Then and Now

Did you know that in 1927 an unnamed major hurricane hit New Orleans? Turns out it was actually more powerful than Katrina was to the city. The damage was greater then because the storm hit the city full-on, not 25 miles away as it did this time.

Looking back at how that storm was handled, it is interesting to note the difference of attitude people had towards their government. Not one dime was sent from the federal government. The Army did loan the city tents and camp stoves. Then the Army sued the city for reimbursement! The survivors in 1927 expected nothing. They understood that government was there to "protect life, liberty and the pursuit of hapiness." Today, some expect the government to "provide life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Race baitors are posturing for their 15 minutes on tv with shrill cries that the evacuees are not "refugees" but survivors. It is a shame that because of these same folks, the race baitors, a perfect opportunity was lost. Instead of screeching about labels on people, these are the people who should be talking to the poor communities about education, personal responsibility and self sufficiency. In this country, education is free through grade 12. If you are motivated for a better life and apply yourself, there are grants and assistance available for higher education. This will raise you above the poverty level. Working people respect other working people enough to not steal tvs and liquor as looting for "survival". Stable relationships and low birth rates also are good indicators that you are not at the poverty level.

This country will always have the poor to take into consideration. This president, GW Bush, that is so gleefully and quickly criticised by those on the opposite political side, has spent more on programs for the poor and for education than any other president. He also has spent more on the levee system for the New Orleans area, too, if you are interested in knowing that fact. New Orleans knew for decades but never secured the levee system properly. Sorry, it is not Bush's fault. Maybe one could look at the systematic corruption in the political system in New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. Maybe the environmental groups that survive by fundraising calling the Republican party extremists and not environmentally friendly could work WITH the Army Corp of Engineers instead of blocking efforts to beef up the levee system due to wetlands concerns. The 17th Street levee that broke and flooded the city was only recently repaired by the Army Corp of Engineers. Hmm....

Yes, probably President Bush should have postponed his speech to the old veterans on the 60th anniversary of their service to their (our) country in California and been more visible to the problems arising from the hurricane. But, in reality, what could he have done? Supplies were outside the city waiting to go in. Governor Blanco refused them. The federal government is not a first respondor. The mayor distributed dvds recently to the people of New Orleans essentially saying if you do not evacuate the city you are on your own. He told them to go to the Superdome and bring their own food and water. In 1997 14,000 people evacuated to the Superdome for Hurricane Georges and he knew what the result of that was - mayhem and destruction of the facility.

So, I think the lesson is one that brings to light the problem of poverty in this country and the solutions. Uncle Sam dispensing checks and food stamps has yet to achieve a victory in the "War on Poverty". Maybe solutions offered up by a conservative president will help - enterprise zones to encourage business and jobs, education grants, and individual home ownership. Has to be better than unemployment, housing projects, 70% of all births in the community to unmarried people, and despair.