S.O.S. KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK

Green Day U2 U-2 The Edge New Orleans Saints Superdome Super Dome Concert

2006-09-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

To view this amazing pre-game concert, got to The Evil Center

New Orleans Katrina

2006-09-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

New Orleans Katrina
Expensive, Worth It & Absolutely NecessaryPlease follow this link for more:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/09/expensive-worth-it-absolutely-necessary.html

Another Katrina - New Orleans Rant

2006-09-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

To visit Another Katrina Rant, please visit the following link:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/09/another-katrina-rant-sort-of_02.html

To visit the Katrina retrospective including video from Fox News on Sept. 2, 2005 where Rivera and Smith lose their composure, please visit the following link:
http://another-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/09/katrina-new-orleans-sept-2-2005_02.html

New Orleans - Katrina - Retrospective - NOLA Bloggers -

2006-09-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

New Orleans - Katrina - Retrospective - NOLA Bloggers -

For a continuing retrospective of Hurricane Katrina, please visit the following link:

http://another-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/09/new-orleans-katrina-flooding-looting.html

For my post regarding some of the New Orleans bloggers, please visit the following link:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-new-orleans-bloggers-do-you.html

Katrina New Orleans Bloggers - What do You Really Want

2006-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

Katrina New Orleans Bloggers - What do You Really Want
At some point you just have to say things. For my rant on what New Orleans bloggers are doing and saying, their motives, their objectives, their ignorance, please follow the following link!http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-new-orleans-bloggers-what-do.html

Katrina New Orleans Bloggers - What Do You Really Want

2006-08-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Katrina New Orleans Bloggers - What do You Really Want
At some point you just have to say things. For my rant on what New Orleans bloggers are doing and saying, their motives, their objectives, their ignorance, please follow the following link!

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-new-orleans-bloggers-what-do.html

Katrina Aftermath - Chaos Ensues

2006-08-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

Katrina Aftermath - Chaos EnsuesFor the Katrina timeline, please visit the following site:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-aftermath-in-new-orleans-chaos.html

Retrospective - Katrina Arrives - Levees Fail - New Orleans Falls

2006-08-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

For the Katrina time line, please visit:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-arrives-levees-fail-new-orleans.html

Katrina Retrospective - Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for New Orleans

2006-08-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

Katrina Retrospective - Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for New Orleans

Katrina Timeline Aug. 28, 2005

Katrina Retrospective - Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for New Orleans Please visit the Evil Center at the following Link:
http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-nagin-blanco-order-mandatory.html

Katrina Timeline New Orleans - Mississippi

2006-08-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

To view the Katrina Timeline, please visit the following link:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-saturday-august-26-2005.html

2006-08-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Aug. 25, 2005 - Katrina Takes Aim at The Louisiana Coast Near New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.Katrina Timeline will be updated each day.

To view the Katrina Timeline, please visit the following link:
http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-saturday-august-26-2005.html

Katrina Retrospective - New Orleans Prepares

2006-08-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Aug. 25, 2005 - Katrina Takes Aim at The Louisiana Coast Near New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Katrina Timeline will be updated each day. To view the Katrina Timeline, please visit the following link:http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-saturday-august-26-2005.html

Katrina New Orleans - St. Bernard - St. Tammany - Plaqumines - Louisiana - Mississippi - Gulf Coast Timeline

2006-08-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

The Katrina Timeline will be updated each day. To view the Katrina Timeline, please visit the following link:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/

Katrina New Orleans - St. Bernard - St. Tammany - Plaqumines - Louisiana - Mississippi - Gulf Coast Timeline

2006-08-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Katrina Timeline (Updated 8/25/06) will be updated each day. To view the Katrina Timeline, please visit the following link:

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/

The Side Bar - Katrina Related Stuff In New Orleans That Just Can't Wait

2006-08-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

For the next 2 weeks, the Evil Center has a fully committed posting schedule.

Just in case.....please visit The Side Bar.

Katrina New Orleans - St. Bernard - St. Tammany - Plaqumines - Louisiana - Mississippi - Gulf Coast Timeline

2006-08-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Katrina New Orleans - St. Bernard - St. Tammany - Plaqumines - Louisiana - Mississippi - Gulf Coast Timeline

The Katrina Timeline will be updated each day.To view the Katrina Timeline, please visit the following link:http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/

Preview of New Orleans Katrina Heroes Stationed at the Louisiana Super Dome

2006-08-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Preview of New Orleans Katrina Heroes Stationed at the Louisiana Super Dome

To visit a preview of New Orleans Katrina Heroes Stationed at the Louisiana Super Dome, please visit the evil center by following the link below.

Also available at that blog is a calendar of Katrina related TV events scheduled through early September on NBC's Meet The Press, ABC's Nightline, NBC's Dateline, HBO, the Food Channel, National Geographic, History Channel, Discovery Channel, The Weather Channel and many more.

Thanks

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/more-katrina-new-orleans-heroes-from.html

Katrina Related TV Television - New Orleans & Mississippi Gulf Coast

2006-08-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

For info regarding Katrina related stories to be televised, please follow the link below

http://a-view-from-the-evil-center.blogspot.com/2006/08/katrina-television-events-much-see-tv.html

A Song For New Orleans A Katrina Documentary

2006-08-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

For more information and to learn how you can get a copy of the DVD, "A Song for New Orleans", please visit the link below.

Thank you WDSU TV, Hearst-Argyle Television, The New Birth Jazz Band, Charmaine Neville and so many others for bringing the music home to New Orleans.

Proceeds from the sale of this DVD go to preserve New Orleans Music through such organizations as Habitat For Humanity and The Tipitina Foundation. Link: A View To The Evil Center

Thanks everyone

A View From The Evil Center

2006-07-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Please note - this blog has moved to the following link:

A View From The Evil Center

KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK

2006-04-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

HAS MOVED TO:

http://soulofneworleans.blogspot.com/

S.O.S. Katrina We Are Not Ok FEMA FLOODING HURRICANES LEVEES WE ARE NOT OK

2006-04-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

HAS MOVED TO:

http://soulofneworleans.blogspot.com/

S.O.S. Katrina We Are Not OK .....is moving

2006-04-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the feds didn't require me to do this, in fact, the Blog still sits at the same elevation as before. But since everyone else is remodeling and I have some free time, I figure, why not?

So, this is the last post on this blog. I can now be found at:

http://soulofneworleans.blogspot.com/

Sorry about the inconvenience but let's face it; this was the sloppiest looking Blog in the history of Blogging. I found it easier to just start all over than to fix this mess.

To my fellow Bloggers, please do not delete the link to this blog. I am not taking it down. Please add my new link though. (Yeah, I know how much of a pain that is) Sorry.

Dangle 24-7

KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK TORTURED SOULS PART TWO

2006-04-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Irvin Buffet stands in what is left of his Lakeview home's living room

Photo by Kathy Anderson New Orleans Times-Picayune

**********************************************

Irvin Buffet, an 88 year old widower, maintained a passion for life; his photography. He was a true creator of art; like when he had to go back to Metairie Cemetery numerous times to capture just the right moment when the angle of sunlight filtered through an iron cross so he could get that perfect photograph. This photograph along with his others, his lifetime of passion; now lay scattered throughout his ruined house. Covered with mold and puckering from the result of soaking in flood waters for weeks, there was just nothing left.

What do you say to someone like Mr. Buffet who, at 88 years old looks you in the eyes and says, “My future is behind me now. I have lost my house, my hobby, my friends and my car.” His car was his last link to independence.

From Alan Verges to Irvin Buffet, a pattern was being set. I was on the verge of discovery. It would be the actions and passion and urgency of others to bring me to this realization.

And it all started here..............

I hadn’t seen my childhood friend Temple in about three (3) years. Just never got around to it. I had been trying to find him since the storm. I was also worried about his mother, Miss Vera. She is 78 and I had been to her house in Gentilly a few times in hopes of finding someone who could give me information (and just going over there to feel sorry for myself since this is where I grew up). The inside of her house was reduced to nothing more than black mold. Furniture was thrown everywhere and destroyed. Nothing was recognizable.

Finally, on a recent trip to this Gentilly area not far from the University of New Orleans, I saw someone pulling “Stuff” out of her house. It was my friend’s son. I was so excited to see someone. We had a good talk. His dad was fine but he did get a foot of water in his Slidell home. Miss Vera was OK and staying with Temple in addition to one of Temple's brothers who lost everything to the flooding in Metairie and Temple's son who came in from Florida to help out his parents. Temple’s son told me Miss Vera just wasn't the same.

Anyway, we were able to raise Temple by cell phone and within seconds before Temple had a chance, I basically invited myself over to visit the following Saturday.

When Saturday rolled around, my wife wasn’t feeling good and I wanted to call the trip off. She insisted I go. She was a little concerned for me (I was having a bad week) and I think she felt I needed to see my friend and his family.

Little did I know that this trip; a 25 mile jaunt east from where I live would lead me to the true meaning of S.O.S. Katrina We Are Not Ok. What I now know is that it all tied in with the stories of Mr. Buffet and Mr. Verges. The secret; a couple of ingredients that I had missed; demographics and guilt.

Upon my arrival, there were the usual hand shakes and hugs but as in everyday conversation these days, the subject quickly turned to Katrina.

Miss Vera was sitting in the den where we had gathered. I asked her how she was doing? She just shrugged her shoulders. She told me she lost everything. Every picture! Not one picture of her husband who passed away about fifteen years ago! All the pictures of her children; gone. Everything was gone including a small puppy she couldn’t take. The puppy drowned. She went back to her house only once since Katrina. That was in early October. She will not go back.

I told her I understood. I feel like I have lost my entire past. The house I grew up in, the parks that I played in, my schools, the pool halls, the bars, the first house I owned……everything is gone. Not that my loss was anything near to what she had lost, but in terms of neighborhoods, there is common ground, just worse for some and decapitating for others.

She said she’s just too old to start over and that she really doesn’t know what to do. And she feels like she is an imposition on her son and his family. I said…..no way. I told her that I know her son and I know Kim (Temple’s wife). Besides, if that was true, you (Miss Vera) were coming with me when I leave! I’ll put you up. That put a smile on her face…a little one anyway.

Miss Vera was like a second mother to me. I was like a son, and Temple was like a brother. I hugged her and told her “Miss Vera, I lost my mother four (4) years ago. I am not going to lose you!” That put a bigger smile on her face; at least temporarily.

I do know how she feels though. I was speaking to a lady who remembers World War 2. A lady who knew about the lean years of the Great Depression. A lady who had to sub total the last few items in the check out line at the grocery store to make sure she had enough money to pay for her groceries. However, no meals were ever missed. I was speaking to a lady who is from a generation of self reliant survivors. And now, she feels lost; helpless and dependent. And at 78 and for what lies ahead, she feels her time has run out.

Meanwhile, my friend’s wife was sitting there and she had a distant look on her face. As I recall, for about the first half hour or so, she said very little if anything.

Temple and Kim tragically lost their younger son about ten (10) years ago. In an effort to divert their “Dwelling” on this tragedy, they opened a small pet store on South Broad St. not far from Tulane Ave. in New Orleans. They poured their life savings into this store and with Kim’s hard work and smarts, and Temple’s muscle, it became successful. I mean, they weren’t getting rich from it but they covered the rent, made a few bucks and most importantly, it gave Kim something to do. It would also provide a perfect haven for Temple for the day when he would retire.

Well, cutting to the chase, they lost the business to Katrina. The building was rented and there was no insurance on contents. I had already seen the store. I knew it was lost. I had been by there a few times and actually took a couple of photos and posted them on my blog.

