutting the levy repair budget, gutting FEMA, deploying 1/3 of our National Guard troops Overseas, and vacationing during one of the worst natural disasters in history? Sadly, I suspect the answer is NO!!!

Imagine this happening in Detroit. Remember how badly the black-out disrupted our lives. Will we be prepared? Will we have enough National Guards? Is Michigan prepared? Do we have in money at the state and local level to deal with a major catastrophic event? Is there any plan in place for evacuations, other than drive away and take your credit cards? These questions need to be answered and this needs to become a priority.

I heard the pain in your voice this morning. How can you not be affected? Thank you for standing up for what is right, and doing a great job during these trying times. God bless you.

Sincerely,

REB 84

REMEMBER KATRINA