Kim told me she just cannot understand why so many bad things have happened to them. I told her bad things happen to good people and if I had any say so, it wouldn’t but I don’t get a vote. But I told her that I didn’t want to see her or Miss Vera give up. They just kind of looked at me and never really agreed or disagreed with me.

My friend Temple is sort of like my wife—put a period behind it and move forward attitude. Me??? I beat myself up and shuffle the “If” deck. And my fear now is that Temple is ignoring some real strong signs of depression from both his wife and his mom. In fact at some point during the conversation, I suggested that they (Miss Vera and Kim) should perhaps consider some anti-depressants for short term use. Again, nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders.

Anyway, the day went on with lots of reflections and it wasn’t all bad and we had some good moments but the bad stuff has a way of lingering.

Not only did the bad stuff linger, it lingered with me as I drove home that evening. It continues to linger with me. I am not talking about what I have been writing about over the last few months. I am talking about what I was beginning to realize from my visit that Saturday with my friend and his family.

We have; well not missed the point, but we are not hearing the intricate stories of these people. Yeah, the generalization is…they loss everything and they have to rebuild. What a shame.

God if it was only that easy. Can you imagine losing what these people have lost? Can you imagine having not one picture of your husband after 60 years??? To lose every photograph of your children? And if you run the numbers, these stories are going to run 100,000 plus. And yeah, if you are 78, what good is it to start building a new house? Gonna be nicer then the one you bought back in 1953 but it will have no history. History of a house is what we call home. The Miss "Veras” of the Katrina world will get nice new housing (at some point) but they will not get their homes back. They feel as if their life is over and although I really don’t think most of them are suicidal, I am afraid that are correct in many respects.

These monsters, Katrina and Rita, did so much more then render thousands upon thousands homeless. There is guilt because sons and daughters didn’t insist that their parents, aunts and uncles evacuate.

I personally know of a couple whose son went to their Warrington Dr. home which bordered the London Avenue Canal and begged his parents to evacuate. His mother 78 wanted to leave but his father, 82 didn’t. For better or for worse; that was a vow they had taken many years ago, and for worse; she stayed by his side. Their bodies were found a week later in the attic of there home.

There were those who had to make life and death choices who now must live with those choices. Such was the case for Alan Verges. Yes, he chose life and death for two (2) people. He did what I would have done and I pray to God I am never put into that position. But Alan did what he had to do and damn it, how do we make him understand this?

My friend’s wife, Kim—I guarantee you that over the last few years, she had forgotten why she had opened that pet store. It became a routine for her and she loved it. When Katrina destroyed it, she said to me “I opened that pet store because I needed to do something after losing my son and now I’ve lost that too”. So now, although never recovering from the loss of her child, this old wound is again ripped wide opened as Katrina takes another part of her life away while bringing to the surface the sorrow of years past.

For every empty house we see in New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish and the affected areas of the United States Gulf Coast, there is so much more to the story than just “That” empty house. Like everything else in this catastrophe, where does anyone begin? How can anyone who has just seen it on TV or has read about it begin to understand what has happened down here and what is happening down here?

My wife asked me what did I plan to accomplish by writing this two (2) part series. My answer was quick and simple.

"I don’t know."

I suppose I want people to understand that the impact of a 25 year old person who loses everything is different than the impact to a 45 year old person who loses everything and the impact to a 75 year old person who loses everything…..well, you get it. It’s about time. The time that one has left to rebuild a life. To say, "They lost everything", doesn't even hint at how "Their" experience will or can end.

And I suppose I want attention; for me and for everyone else who is going through such impotent frustration.

I want someone to answer these questions:

How many billions of dollars will erase Alan Verges’s guilt?
How many billions of dollars will buy a picture of Miss Vera’s husband?
How many billions of dollars will buy back time if only one day for the elderly?
How many billions of dollars will it take to remove the scars from our hearts and souls?

What do I want? Attention? Compassion? Understanding? I just don’t know. I honestly just don’t know.

All I do know is that S.O.S. Katrina We Are Not OK

Dangle 24-7

Do not let spacious plans for a new world divert your energies from saving what is left of the old. Sir Winston Churchill

I am out of here for the next couple of weeks. I will be checking email for those who want to check in. You guys take care. Later

KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK TORTURED SOULS PART ONE

2006-04-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

It was about two (2) weeks when Louisiana’s Regular Session began. It got off to just a dandy start. Prior to Governor Blanco coming to the floor to address the Legislature, the talk on the "Floor" among law makers was to which committee (friendliest) to steer the bill outlawing cock fighting so that for another year it will not make it to the floor for a vote.

Well, cutting to the chase, little was mentioned about the people in Southern Louisiana who would rather eat chicken in their kitchen (if they had a kitchen) than to watch two (2) chickens maul each other in their back yard while a bunch of good old boys hoop and holler while tobacco juice drips down their double chins. I guess hurricane victims are just crazy like that.

Anyway, I just lost it, posted a blog that some of my friends thought may have been a bit too“Edgy” but not in a good, constructive way. I agreed with them. They (Markus & Mermaid) said I needed to chill and I was going to take their advice.

It was like a couple of days later when Markus, the genius behind the Wet Bank Guide Blog posts this little jewel Post Katrina Looting

Well, I came unglued. I was “UNCHILLING”

Frankly, I would like to see Chairman & CEO James Bernhard of the Shaw group and Bechtel CEO Riley Bechtel indicted along with any participants/co-conspirators in the Bush, Blanco, or Nagin Administration who are involved with these “Post Katrina Looters”. I mean, if they can nail Kenneth Lay (Enron) for what he did to his employees, well Bernhard and others are taking taxpayers’ money that could and should be going to the victims of these storms and literally putting it in their pockets by price gouging the living hell out of us. This is obscene and unconscionable.

However, I have yet to make my point on where I am going with this. I wrote Mark and told him how ironic it was for him to tell me to chill and then to run this post a day or so later. I mean, Lexapro is good but………..

I went on to tell him why I was so irritated and it all stemmed from a trip I made to Slidell, La., a suburb of New Orleans. I told him the story in detail of what I had personally experienced and he said I needed to Blog it. I had already decided not to for personal reasons. I had also shared this story with TravelingMermaid who felt it was so moving, she asked that if I refused to tell this story, then could she? She said she would do it in an abstract way. I said sure. She sent me the draft. I said….excellent; blog it. Shades Of Grey

From this, a chain of events occurred and again I have been requested to blog “My take” of what happened on that Saturday afternoon in Slidell. I have now come across a couple of other stories that may best define the meaning of “Kartrina We Are Not OK”. I have made a decision that I will blog my story in addition to these other two (2) stories however, with some minor editing to protect the privacy of those involved. Nothing has been added for the purpose of “Sensationalism”.

A word of caution: Some of the material depicts disturbing images and is definitely not appropriate for children.
_______________________________

Alan Verges 53, has been hard pressed to share the details of how he found himself battling rapidly rising flood water on the morning of Aug. 29, 2005 while trying to save three (3) elderly sisters, one being his wheelchair bound mother, Emily 78, and her sisters, Olga 79 and Florence “Squeaky”, 73.

Well over a month had passed since that morning and Alan still hadn’t shared the complete horror he lived through; not even with his wife, Betty. He was never a very talkative person but now he had become more withdrawn and even little things were now sending him into angry outbursts. Betty describes Alan as always being on edge.

In late September, Alan began to share his story although I fear that for him, this may be more so a confession for sins he had never committed.

With Katrina taking dead aim at the Southeast Louisiana coast on Sunday, August 28th, the three (3) sisters including Alan’s mother refused to evacuate. Instead, Olga and Squeaky went over to Emily’s (Mr. Alan’s mother) home to ride the storm out.

Alan’s wife had left their St. Bernard home to ride the storm out with friends in down town New Orleans. Alan stayed behind (I am not sure why) and when he went to go pick up his wheelchair bound mother, he was surprise to find both of his aunts at her home. He decided to take them to his home, also in St. Bernard Parish, but newer and he believed stronger and safer. It sat about fifty (50) yards away from a fifteen (15) foot levee that was built to protect St. Bernard Parish from the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).

It was approximately 9:00AM, on August 29th when they heard what appeared to be an explosion. Alan said that he recalled his mother hollering “What’s Going on? What’s going on?”

When he looked out the window, he saw a wall of water rising ten (10) feet above the fifteen (15) foot levee. It was a horrifying inconceivable vision. Immediately, water began gushing through gaps in the doors, windows and even spurting through the brick mortar.

Alan ran up to the attic where he kept some life jackets. By the time he got back down and fitted the women with the life jackets, the water was up to their necks. His mother floated out of her wheel chair buoyed by her life jacket.

By the time he was able to break out of the house, the water was now over their heads. As they swam out, Alan was having to hold his mother above water because she was paralyzed on her left side and even with the life jacket, couldn’t control her movements. He was leading his mother and aunts to a brick wall that separated his house from his neighbor’s. By now the rain was coming down in sheets and the wind was causing surging waves. Squeaky had fallen behind. Alan turned and saw her. She was approximately ten (10) feet away and caught up in a chain link fence.

He kept asking her is she was OK and she kept saying she was stuck and that she couldn’t move.

Alan asked his Aunt Olga if she could prop his mother up while he would go assist Squeaky. But Olga, 79 was just too frail and in poor health, and under these conditions being what they were, had to say she couldn’t. At this point, Alan is now looking back at Squeaky, struggling to free herself from this fence.

Alan stated that he kept thinking to himself, does he lose his mother or does he lose his aunt? He cannot save both. He had to choose. He saved his mother. As he looked at Squeaky, he says the expression on her face was that of an expression that said, “This is it”.

As the waves churned, Alan and his mother were now swept away into a stand of trees behind his home and were now separated from Olga. A few minutes later, waves carried Olga toward them; thankfully she was alive and Alan was able to grab on to her. However, they lost sight of Squeaky.

For hours they clung to the trees holding on for their lives. Eventually, Mr. Alan’s mother told him to save himself and to leave them. He told them no; that they were all going to make it.

All of a sudden, Alan spotted a cousin, Ray and his son Josh. They lived seven houses away and they were in a boat. He yelled to them but they could not hear him over the roar of the wind. And now, Aunt Olga was drifting off to sleep. Alan kept trying to keep her awake but she kept drifting off.

Eventually the storm winds slowed. Alan swam from one roof top to another finally reaching Ray’s house. Alan, his cousin Ray and Ray’s son Josh guided the boat back to the trees where Alan had left his mother and aunt. They were alive.

As they were pulling Alan’s mother and aunt into their boat, Josh spotted Squeaky’s fluorescent orange life jacket. Alan swam to her in hopes that somehow she may still be alive. When he got to her, he had to swat away water moccasins with tree branches. Finally, after fighting off the snakes, he reached for her and grabbed her life jacket. He looked back at Ray and just shook his head. Squeaky was dead. Ray came over to help tie her body to a neighbor’s roof so she could later be found. As they were moving her, snakes crawled out of her clothing and life jacket.

The St. Bernard Parish Jail was the only building suitable in the Parish to handle evacuees for air lifting. Alan left his mother and aunt there.

Alan eventually made his way to elevated portions of Interstate 10 and camped out on overpasses for two (2) days, spent a night at a make shift hospital at Louis Armstrong International Airport and on September 4, and finally bussed to the LSU Medical Center which was now operating out of Baton Rouge. Finally he was able to reach his wife by telephone. She was OK.

Aunt Olga developed a viral infection from spending hours in the contaminated flood waters and died five (5) weeks later.

This is not where this story ends. It many respects, it's the beginning.

Amy Arnold, a cousin of Alan Verges had evacuated to a small town approximately forty miles north of New Orleans. She was in anguish that she could not find her mother, Squeaky. It wasn’t until September 3rd that Amy learned of the death of her mother. Because the story had been passed around so many times from one relative to another, the story had become badly distorted. Accounts of Squeaky’s death ranged from her dying while tied to Alan by a rope; that she was bitten by snakes and that Alan had cut the rope perhaps in an effort to save himself. Based on a conversation Ray had with Amy’s daughter, it was clear to him that Amy believed that Alan and Ray were responsible for her mother’s death. The one person she hadn’t talked to was the one person with the firsthand knowledge of the events leading up to her mother’s death; and that was Alan. She didn’t know how to contact him nor did he contact her.

Amy became increasingly frustrated over the lack of information leading up to her mother’s death. According to Emily, Alan’s mother, a telephone call she received from a frustrated Amy ended with Amy screaming “What did you do to my mother?”

As for Alan Verges? He felt it would be better to wait to give his cousin Amy the details of her mother’s death. He just felt she wasn’t mentally prepared to receive the information.

It wasn’t until early November when Amy received the ashes of her mother. The fact that Alan and Ray had the foresight to tie her body to the roof of a house allowed for a recovery team to find the body. (As of April 7, 2006, 1,000 people are still missing in louisiana). Although the body was recovered a week after the storm, the process of identification of the badly decomposed body in addition to lost paper work delayed delivering the remains of Squeaky to her family.

It was now mid to late November and the two (2) families (the Vergeses & Arnolds) decided to gather for a luncheon. The day before the luncheon, Alan visited his cousin, Amy Arnold to give her the purse her mother Squeaky had with her the morning of the storm and which he found buried in the mud and sludge of what was left of his home. He wanted her to tell him everything was OK. Amy didn’t. In fact, Amy said very little and the visit was at best; uncomfortable.

At the luncheon on the following day, Alan was quiet and avoiding questions. During the lunch, he received a call from the insurance adjuster and was informed that he would only receive a few thousand dollars for their home which had been destroyed. Alan became enraged which touched off an argument with his wife. His wife stormed out of the restaurant to have a cigarette.

As he luncheon ended and as the two (2) families were saying their goodbyes in the parking lot, something special happened. Amy and Alan embraced and she began to rub his arm telling him to please get some rest. Not long after this embrace, Amy would say that she didn’t feel her cousins were responsible for her mother’s death and that she felt somewhat hurt that they would think that she had.

Today, Alan Verges and his wife live in a small apartment over a garage. They have no closets, no stove, no oven; just a small hot plate and an outdoor grill. He continues to fight with his insurance company so that he may someday afford to rebuild a home.

Alan’s wife, Betty wants her and her husband to seek counseling but he refuses. She says she knows there is something else he hasn’t shared with her but she cannot imagine how it could be any more horrible than what he has already shared. He will not even discuss the events with his mother. Betty theorizes that perhaps he would find it easier to share his experience with someone disconnected from the events.

Later that night, this is exactly what happened. Over dinner, Alan revealed a detail to a reporter that he had not shared with anyone before.

As you may recall, Alan said that his aunt, Squeaky had fallen behind and was only ten (10) yards away and with his paralyzed mother requiring assistance to remain above water; and with a frail aunt who couldn’t hold his mother up, he could not swim out to assist Squeaky. As he tried to stop himself from crying, he told the reporter that Squeaky was not ten (10) yards away; she was inches away. He said he was so close; that he almost had her but then his mother screamed. He turned to see what was wrong and that’s when a large wave swept him and his mother away.

He went on to say that he agonizes over this everyday and that he cannot bring himself to tell his family the truth because he is ridden with guilt. If they continue to believe she was further away and with the choice he was faced with; they will not blame him for her death.

Alan maintains that he was responsible for these three (3) people and that he lost his two (2) aunts. People tell him not to blame himself; that he did all he could do but he responds with “That’s easy for them to say”. He says he blames himself and he will blame himself until the day he dies.

Due to the length of this story, I am breaking it up into two (2) parts. I am hoping to have Part 2 out by Sunday.

Dangle 24-7

2006-04-04T07:25:00.002-07:00

KATRINA - RITA WE ARE NOT OK

I am working on two (2), blogs that may or may not be completed in the next few days. So I will keep this brief.

As many of you are now aware, if you appear on my mailing list (which I am continuing to update) you are receiving information regarding the hurricane battered “United States Gulf Coast” and the stories and political implications surrounding this region.

I am already receiving emails besides posted comments asking “What can I do to help?”

When appropriate, I will send you a blog posting and request that you forward it to everyone on your mailing list. (Now ain’t that better than me asking you to send me $100.00?) It would be nice if you request your friends to whom you forwarded the material to request the same of their friends. Other times, I will just send you a posting or info just to keep you informed. I will always try to add a message, such as “FYI” (You decide to forward or not) or “Please forward to friends”.

Other than that; keep us in your thoughts and do not be misled by some of the stories you see or hear from the news media. And I am not criticizing them; all I am trying to say is that they cannot show the true despair of the people down here nor the devastation.

You may also get mixed messages from some of our political leaders down here. I know New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has made the news wires again today and if this guy can muster up any votes in the upcoming election; well perhaps the cynics in this country are correct about us. Please don’t hold the victims of these storms accountable for what this or any elected official says.

One more thing, then I am out of here.

I never look for credit for anything. I don’t need it. I just want to see things get done. So, although the “We Are Not OK” has been recently attributed to me, I want to make sure the right person receives credit for this tag line.

This catch phrase was coined by Cecile Tebo and was a Times Picayune op ed piece she did back on December 3, 2005. Her story hit every nerve in my body. I was so inspired, I asked and received permission from her to post her story which was titled "Whatever cameras show, we are not OK" . That’s where this line came from. Actually, it was the first blog posting I ever did. The name just stuck.

I just went back and read it. Good God, so little has changed. My first blog posting.

That’s it…….short, sweet but important.

Thanking you in advance,
Dangle 24-7

Katrina We Are Not OK Third Request to Rev. Jesse Jackson Regarding New Orleans Mayoral Election

2006-04-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

This is the third email I have sent to the local Rainbow-Push office. The question is simple but for whatever reason, I can't seem to get a response.

Required Message:
To: Reverend Jesse Jackson C/O Sheila Williams at New Orleans Rainbow-Push

I am not sure as to why we have yet to receive a response from you. Apparently the Reverend Jackson has concerns regarding the future of New Orleans. Please advise.

Second email to Sheila Williams at New Orleans Rainbow-Push

S.O.S. KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK: New Orleans Mayoral Election An Open Letter to Jesse Jackson
Reverend Jesse Jackson
C/O swilliams@rainbowpush.org
650 Poydras St.Suite 1025
New Orleans, LA. 70130

March 29, 2006

Dear Ms. Sheila Williams,
I emailed Reverend Jackson a question yesterday regarding possible legal action regarding the upcoming mayoral election for the City of New Orleans. (Please see the following link)
S.O.S. KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK: New Orleans Mayoral Election An Open Letter to Jesse Jackson

I understand that perhaps some clarification may be necessary prior to a response. I just want to make sure that you are in receipt of this correspondence. Please confirm by replying to:

dangle24seven@yahoo.com

Thanking you in advance,
S.O.S. Katrina, We Are Not OK
Glenn P. Survivor (Dangle 24-7)
____________________________

Perhaps, no answer is an answer?

Dangle 24-7

Katrina We Are Not OK But Those Faith Based Groups Are

2006-04-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was reminded a few days ago that I was eating myself up alive focusing on so many negative things that have come out of Katrina—and Rita. (My apologies to those victims of Rita, I am guilty of “Rita neglect" and you deserve better.) So, I actually did a blog on sunflowers. It was my “Kinder & Gentler" side of which I was attempting to show.

Although (we) are in the midst of creating a strategy for getting attention; today I feel the need to deviate from this goal; just for a day.

I am somewhat back on the middle ground of my emotional status—that perfect spot where I can be sensitive and yet, without using one (1) four (4) letter word (well, perhaps one seven (7) letter word may be used; perhaps), take out an old school “Let’s do things the old way” tobacco chewing good ole boy Louisiana politician who believes he “Owns” his job along with our fates.

We continue to hear about the billions Washington has sent (err, appropriated) down to the affected areas. Quite frankly, most local governments and the affected people have seen very little of these dollars. What they have seen though are college kids coming down here on spring break gutting homes and handing out drinking water to people. (Yep, many areas still have no potable water). Yeah, Acapulco and Cancun are still there; so are Panama City and Daytona; but many chose to come to New Orleans and no.....it was not to party.

Today, is Sunday, a day of rest for many; a day for gutting homes for many across a major portion of the United States Gulf Coast (Hey you all, new rule; from now on, let’s call it the “United States Gulf Coast” instead of the “Mississippi or Louisiana Gulf Coast”.) It is also a day of worship.

For many, worship is taking place thousands of miles away from their homes. No, I am not talking about our displaced Katrina/Rita citizens. I am talking about the self imposed displaced volunteers who are making routine trips to the affected areas on the United States Gulf Coast at their own expense and/or time, sacrificing a couple of weeks that could have been spent at Disney World, in the Caribbean or just chilling in a hammock in their well manicured backyard; taking a well deserved break from a grueling work schedule. Instead, they are in mold infested houses, wearing protective masks and clothing so they don’t get sick; walking through dried “Katrina” and/or Rita sludge and being away from their families and loved ones to help out people they not only have never met, but to help out people they will never meet because they are off somewhere between Houston and New York, trying to figure out how will they come back home.

The Brentwood Pointe Condo Association/residents (of Brentwood TN. were in on relief early in the game. I know, I was there when Ed was making runs to the United States Gulf Coast to bring clothes and money. This was like only ten (10) days after the storm. What a trip that must have been! And while we were there, they sought us out and fed us; didn’t need to; they just “had” too. The residents of this wonderful condo community were all part of a “Faith Based Organization” and will be forever a part of my heart.

Last night I learned of another group that continues to send volunteers down here to assist in the “Rebirth” of New Orleans. Another faith base organization. If I am not mistaken, volunteers will be here this week to work in the Mid City area of New Orleans. They are from a Faith Based Organization called PRC Compassion, an organization in alliance with the Pastors’ Resource Council. http://www.prccompassion.org/

Of all the assistance The United States Gulf Coast has received thus far, most has been from Faith Based Groups. They deserve to be recognized. They deserve our sincere thanks and if at all possible, they deserve to be welcomed with opened arms, opened homes are whatever we can give back to them; if nothing more than a smile, a hug and a thank you. And a donation would be nice. Just in case you missed it the first time: http://www.prccompassion.org/ They are here for nothing more than you.

Again, thank you PRC Compassion and to all other groups and organizations who have come, who are here and who are on their way.

And just one reminder—We of the UNITED STATES GULF COAST;
We Are Not OK

Thank you Becca for inspiring this blog

Dangle 24-7

KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK

2006-04-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

If you are getting your Katrina news from the TV outlets or from newspapers, you really need a supplement.

Come get the real news from those of us who are here in New Orleans or with close ties to the area and with no sponsors to keep happy and just one agenda; survival.

We will never ask for your money, just perhaps some of your time every now and then to remind the government who really is in charge.

Please visit the following blogs:

http://wetbankguide.blogspot.com/2006/03/we-are-not-ok.html

http://4travelingmermaid.blogspot.com/2006/04/we-are-not-ok-i-feel-like-fraud.html

http://community.livejournal.com/neworleans/2086921.html#cutid1

http://katrinavictimssos.blogspot.com/2006/04/katrina-we-are-not-ok-this-is-no-april.html

Thank you for your time,
Dangle 24-7

KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK This is no APRIL FOOLS Joke Either

2006-04-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding naïve, I have been getting a bit “Un” reassured as to where we are heading with our rebirth. The cost of levee protection for Southeast Louisiana and the City of New Orleans (And the Port of New Orleans—trust me out-of-towners; you BETTER care about that facility) has nearly doubled over night. I had a funny analogy for this but today, I am humorless. (Perhaps, LSU will put me in a better mood this evening).

Let’s face it, Lower Plaquemines is gone and so goes the past lives of so many. I believe great portions of St. Bernard Parish are now at serious risk. We are reaching a point of having to choose our battles. Jesus, I cannot believe I am at a point where I am talking “Acceptable losses”. God (and the people of those communities) please forgive me.

I am going to say it again……..S.O.S. KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK!!!

My inspiration for todays’s post? This e-mail I received this morning from Markus (Fellow Blogger):

I am working on a WBG post linked to author and blogger Poppy Z. Brite's summary We Are Not Ok, and it occurs to me to suggest another post campaign: one to write on this topic and with this tagline embedded in the story, perhaps even in the title. Dangle has made in the theme of his blog, and most people have posted in this vein in the past (although I have not).

I want to suggest everyone consider taking up this theme soon, using this particular tag phrase, and think about ways to make this visible to the world. Send your post out to your entire email list, start a Google Bombing campaign to tie We Are Not Ok pages to the word/tag Katrina, hell maybe start a letter writing campaign telling everyone we know in the diaspora to take an hour to write a letter to the editor of the paper where they have landed, telling the people there We Are Not Ok.

I keep trying to think of things we can do as people with a talent for and a drive to communicate, to help. If you link this one, no further reply is needed. Go write up a post. If you have an idea of how to virally spread this tag, let us hear it. It is exactly the opposite of the message the local leadership wants to send, because they worry about the tourism/convention business. And I guess, if I were back wearing my old PR guy Bostonians, I'd tell them the same thing. But it's wrong.

More from Markus at http://wetbankguide.blogspot.com/2006/03/we-are-not-ok.html

At this point, I am going to mail this to everyone who’s address I have; including those thugs in Nigeria who keep telling me unauthorized attempts have been made to access my PayPal account and if I don’t respond they will have no “choise but to temporally” close my account.

Dangle 24-7

2006-03-31T04:36:00.000-08:00

Got up early and was just doing some reading. Was reading Markus http://wetbankguide.blogspot.com/ which linked me to my friend TravelingMermaid and a post she did this past Sunday

As I was leaving a comment regarding what she had written, I realized....hey; this is good material and perhaps I can express a kinder, gentler me by blogging it here instead. (Yeah, yeah, I have been reading your all's e-mails) And since I learned early on that I cannot inspire myself; only others can; may I say thank you Mermaid for this post. To fully understand what I am saying, you must first read:

http://4travelingmermaid.blogspot.com/2006/03/friendship-in-cyberspace.html

MY RESPONSE:

It is funny, from the mother of all storms, out of no where; I have a sunflower standing tall in my front yard. My neighbor a couple of houses down has three. Weren't there pre-Katrina. Neither were you nor so many others.

I am going to plant some sunflower seeds this weekend. Why wait for serendipity.

Dangle 24-7

S.O.S. KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK: New Orleans Mayoral Election An Open Letter to Jesse Jackson

2006-03-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

Reverend Jesse Jackson
C/O swilliams@rainbowpush.org
650 Poydras St.Suite 1025
New Orleans, LA. 70130

March 29, 2006

Dear Ms. Sheila Williams,

I e mailed Reverend Jackson a question yesterday regarding possible legal action regarding the upcoming mayoral election for the City of New Orleans. (Please see the following link):

S.O.S. KATRINA WE ARE NOT OK: New Orleans Mayoral Election An Open Letter to Jesse Jackson

I understand that perhaps some clarification may be necessary prior to a response. I just want to make sure that you are in receipt of this correspondence. Please confirm by replying to:
dangle24seven@yahoo.com

Thanking you in advance,
S.O.S. Katrina, We Are Not OK
Glenn P. Survivor (Dangle24-7)

New Orleans Mayoral Election An Open Letter to Jesse Jackson

2006-03-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Reverend Jesse Jackson,
C/O swilliams@rainbowpush.org
650 Poydras St.
Suite 1025
New Orleans, LA. 70130

March 28, 2006

Dear Reverend Jackson,

With the controversy surrounding the upcoming Mayoral election for the City of New Orleans, I would like to know if all legal actions fail and the election is held, what action do you plan to take?

As it stands now, it appears this election will take place and it would be foolish not to have a contingency plan? So, please share your plan with us.

For instance, if Mitch Landrieu wins, will your approach be different if Peggy Wilson or Ray Nagin wins the election?

Please advise.

Sincerely,
S.O.S. Katrina, We Are Not OK
Glenn P. Survivor (Dangle24-7)

Copy to: New Orleans Times-Picayune
New York Times
New York Post
Chicago Sun Times
Detroit Free Press
Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
Associated Press
Reuters
Katrina Bloggers and Supporters

OH! God! They're Back!

2006-03-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

Must get re-fills on all my meds. The Louisiana Regular Session began today. At one point, I was hearing more about cock fights from these *$%# suckers than about the displaced people of S.E. LA. Well, freakin' worthless brainless Arthur Morrell was still showing some concern for some of the folks down here; the "Magnificen Seven" tax assessors whom for whatever reason, he has a hard on for.

St. Augustine Church? You outsiders want to occupy it? Well "F" you. It is now closed thanks to you. Go home.

Yeah, I am back and with less class but with all the honesty as before.

New Children of Public Assistance Part 3 is still sitting in a draft folder. At the expense of losing some friends; it too shall come to pass.

Dangle 24-7

Katrina The New Children Of Public Assistance Part 3 Still In Draft Form

2006-03-22T05:09:00.002-08:00

OK. My favorite movie is Terminator 2. (For those of you who don’t know me, now you know I am a guy.) It took way too long for Terminator 3 to be made. After seeing it; it should have taken longer. I have extremely intelligent people who read my blog. You all know where I am going with this.

Fact is; I am exhausted. I need inspiration. My last few postings were “Trite”. Thanks Mermaid; was your “Word” about what you thought one of your postings may be. For you? Not guilty. Want to see trite? Check out my Katrina “TNCPA Parts 1 & 2”. Takes the mystery out of why Part 3 is taking so long to get published. And it is sooooooooo long and so much work must be added. Anyway…..

Now there is a dinner being scheduled for the NOLA Bloggers.

Back to me. I am sick of blogging but I want to go to the dinner. If I do a few of these pointless postings and technically, I am blogging—Katrina is in my title….will they count?

One other thing, then I am out of here.

Lot’s of people have asked how the Rolling Stones concert was. It was great. They opened with “Jumping Jack Flash” and then went right into “Let’s Spend The Night Together”. We were on row 7 and it was so cool to have Mick look you in the eyes and point at you as he is taking his props following a song. Played for well over two (2) hours. Again, an issue of New Orleans comes to mind. The Alltel Arena in Little Rock, which looks fairly new; sucks. The score board appears to have been made by a company specializing in manufacturing scoreboards for middle schools who just don't care. The parking, (mostly a shell lot) is a freakin’ joke. I point this out because how in the hell can the magnificent New Orleans Arena sit there without a sponsor and that dump gets Alltel?

Back to the Stones though. You know, there are a lot of similarities to a 1965 Stones concert and a 2006 Stones concert.

For instance:
Fans at a 1965 Rolling Stones concert carried draft cards.
Fans at a 2006 Rolling Stones concert carry AARP cards.

Fans at a 1965 Rolling Stones concert got fan club discounts.
Fans at a 2006 Rolling Stones concert get Senior Citizens discounts.

Fans at a 1965 Rolling Stones concert took LSD tabs.
Fans at a 2006 Rolling Stones concert take Viagra.

At a 1965 Rolling Stones concert, Keith Richards looked as if he had one (1) foot in the grave.
At a 2006 Rolling Stones concert, Keith Richards looks as if he has one (1) foot in the grave.

Like they say, the more things change, the more they stay the……never mind.

Dangle24-7

Katrina I'm Back

2006-03-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Er............I am back from Little Rock. Great Concert. And no, I am not done with this thing.

Dangle24-7

Katrina - The New Children of Public Assistance? Part 2

2006-03-04T11:29:00.001-08:00

Numbers; they mean so much and yet most people turn away from them because they either view it as a language more difficult than Greek or perhaps; because they can become overwhelming. Still thinking about those billions? Yes, overwhelming.

Yet, as I look back at my days as a student—a student at any level; math class was the only true science. Even science and biology were not as pure of a science as were the numbers of mathematics, algebra or trigonometry.

Numbers can tell a story without compromise or contradiction; that’s left to one’s interpretation and sometime manipulations. When trying to make a point, they can easily be misrepresented.

So rather than make any comments, I will just present. Keep in mind, even presentation can innocently lead to deception.

1990 Populations of New Orleans, Houston and Atlanta

New Orleans ........496,938
Houston .............1,630,553
Atlanta ……………394,017

2000 Populations of New Orleans, Houston and Atlanta

New Orleans ........484,674
Houston .............1,953,651
Atlanta ..................416,474

Sooooooo.....Where did everyone in New Orleans go?

Not necessarily to Houston or Atlanta but they went somewhere. First thing that comes to mind is Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes. Well, at first glance it appears this is what has happened. But not so fast. Although the New Orleans Metropolitan Area grew, it paled to her sister cities, Atlanta and Houston. We know the growth of St. Tammany has taken off like a rocket but growth in Jefferson has become stagnant and in fact, had a slight decrease in 2000 from 1990.

Here’s a look at the three metro areas of New Orleans, Houston and Atlanta.

New Orleans Metro Area ...1990 .….1,238,816
New Orleans Metro Area ...2000 .….1,337,726

Houston Metro Area ...........1990 .....3,711,043
Houston Metro Area ...........2000 …..4,669,571

Atlanta Metro Area .............1990 …...2,959,500
Atlanta Metro Area .............2000 …...4,112,198

While the metro areas of Houston and Atlanta grew in the range of approximately 25% and 40% respectively, the population of the New Orleans metro area grew at an anemic 8%.

So then, how does Louisiana stack up against these two (2) states?

Louisiana ……………………1990 …..4,238,216
Louisiana ..............................2000 ......4,468,976

Texas ..………………………1990 …16,986,510
Texas ..………………………2000 …20,851,820

Georgia ……………………...1990 .....6,478,216
Georgia …………………..….2000 …..8,186,453

Just eyeballing the above comparisons, you can see that Texas and Georgia have grown at roughly 25% between the years of 1990 and 2000. As for Louisiana; growth was right under 6% for the same time period.

Sooooooo…Where did everyone go? And why did they go? And what did they take with them? The true deception has yet to be revealed.

Dangle24-7

Next: KATRINA - The New Children of Public Assistance? Part 3

I am out for the next week. Relaxing and going to see the Rolling Stones up in Little Rock. Row 8 and next to the catwalk. How cool is that?

Everyone take care and stay safe. Dangle24-7

KATRINA - The New Children of Public Assistance? Part 1 (Remember Those Billions)

2006-03-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

It is not my intent to step on toes but I wear a size 12 so excuse me as I stomp….er; I mean step into this topic. But at some point, someone has to ask; “Wait a second, what are we doing to help ourselves?”.

City Councilman (At large) and President, Oliver Thomas (D) put it out there quite bluntly. (I like “Bluntly”—Keeps it simple and with maximum impact). Come back to New Orleans and participate in the “re-building” of the city. (Hmmm, what did I say about using that word, re-building?)

“We don't need soap opera watchers all day,” Thomas said at the council meeting Feb. 20. Thomas was telling displaced residents if they want to come back — and they want to live in public housing — they better want to work.

“If your legs don't hurt, you can walk somewhere,” Thomas said. “If your arms don't hurt, you can pick something up.”

Cynthia Wiggins manages one of the city's public housing complexes. “Some of these people that live in public housing need to get up and work,” Wiggins says. “I think it's unfair to me and a whole lot of people who get up every day and go to work.” But critics, like public housing advocate Mike Howells, say it’s just another way for the city to select who comes back and who doesn't.

“It's traumatic to be thrown out of your home,” Howells says. “I think they're putting as many obstacles in front of people who they feel are undesirable for whatever reason and they want to freeze them out.”

Mr. Howells? Asking people to “Work” rather then sit at home on public assistance and watch soap operas all day is an obstacle? And—to do work that would benefit their surroundings? Surely you jest. I know that having to go to work for forty (40) hours a week isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Especially when Springer or, for the more intelligent (That’s like saying of the Three Stooges, Moe was the smart one) Oprah is on! How dare we feel that able bodied people on public assistance contribute to their community and society in general. This can only be one thing—racist!

So, you are asking how do these people (That should get me some nasty e mails) fall into the category of “The New Children of Public Assistance”? Actually, they don’t. They were already in this category. Chances are that’s where they will stay. But if we are not smart, their ranks will grow by leap and bounds.

Next posting: KATRINA - The New Children of Public Assistance? Part 2 (Remember Those Billions)

Dangle24-7

2006-02-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Katrina A Matter of Black & White (Chocolate & Vanilla)

2006-02-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

Tucked away on page A 13 in the Times-Picayune (Feb. 24) was a story regarding Bishop Paul Morton of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, a political organization more so than a religious congregation that Morton uses as a lightning rod so he can live high with political clout. Morton's agenda includes the support of any black candidate who runs for political office unless the black candidate is a Republican or a competitive “Man of the cloth”.

In fact, Thursday, February 23, a press conference was called where Mayor Nagin and Bishop Morton announced that he and Nagin are now the best of buddies; my words; not theirs. It was at this press conference that Bishop Morton confirmed our worse fears. No, not that he (Morton) was a racist; we knew that—he has practiced his racism shamelessly on many previous occasions. What he (and Nagin) did confirm was that Nagin is a racist and apparently; a liar. (OK, I know, he’s a politician—I guess I like to give everyone the benefit of doubt).

We tried our very best to forgive Nagin for his “God told me so” comment that New Orleans will be Chocolate again. However, while Morton was rambling on Thursday, Nagin was standing behind him, clearly smiling and nodding in agreement. Nagin even muttered "Go. You're doing good".

Now, those of you who had read my blog know that in the past, when some white moron would make a racial comment, I would rip them a new one. So to make sure you or for that matter, anyone who stumbles across this post and blog understands me, here are a few things about me.

I, Dangle24-7:

1. Detest Rush Limbaugh
2. Detest Bill Maher
3. Detest David Duke
4. Detest Louis Farrakan
5. Believes that Robert Blake did it.
6. Believes that O.J. did it.

So now that you know a little bit more about me, let’s have a look at this story as reported by The Times-Picayune this past Friday.

Mayoral poll can't snag many evacuees

Friday, February 24, 2006
By Steve Ritea and Bruce Eggler
Staff writers

OLIVE BRANCHES AT CITY HALL: Bishop Paul Morton of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church and Nagin had a well-publicized war of words two years ago, but on Thursday the two had nothing but smiles, compliments and hugs for each other as they announced that Morton's Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International will hold its annual conference in New Orleans this summer.

Facing a re-election campaign in which support from the pastor of the state's largest church could prove to be a major help, Nagin called Morton "a man of God" who has "continued to prove your commitment to New Orleans" even though Morton has been living in Georgia since Katrina. "We are incredibly thankful to him," Nagin said.

Asked about the 2004 controversy in which Morton and dozens of other local black pastors denounced Nagin's administration for allegedly not steering major contracts to the black business community, Nagin said, "We're all smiles now. What's in the past is in the past."

Morton added with a broad smile, "We made up before the storm."

Two years ago, Morton and the other ministers compared Nagin unfavorably with the way former Mayor Marc Morial handled City Hall contracts with black businesses. "Thank God for a powerful black mayor who gave us more than crumbs" rather than "leftovers" under the Nagin administration, Morton said then.

The pastors also attacked Nagin for cutting back grant money to the job and education programs their local ministries ran; and for dismissing the ministers as valuable allies who could help rebuild neighborhoods through their churches and ministries.

Their protests turned into a two-month-long spectacle before the furor died down. Heading the protest with Morton was the Rev. Thomas Watson of Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, who last week announced he will challenge Nagin in the April 22 mayoral election.

Asked if he'll endorse Nagin this time around, Morton said he plans to take an active role in the campaign but declined a direct answer, saying he plans to "sit down with everybody at the table."

Then he offered what some might have thought was one compliment too many.

"I don't want to bring up old wounds," Morton said, " but I perfectly understand what the mayor meant when he said 'chocolate' city" -- a reference to Nagin's widely criticized Martin Luther King Day speech in which he said that New Orleans again will become a majority-black "chocolate" city because "it's the way God wants it to be."

Morton said Nagin's comment "had nothing to do with racism" but was just a way of saying he wants displaced black residents to return.

"I don't want an all-chocolate city," Morton said as Nagin murmured in the background, "Go. You're doing good."

In fact, Morton said, before Nagin upset many white voters with his "chocolate" comment, "he was more on the white side than the black" -- phrasing that recalled Morton's disparaging statement in 2004 that Nagin was "a white man in black skin."

Amid whoops of laughter and applause from several of those in attendance, Nagin quickly ended the City Hall news conference. END OF STORY

So they were whooping and laughing. Let’s take a good look at what really is going on here.

First you have an incumbent black mayor who had a conversation with “God”. Then you have this Bishop, Paul Morton who runs one of the largest church congregations/political machines in Louisiana. Much of his congregation/pawns are not living in New Orleans. This could spell trouble for Nagin since blacks vote along racial lines—as do whites. At least the blacks are duped by black ministers; whites have no legitimate excuse. However, a greater percentage of whites will vote for a black candidate then blacks will vote for a white candidate.

As you have read above, Morton; in referring to Nagin, states “He (Nagin) was more on the white side than the black" prior to when he (Nagin) made the “Chocolate remark”. In fact, in 2004, Morton stated that “He (Nagin) was a white man in black skin.” OK, I have heard of the word “Wigger” (If you don’t know what that word means—Google it). So are you saying Nagin was a “Whack”? (If you don’t know what that word means—don’t Google it; I just made that word up). Whatever Morton was saying; in or out of context; it was blatantly racist.

In the press conference, Morton also rambles on to say something along the lines of—it took a lot of work to get New Orleans to the point of being an African American city. You mean chocolate? I am confused.

I thought your “New” buddy took those words back with remorse and regrets. But Thursday, you explained how you understood what he was saying and what Nagin said was not racist. So, I am now completely confused. Was he telling us a lie? And Bishop, when you say chocolate, why did you use the term “African American” in your statement?

What you have here is Nagin who is the Rush Limbauh racist type that when he says “Chocolate City”, you just groan. But with Morton; you have a man of the cloth; a man who apparently would have no problem if David Duke had said, New Orleans must become a Vanilla City”. Ain’t that right Bishop? You would understand what he means. I guess I’m just ignorant. But not you. You and Duke; birds of a feather perhaps?

When you mix politics with religion, it is inetivable that you end up getting these nuts that are in the “Jesus” business with ulterior motives. Remember, there is power in politics and in religion. It is very similar to what you see in Iraq where the clergy mixes politics with Allah. This is why our forefathers, (Yeah, I know, they were slave owners; Ugh, shoot me) had the insight (and foresight) to separate “Church & State”. If the United States decides one day that one religion is “The right one” to incorporate into the law of the land, many Christians would become outraged if it was not their religious beliefs and probalby would begin to kill each other; not because of religious differences, but because of political differences.

What? Only Muslims do that? Oh! Well hell, I didn’t know it was Shiites and Sunnis having all those difficulties in Northern Ireland.

Bishop, you are without question a racist who uses your pulpit as a political podium to further your political agenda while enjoying the tax exempt benefits of a church. Preaching “Racists politics” from the pulpit is not the principle this country WAS BUILT UPON. In the past, you have caused friction between you and black political leaders and other “Men of the cloth” not to mention the true minorities of New Orleans, the Caucasian and the Asian population.

After Morton justified Nagin's Chocolate remark, he went on to say "I don't want an all-chocolate city." So Bishop, you do not want an "All-chocolate city"? Just how much chocolate would satisfy you?

Bishop, should God decide he wants New Orleans to be a "Vanilla City"; you will be happy to know that vanilla comes from brown beans. Halleljah!

Dangle 24-7

Copy to: Greaterststephenministries@yahoo.com
Attn: Bishop Paul S. Morton

Katrina Dollars Part 3 Assessing The Job Performance of The Seven Tax Assessors of Orleans Parish

2006-02-24T07:45:00.001-08:00

So, no matter how much sense it makes, no matter that every city, county, parish or any other political sub division in the United States does it with one person, it takes seven (7) people in New Orleans to assess and tax properties.

So, what do you get for this expertise?

On consolidation of the seven (7) Orleans Parish Tax Assessors: Salter's bill never really had a chance with this committee. It is loaded heavily with New Orleans lawmakers who don't support it, including two family members of assessors, Jeff Arnold, son of District 5 Assessor Tom Arnold and Alex Heaton, brother of 7th District Assessor Henry Heaton. WGNO Channel 26 ABC Affiliate

So, why can’t this bill at least be sent to the people (The House) for debate? So Jeff and Alex, we want an answer. You work for me so I expect a response within 48 hours.

"This session mainly, as far as I see, those things that were put on the call has to do with reducing government in New Orleans, reducing the number of elected officials," said Morrell, D-New Orleans. "I can only see that as being prejudice and racial." Arthur Morrell State Representative (D) District 97.

You “Can only see that as being prejudice and racial”? There is obviously something wrong with you. You must step down now and seek psychiatric help!

Fifth District Assessor Tom Arnold is quoted as saying “we really aren't the big bad animal they make us out to be," "New Orleans is unique. It is different. That does not make it wrong.” Fifth District Assessor Tom Arnold statement regarding legislation to consolidate the seven (7) Assessors of Orleans Parish to one (1) office.

So Tom, what are you saying? How are we different? Are you saying that you and your counterparts are so incompetent that it requires seven (7) of you guys to do what takes one (1) to do in the rest of the country? Or perhaps—you think we are that dumb and we buy into that load of Bull shit.

A large, modern home on Country Club Drive in Lakewood South is valued at $120,000 by 7th District Assessor Henry Heaton, 38 percent of its 1998 sales price of $315,000. The property is owned by Bryan Duplantier, a Heaton contributor. Meanwhile, Heaton values a single shotgun on Cambronne Street at its full 2003 purchase price of $120,000. A Heaton aide acknowledged Duplantier's assessment was off-base; he said it was reduced because of a plumbing problem and never readjusted. He said it will be revalued for 2005. NOLA.com 4/5/04

OK, thank God for coincidences, right Mr. Heaton? Quit being an embarrassment and step down.

A 7,500-square foot mansion at 1134 First St. in the Garden District, the place where Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy, died, is up for sale for $3 million. Fourth District Assessor Betty Jefferson values it at $302,700, about $42,000 less than the value she assigned to a townhouse a few blocks away at 1535 Washington Ave. Jefferson said she stands by the valuations. She is skeptical that the First Street home will fetch $3 million but said she will consider revaluing it after it sells. “I'll read the act and see what else is in the sale”, she said. NOLA.com 4/5/04

So Miss Jefferson, just what did that house sell for? And how much did your skepticism cost the City of New Orleans just on this one piece of property? Miss Jefferson, step down for the sake of the City of New Orleans and your self respect. Go find yourself a real job.

A letter to the editor of The New Orleans Times-Picayune 2/1/06

The Orleans Parish Board of Assessors regrets that the Bureau of Governmental Research and our local newspaper have teamed up to exploit our post-Katrina assessment adjustments in a persistent effort to further tarnish our image and to advance your agenda for one Orleans Parish assessor.

Clearly our board recognizes its physical limitations when it comes to estimating the damage to individual properties caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

All property damage was not caused by flooding alone, and, for that reason the Board of Assessors, with the help of the Louisiana Assessors Association, LABI, Louisiana Tax Commission, and the Louisiana State Legislature, were able to pass legislation that recognized that wind and rain damages must be included when estimating adjustments to assessments.

We practice mass appraisal theory -- not single-property appraisal theory. Mass appraisal is the systematic appraisal of groups of properties as of a given date. We believe that we have followed the law by making assessment adjustments that reflect damage estimates caused by these storms. We do not agree with your contention that property along the river escaped damage by water, just because there was no apparent sustained flooding.

Our field research indicated that many property owners along the river incurred damages from ground water to flooring and Sheetrock, in addition to considerable wind damage.

The Orleans Parish Board of Assessors will continue to remain focused on our mission to bring about fair and equitable assessment practices to the property owners of Orleans Parish.

Darren G. Mire
1st District
Claude T. Mauberret
2nd District
Erroll G. Williams
3rd District
Betty Jefferson
4th District
Thomas Arnold
5th District
Al Coman
6th District
Henry F. Heaton
7th District
New Orleans

Since when has this bunch ever been concerned about equitable assessment practices to the property owners of Orleans Parish? The most equitable thing I could find by running this bunch through Google is that those who contribute a few dollars to an assessor’s campaign chest were rewarded with comparatively lower assessments on their property than their neighbors with similar properties and in some cases, properties of lesser value.

This statement by this group of “Elected" welfare recipients stands on its own merit—self serving, self indulgent with a delusional sense of importance—but mainly reprehensible. Not only MUST THEY BE WATCHED; THEY MUST BE REMOVED AND THEIR OFFICES BE COMBINED.

More on these public deadheads next week.

Next: Greater St. Stephen Full Baptist Church Bishop Paul S. Norton & Mayor Ray Nagin - Up to their necks in chocolate & racism.

Dangle24-7

Katrina Dollars Part 2

2006-02-23T10:12:00.001-08:00

Continue to consider the difference in one (1) million and one (1) billion. A twelve (12) month Certificate of Deposit with an APR of Four (4) % will yield a monthly income of $3,333.33. One (1) billion invested in the same CD will yield a monthly income of $3,333,333.33. In case you are distracted by so many threes (3s); that’s three (3) million and some “change” per month.

We will re-visit this later

**********************************

Thrust upon us is an opportunity of not a life time but literally; multiple life times and we cannot screw this up. This opportunity must be met by us with responsibility and accountability in mind.

As this blog evolves into its second stage, we shall tie in some of these loose ends I am throwing out. However, a good place to begin is with our expectations. Quite frankly folks, New Orleans is a great city but honestly, on August 28, 2005 (Or any other pre-Katrina date), it was generally a dreadful place to live. Anyone remember? If not, that’s why I am here.

We must change our attitudes and view our politicians as our subordinates; our servants; they don’t get to decide anything; we do. And for that matter, we also must become more responsible. We cannot take this money from the hard working tax paying citizens of this country without understanding the opportunity; and our responsility. We must exercise good judgement and emulate the successes of other communities throughout this country. To say we cannot because we are unique will doom the whole Re-Birthing of New Orleans. Consider this a uniquely rare second chance.

Ah yes, about Re-Birthing. As my blog moves from “Hey, we need help” to “Thank you”; I have implemented two (2) rules. It is important that these first two (2) rules be adhered to and in fact, respected. As necessary, additional rules will be added. But for now, this will be a good start.

RULE NO. 01. I will not tolerate anyone saying “Rebuild New Orleans” any longer. I have been quite patient and not called anyone down on this “Rebuild and/or Rebuilding” crapola. From now on we will use the word “Re-Birth”. The “R” in Re and the “B” in Birth shall always be capitalized.

RULE NO. 02. Any attempt to safe guard the tax payers’ money that was sent down here to “Re-Birth” New Orleans shall NEVER be labeled as “Racism”.

Good, now that I have that out of the way, we shall move on to another component of the Re-Birth. It deals with those on "Elected" public assistance who have contributed virtually nothing to the the City of New Orleans and for that matter,mankind; with the exception of reproducing themselves by way of an offspring to whom they would pass the torch or by marriage where they could secure political clout from another branch of local government. Some have even the gall to do both! We will take a look at the Heaton family, the Arnold family and the Morrell family in my next posting.

Dangle24-7 VOTE THE IQ TICKET

Copy to:
Alex Heaton (D) State Representative District 95
Henry Heaton (D) Orleans Parish Tax Assessor – Seventh District
Arthur Morrell (D) State Representative Dist. 97
Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (D) New Orleans City Council District C
Jeff Arnold (D) State Representative Algiers District 102
Tom Arnold (D) Orleans Parish Tax Assessor - Algiers – Fifth District
William Jefferson (D) U.S. Congressman
Betty Jefferson (D) Orleans Parish Tax Assessor - Fourth District

Katrina Dollars

2006-02-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

Many people hear the word "Million" and the word "Billion" and to them, it’s kind of the same thing. It’s like; what’s the big difference? A million? A billion? About the same?

Wwwwwwwwwwwell; not quite.

"One Million Minutes" equal less than 2 years (Approximately 1.9 years)
"One Billion Minutes" equal approximately 1,900 years

Now, instead of the number of $100,000 homes one billion dollars represents; let us consider the above examples of the conversions of "One Million" and "One Billion" minutes into years.

We will take this very slowly so we can absorb these numbers and recognize what "One Billion" represents.

As I said this past Sunday; think about it and I will see you in a few days.

Dangle 24-7

On The Fly

2006-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am doing this on the fly. Got company coming over and all kind of stuff!

I did some math in my head. (Caused me a headache but...) One Billion Dollars equals One Thousand Million Dollar homes. One Thousand Million Dollars equals Ten Thousand One Hundred Thousand Dollar homes. Remember, I said homes; not land. Land is still there.

OK, now you have been hearing numbers like 50 to 100 Billion Dollars. I want everybody to sit back and think about this.

I will see you in a few days.

Dangle24-7

TRUE CONFESSIONS & other misnomers

2006-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

TRUE CONFESSIONS Draft 1

I've really had about as much as I can stomach from the good old boys and their freakin’ politics. Combining seven (7) tax assessors to one (1) is racists????? Representative Arthur A. Morrell Democrat - District 97 seems to think so.

The City of Chicago has one (1) tax assessor while New Orleans needs seven (7). But of course, consolidation is a cover up for racism.

Hey Arthur, you got elected to the State House in 1983. I keep on “Googling” you in an attempt to find any important legislation for which you may have been responsible but all I keep coming up with is ethic hearings on you and/or your son.

Then there are the numerous entities of police and sheriff and..........

Dump

TRUE CONFESSIONS Draft 2

A beam of sun light shoots through my window and on my computer keyboard like a spotlight on some faded country and western singer with dusty cowboy boots who, having traveled the world in search of an elusive dream; finally arrives at the Grand Old Opry only to forget the words of the song he wrote and sang every night for the last twenty (20) years in smoky honky tonks all over the country with bar maids named either Dottie or Candy.

(What the hell is that? DUMP)

TRUE CONFESSIONS Draft 3

It was the best of times; It was the worse of times. (UGH)

DUMP!

TRUE CONFESSIONS & other misnomers

OK you all; you got to cut me some slack. After smoking just under two (2) packs of cigarettes a day for longer then I care to confess; I quit in mid June, 2005. No patch, no gum, no acupuncture, no hypnotism, no laser crapola; just good old time cold turkey in your face and not in my lungs—hell I ain’t gonna smoke no more—period!

Ever since I quit; it appears one thing or another tempts me with an excuse to light back up. I have accumulated nearly eight (8) months of being nicotine free. And nothing is going to make me throw in the towel and smoke again.

Do you understand?

Does the State Legislature understand?

Do all seven tax assessors in Orleans Parish whom the tax payers support understand?

Do the Civil Sheriff, Criminal Sheriff and Police Chiefs (N.O.P.D., Harbor Police, Orleans Levee Board Police and City Park Police) whom the tax payers support understand? (Betcha I forgot some too!)

Do the two (2) Clerks of Court whom the tax payers support understand? (Well dahhhhhhh, if you got two (2) Courts (Criminal & Civil) you must have two (2) Clerks of Court.)
I hate out of town readers—you have to explain everything to them!

Anyway……

About me giving up cigarettes—I am not looking for congrats or keep up the good fight or good for you stuff. I am just giving you my excuse why I get cranky and sometimes I appear a “bit” inpatient. (Hmmmm, my wife just looked over my shoulder and said I was like that before I quit smoking). UGH!

Anyway, about my true confessions. Some I have discussed earlier on in one of the above paragraphs but here’s a list anyway.

1. Let’s just say I had a meltdown last week. Every time the State Legislature goes into session; I seem to experience a meltdown. My “core” gets sore.

2. Every time I think about two (2) State Universities sitting on top one another, I say
“Sweet Mother”!

3. Every time I think about seven (7) Tax Assessors in one city, I think; what a pity.

4. Every time I think about two (2) Sheriffs’ Offices in Orleans Parish, I get pissed.

5. Every time I think about two (2) courts instead of one (1), I wonder why does it take two (2) to do what one could get done.

6. Huh? You thinking in confession number four (4), “Parish” does not rhyme with “Pissed”. Who said I rhyming?

7. To those of you who have read my blog, I say thank you; even to the ones who irritated me. The fact that you actually did a search for “Katrina” instead searching for a copy of College Babes Go Wild makes me proud and gives me hope. (Hmmmm, now that I think about it, I kind of remember that Katrina was the head cheerleader in that classic film. Have I given you too much credit???) What the hell, I saw College Babes Go Wild Part 2. Was not as good as the original one.

8. As you may or may not know, more federal dollars are coming down here and I sincerely believe it was because of all these blogs and message boards and just everyday people from all walks of life and from around the country. We all did a good job and each one of you made a difference.

9. I apologize for saying people shouldn’t come back to New Orleans in my posting last week. There is a lot of work to be done but with patience and fortitude, it is going to be a better place and all the good old things such as Jackson Square on a sunny spring Sunday will not only be back, it is already here, waiting for the first sign of impatiens to sprout their delicate little flowers—but why wait? Come see. Nothing like a stroll on a chilly night on the Moon Walk and a final stop at Café du Monde for a cup of café au lait and beignets to top off an evening in the French Quarter.

10. Good Blogs are written in the wee small hours of the morning. I write mine in the middle of the day.

12. I am tired

11. Yeah, I see this mistake. What can I say….I said I was tired.

Dangle24-7 Hangin’ out here a bit longer I guess. All because of Markus and Mermaid. Blame them for my return!

Comments & Responses - Katrina Jan.21 - Feb. 3, 2006

2006-02-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

COMMENTS & RESPONSES KATRINA JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2006

UGH! This was left in my draft folder. Not sure why it never got posted but I am cleaning house. It's over a week old. To tired to proof read. I am sure someone will point out my typos and bad grammer and stuff. So....one more out of draft to see the light of day. Dangle24-7

Posting Comments - Katrina Jan. 21 - 28, 2006

Paula K. Hammond, LA said...You have great wit. Keep up the good job. I hope you say something nice about me.

Response: Sweetheart, since you didn’t insert the word “Nit” in front of the word “Wit”; you are OK in my book! Dangle24-7
_________________________________________________________

Posting NBC The Long Road Back Katrina

subutane said...Pathetic pandering from NBC. I question the timing of this post and I also question the motive. The netroots started a boycott of NBC a day or two before this was posted. It seems that NBC is now trying to play the blog game by setting up "wringers" to post favorable opinions that they can then feature on their shows.Boycott NBCBoycott GEBring the troops Home!

Response: So you guys (Netroots) claim to be a group of free thinking liberals and conservatives. I have “Googled” my ass off and all I see is Liberal politics. I hate crap that is so freakin’ one sided especially when it pretends to be a vehicle for the open minded. Having said that, I have to admit I would have loved to have seen all you “free thinking” nut cases unscrewing all those GE light bulbs in your homes and changing all those headlights on those “Hybrid” clunkers for which you paid too much for (I bet some of you have an SUV or two (2) hidden away in the garage) and all because some “Free thinking” idiot proclaimed that GE and NBC must be boycotted and being the “Free thinking idiot” that you are; you followed. Oh! Also remember to check the make of the jet engines prior to boarding your plane taking you to your vacation destination, Universal Studios! Oooops, can’t go there; owned by GE.By the way, what’s on your watch list for next week? One ply toilet paper saves a freakin’ tree? I can hear the slogan now; “Wipe with 2--you have no clue!” Get a life and think for yourself. Dangle24-7
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Posting Katrina I Want to End This Blog!

scoobydoo fan said...Oh Glenn I feel so badly for you. The majority of the world can close their eyes and ears to all of this destruction from insert the word here and put it into to the back of their heads. But when you wake up in the morning and look outside to the once beautiful neighborhood that once stood and all you find is rubble, how can you not remember.This is your life, sad but true. You live in the center of all of this travesty you see it daily everywhere you go. Most people can go to the grocery store and not have to worry about a downed tree or nails from your neighbor’s roof sitting in the road, but not you. Most people can make doctors appointments at will, but not you. You have to worry about your doctor and how’d he do. My point with all of this is you are in the middle of all of this. And as long as there are people still reading this blog and taking the time to respond there are still people out there that rely on YOU and care. The harsh truth is people will not stop talking about Katrina until something else horrible happens. I’m sure you all could use a vacation from it all. Good luck to you my friend, Scooby Doo Fan

Response: Hey Scooby, I am OK as for seeing all the damage and stuff. It’s more of a psychological thing. I am so much better off then the hundred of thousands affected monetarily by Katrina. And I want them to know that “I” and “We” hurt for them. For one thing, I am not sure how they can deal with this mess. They are truly the “Survivors”. I am nothing more then a lucky bystander. Dangle24-7

TravelingMermaid said...Dangle,I know exactly how you feel - see my post "An open Letter to Katrina". We here in N.O. are going to have good days and bad days FOR A LONG TIME! We must rely on our family & friends - those who are in the same boat & understand - to keep the faith. Certainly you are entitled to some "Katrina Fatigue" - take your time, rest, try to forget for a while, then continue your so fine service to N.O. Because you ARE providing a service - don't even question that!! This is our mantra: New Orleans is worth it, New Orleans is worth it!

Response: Thanks for the kind words. Not sure what to think or do. Heard Bill Clinton was in town today. Jessie Jackson is also in town. (Glad I ain’t got a daughter with those two (2) here). With that combo here, I am sure there is a good posting getting ready to happen. And…………….I bet I don’t see to many more early AM postings by you. Cograts! Dangle24-7
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Posting Come And Hear Our Silence

Paula K Hammond said...I am not sure if Mardi Gras is such a good idea. It has always sent a bad message of our morality to the rest of the country but this time it will be worse. And you are correct with the tongue in cheek of banning tours to the lower 9th ward in N.O. That is exactly what people need to see, not what is required to be seen for a string of beads

Response: Hi Paula, you have been writing me a lot. Thanks. I fully, thoroughly, absolutely categorically, agree with you. Well….a few beads wouldn't hurt. Dangle24-7
_________________________________________________________
Posting Comments (Jan 21,2006)

Sunny said...In my opinion, Nagin's comment set back the clock about 50 years. I don't think ANYONE should be making comments about racial differences. Unfortunately, not everyone is like me and it is somewhat common for some African-Americans to make these comments when they feel they are being put down by "the white man", and honestly, sometimes I don't blame them. Though there is progress being made for more racial equality, there are still way too many people who have the thinking of 50 years ago. One another note, I am glad you decided to keep up the blog. You just can't find a good source of information lately about anything going on in N.O. Keep up the good work.

Response: Thank you Sunny. I have to tell you, I am exhausted with this damn thing. Dangle24-7

life...getone said...yeah,, you all black people told us whites..remember HURRICANES don't discriminate..neither should Ray

Response: You know something life, I think if we communicated back in forth for a few weeks, I would come to dislike you. So why should I waste my time….I will dislike you now. Dangle24-7
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Posting Katrina? Where Are You? Louisiana & Mississippi Are Still Here

Anonymous said...We were left to die, and we survived. Now we are left to fend for ourselves, and we will survive. May at least God bless us.

Response: Amen. Dangle24-7

brandon said...how i feel is that we the people of new orleans were left to die its really sad what we went through i have so much to say but get this you all wanna know who saved my family from the flood waters when we were trapped in the attic.........kids who stole a boat and were going through the neighborhood so what does that tell you about how they feel about us im brandon christopher from new orleans east 9th ward.

Response: Brandon, Lot’s of people care. You must understand that. And I know you have strong feelings but you are not alone. You and me dude…we gonna get thru this, I promise. Dangle24-7

Snappy said...His speech sure did not give me the "warm fuzzies" that New Orleans or the Gulf Coast is high on his list of things "to do"...I think we are screwed.

Response: Hi Snappy, been a long time since I have heard from you. As I recall, last time you wrote, you were somewhat critical of something I wrote. Looks as if the meds are kicking in. Thank God. I don’t think we are screwed. If the August offshore drilling leases are held up by Governor Blanco, it’s gonna get very interesting. Hang in there….with me or without me--gonna be a long but interesting ride. Dangle24-7

Abdul McShame said...I too was quite dishearten by the president's speech. Too bad we are not Iraq.

Response: I have to tell you Abdul, your name is so much more interesting then Tuesday night's State of Iraq speech. Dangle24-7

From an E-mail: (With permission) Angel said…wow,wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to go, you go girl !!!!!! loved it! it needed to be said,bless you!i added my own blog,dont know where it will show up,but I told it like I seen it also,i may have sounded snotty,but when i got started i let it rip,lol.you did a good job dear one!angel—luvucb

Response: Well thank you. I’m a guy not a gal but that’s ok, I am secure in my masculinity. Wow, you really liked that stuff. And then you did a blog and you lost it? Well, think of it as a little thing floating around in cyberspace. I assure you someone will come across it and read it and perhaps, that little lost blog will make the difference for all of us. You’re a sweetheart! By the way, I lose my car in parking lots all the time. I hate that. Dangle24-7
(NOTE: I never post an e-mail unless I receive permission from the sender.)_________________________________________________________

Posting Nether- Lands (Not Netherlands)

stanley steamer said...Hey Great Blog! Need any information on cleaning Check out my web site stanley steamer it relates to stanley steamer

Response: Ugh, I hate to finish today’s posting on a sour note but…….So, just how many times today did you post “Hey Great Blog”? And of all posts to comment on! Even I don't know what in the hell I was saying. I am sure you read my blog thoroughly. Now, read this: I find Stanley Steamer to be over priced and does a fairly decent job but no better then their cheaper competitors. Dangle24 -7

Steamed said...only a total jerk would post an ad for his F---Stanley Steamer on a site devoted to the survivors of Katrina--bring your GD steamer to New Orleans and clean --sign me STEAMED

Response: As I said earlier Steamed, I found the product to be over-hyped, over priced and inferior to other carpet cleaners. (Anyone else care to post an ad here?) Dangle24-7
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Well, perhaps I can close on an even a lower note. Things to ponder over the next few days include the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ hearings on Feb. 1 and 2. “Ugh!” I actually have a posting but my wife said she would leave me because she found it obscenely offensive. It’s still sitting in my “Draft” folder. And then there was Jessie Jackson’s proposal that we use Belle Chasse and the Algiers Naval bases and England Air Force Base for temporary housing to get our displaced citizens back to New Orleans. (Hmmm, so if you’re displaced in Baton Rouge, he is going to help you by getting temporary housing at England Air Force Base? Hey Rev…That’s in Alexandria. That’s 220 miles away from New Orleans. Baton Rouge is only 75 miles away in New Orleans. (Something tells me I will get re-energized) Dangle24-7

R.I.P.

2006-02-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. Temperature was in the upper 50s or lower 60s and the skies couldn’t have been bluer. As soon as I got on The Causeway Bridge, a 24 mile bridge over Lake Pontchartrain that connects the North Shore to the South Shore and leads you into New Orleans, the skyline of the city was clearly visible. Some days are like that. Thirty miles away and it stands proudly. All skylines appear to tower proudly. However, it’s what’s below and within this one that is so different; so tragic.

Just like the human body, a city has a heart and it has a pulse. It also has the intangible—the metaphysical aspects—a spirit; a soul. You get to know a person because of their spirit and you fall in love with them because of the beauty of their soul. Unless you know New Orleans; you cannot understand what has been lost.

At least 100,000 families have lost their homes. And as a city; as a person; the home also has a soul and spirit. The soul and spirit of the person, the home--and the city nourish each other. As one dies, so falls the others.

As I crossed Airline Highway on I-10, I glanced to my left to see if there is any activity on Tulane Ave. Nothing. Would have been nice to see the Cajun Inn opened and a sleazy prostitute or two hanging out the door trying to encourage some middle aged slob with a belly hanging over his belt to commit adultery in exchange for some crack money. We are nearly six (6) months into this apocalypse and it is so bad, even the lowest form of life won’t return.

At least the SuperDome looked pretty good. No activity but you can tell some work has gone on. It’s to my right as I travel on I-10 East. On my left stand the shells of what once was a world class medical complex; LSU & Tulane Medical Centers. Tulane will re-open in a few weeks but LSU has a long way to go. No guarantees it will be as elaborate in scope as it was pre Katrina. A bit down the way to my right is Charity Hospital. With the loss of this facility, the nearest Level One Trauma Care Centers are now in Shreveport, Houston and Birmingham. LSU is near getting one up and running at Elmwood Medical Center in Harahan, La.; a suburb of New Orleans.

For those of you who are not familiar with the inner city landscape, I-10 East and West run over and parallel with North Claiborne Ave. It is with stark contrast of her western brother, for in Metairie you see so many blue roofs and so many FEMA trailers, while my bird's eye view of this section of town known as Treme; sees little activity and a noticeable lacking of blue roofs and FEMA trailers.

I take the Claiborne Ave, exit and continue east on Claiborne. I am on the threshold of the Upper 9th Ward which looks much better then the Lower 9th Ward. Reminds me more of the ghost towns of Gentilly and Lakeview rather than Hiroshima. When we reach Elysian Fields, we see something quite odd. The traffic lights are working. We would learn as we drove further that those were the only ones we would see for the next few hours.

As I made my way east on Claiborne Ave., I just got the sense that very few people are in the area. The only people I saw were the FEMA debris removal contractors. It’s estimated that the clean up now will exceed over 15 million cubic yards and that’s only what is disposed of within the city limits.

We crossed the Judge Perez Bridge and as we reach its crest, we get a good view of the barge that took out about 1,000 yards of the Industrial Canal levee. We could clearly see the path the surge of water took as it crashed through and took aim on the streets “below”. Close your eyes and imagine the water not only rushing through but rushing down as you look up at a thirty (30) foot levee from the comfort of your living room. That is what happened. It was a mini tidal wave/waterfall.

As we leave that image behind us, it’s a short drive to the St. Bernard Parish line. As I pass through Jackson Barracks, North Claiborne has turned into Judge Perez Blvd. I begin to hunger for some Rocky’s And Carlos’ baked spaghetti. I am on the wrong street but no matter for that little landmark was erased by Katrina.

As I enter St. Bernard Parish, it’s the same damn thing—Just Katrina Gray and emptiness. Cars standing exactly where they stood for nearly six (6) months. No one around even to write on a rear window “WASH ME”. I mean, I keep driving and all I keep seeing are shattered dreams—the possessions of so many that meant so much not that long ago now curbside; waiting to be hauled to a “Katrina” burial ground.

Everything looks forbidden but almost in an abstract way. In front of a closed Wal-Mart is a Hurricane relief center. Good God; this shouldn’t be here. I mean, it’s going on six (6) months. How can this be? I begin to wonder……….

Every couple of miles stands a food booth “thing” on wheels; the kind you see at a county fair or a traveling carnival and there’s people standing in line. Why are they there? Why do they appear to look as if this is a normal way of getting lunch?

When we passed through the Murphy Oil Refinery, I knew I was nearing Lexington Place; an upper middle class subdivision that we thought would be a pretty neat place to live. Well, when I got there, the entrance to the subdivision was destroyed. So was every house. Most were standing but all appeared to be gutted or waiting their turn. Some had parts of their roofs caved in while others were windowless. There is no way imagining that any of these structures were at one time someone’s home. And yet, as they lived their everyday “dull” lives one week in late August; they had no clue what was about to happen. And then it happened.

As I wandered through Lexington Place, I decided that this was enough. I wanted to get out of this place. As I headed west on Judge Perez, we passed a trailer park—a real one. These “homes” looked like beer cans crushed for recycling.

A bit further down I glanced to my right and I caught a glimpse of a house moved off its foundation and sitting in the street. This hell goes on forever. And I know what waits on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. But it “ain’t” waiting for me because I “ain’t” going.

Everywhere I had been--showed small pockets of activity but it was “Lack luster”—more mechanical than animated. I mean, there is mud, dirt and debris everywhere. I saw this small Bobcat and this guy was moving a small area of dirt and mud to the side of Judge Perez Blvd. He was the only one there. At the rate he was going; he would be done somewhere around the 50th century.

Paris Road took me back to New Orleans East. The trees took on an eerie appearance, leafless evergreens with branches extended out like arms reaching out for help. On my right were just a bunch of washed out blown down industrial structures. As I enter New Orleans East, there sits Six Flags; rides still there but abandoned. This is beginning to look and feel like a cheap horror flick.

From New Orleans East, I bypassed the 1-10 twin spans and opted for the old Highway 11 Bridge, a two (2) lane relic that would lead to the old fishing camps that lie between Lakes Pontchartrain and Catherine. As I exited the bridge to the two (2) lane highway which once separated camps with funny names and restaurants with real Louisiana seafood “stained” menus; all that remains are the pilings upon which they once sat.

As I drove through Old Town in Slidell; it too showed little life but it has an appearance of being salvageable—which I am now realizing is something I have not seen in my trips to New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish. Even though Old Town in Slidell was quiet, you could still see a soul. With soul will come spirit.

As I picked up I-12 heading west and head home, I realize where I live appears the be the most normal place within a ninety (90) mile radius; at least East and South of me. However, I remember that FEMA debris trucks are back in my neighborhood and Bell South is switching out the temporary gizmos they used to get us up and running. What I am trying to say is that I had to pick my route carefully to get home today, February 9, 2006 because of Katrina!

As I pull into the driveway, I have a realization, an epiphany.

The city; the one we knew and maintained a bittersweet love affair with for so long is gone and it isn’t coming back. With gut wrenching labor pains, a rebirth of New Orleans will come to pass but the contractions will last long and maturity will not be achieved for at least ten (10) to twenty (20) years. Even then the scars of Katrina will remain and perhaps as a reminder of the old; they should.

If you do not have to come back then don’t. For the sake of your children if for nothing else; don’t come back. Nearly six (6) months have elapsed and for all practical purposes; no progress has been made. Politicians are drawing lines in the sand to protect their turf. The road we are taking dead ends; partially because of Katrina, partially because of the failure of a Federal Agency and lastly and ultimately; our own politicians. Though I pronounce this city dead; the bastards with their old school politics will also die. They will not take part in its rebirth and for this we will be thankful.

As I reflect back to earlier today as I drove across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and watched the New Orleans skyline become larger and the larger; the more it became evident that this city was not dying. It had died. I knew it then, I just wouldn’t or couldn’t accept the harsh reality.

There are those who will tell you otherwise. Come see for yourself. Not the French Quarter—but Lakeview, Gentilly, the Ninth Ward and St. Bernard. This is where the soul and spirit was born. And now they are gone.

New Orleans, may God forgive thy spirit and rest thy soul.

Dangle24-7

Next & final blog – Saturday February 18 “Sudden Death & True Confessions”

Addendum: Damn Marcus, your timing for posting a comment really sucks. I am sorry but I have one last ugly post remaining. And most who may forgive me for this post will probably hate me for the final one.

Dangle24-7

Katrina - Fouth And Goal

2006-02-11T07:06:00.001-08:00

4th and goal--I am charged with my final time out.

Katrina - Fourth Down - One To Go

2006-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

4th and 1 - 2nd Time out

KATRINA ---- Heading South Today

2006-02-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

Today I will be on the "South Shore". Every time I go, I keep expecting to see some progress. So far; nothing.

It's hard to imagine that after about three (3) trips across Lake Pontchartrain, it wasn't until the third trip (and that was about four (4) months post Katrina) that I saw hundreds of FEMA trailers. What was disturbing about this was these trailers were in Metairie; up and down Transcontinental and West Esplanade. Hard to think of that as progress; until you go into New Orleans.

I am making another trip and I am trying to get the courage to drive down to St. Bernard Parish. This will entail going through the Lower 9th Ward. I said I was never back there but I have been in contact with so many from St. Bernard Parish; I feel I need to give my take on it.

So, going to keep this short. One more cup of coffee, and I am out of here. See you tomorrow.

Dangle24-7

Katrina Came - Where in The Hell Were You?

2006-02-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is the list of State Senators who attended Governor Kathleen Blanco’s speech but skipped the tour of the devastated areas of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.

Jody Amedee, D-Gonzalas
Walter Boasso, R-Arabi
Joel Chaisson II, D-Destrehan
Noble Ellington, D-Winnsboro
Nick Gautreaux, D-Abbeville
Francis Heitmeier, D-Algiers
Art Lentini, R-Kenner
Rob Marionneaux Jr., D-Livonia
Julie Quinn, R-Metairie
Tom Schedler, R-Mandeville
Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero

This is a list of State Senators who not only skipped the tour; they also didn’t bother to come to New Orleans and hear the Governor’s speech.

Robert Barham, R-Oak Ridge
James David Cain, R-Dry Creek
Donald Cravins, D-Arnaudville
Jay Dardenne, R-Baton Rouge
Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge
Heulette “Clo” Fonetnot, R-Livingston
Bob Kostelka, R-Monroe
Mike Michot, R-Lafayette
Craig Romero, R-New Iberia
Mike Smith, D-Winnfield
Gerald Theunissen, R-Jennings

This is either a case of bad judgment or “I don’t give a damn”. Even our local Senators should have taken the tour of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish and acted as guides or ambassadors to those who traveled here from other parts of the State of Louisiana.

I am sure some had valid reasons but it has always been clear that many Senators and House Members couldn't give a rat’s ass about New Orleans. Unless it was a case of an emergency situation like—health or a death in the family, there is NO EXCUSE for any Louisiana House Member to skip the tour and--outrageous of them to skip Governor Kathleen Blanco’s speech. Even several Mississippi legislators attended The Governor’s speech Monday night at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

At this time, no list of House members attendance is available.

A copy of this posting will be sent to the Senators who couldn’t or wouldn’t show respect to the Governor (Like her or not; she is the Governor) and the people of the City of New Orleans and The Parish of St. Bernard.

To those on the above list; explain yourselves. We got your "Message". Now it's your turn to get our "Message". For those of you who in addtion to the Governor; were snubbed, please use the link below to send "Your message".

http://senate.legis.state.la.us/senators/

Dangle24-7

The Katrina Tour Re-Visited

2006-02-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Copy to: Councilwoman Cynthia Willard Lewis
CWLewis@nocitycouncil.com

February 6, 2006

Rep. Monica Walker, D-Hessmer, who had toured the area earlier, said that based on what she saw Monday, "it doesn't look like anything is getting done. This (tour) helps the cause. I don't think that we are the ones who need convincing."

Sen. Joe McPherson, D-Woodworth, who has flown over the devastated area but had not seen it from the ground, said the tour was sobering. "It helps to put everything in perspective," he said.

Rep. Donald Cazayoux, D-New Roads, who has made a few trips to the area, most recently in November, called the lack of progress in clearing debris "Incredible. I was expecting some movement. It is just so vast. It is a disaster and we need to see it. I think we need to come every three months. There is no change at all."

Rep. Jean Doerge, D-Minden, who was on her first trip to the area, said she was amazed at the extent of damage. "This is an eye-opener to what we are really facing," she said. The bus tour "has had an effect on me. . . .I know better what we are up against. It is absolutely unbelievable. You look out here and say it's been five months and you still see devastation."

As she went through the Lower 9th Ward, Blanco said passing the destruction from the interstate or Chef Menteur Highway does not give a true sense of the destruction. "The problems for these people go for miles and miles and blocks and blocks," she said. "It is enormous."

"There is no life in this area," Senator Diana Bajoie told her colleagues as the bus wound through the streets of St. Bernard Parish where some people were struggling to repair homes. "This community right now is nonexistent."

OK, I don’t get it. I keep hearing politicians say that once you see the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, you have a life changing experience. They say that once a legislator sees it; they will care. And I don’t know about you, but I am a little “Bent” that so many Louisiana Legislators (from North Louisiana) refused to take the tour on February 6— prior to the special session. Some didn’t even bother to come to New Orleans to hear Governor Kathleen Blanco’s speech. I am at this moment listening to WWL radio and people from down here are also miffed that so many refused to tour the devastated areas. I for one am outraged of the lack of respect of those who refused to see—who refused to pay respects. But, this is as thoughtless as what the City of New Orleans has done.

I mean; isn’t this what Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis was successful in putting a stop to because it made residents of the Lower 9th feel bad? Hell, what residents? Hardly any there; I know; I’ve been there. Besides, they (Grayline) continue to offer organized tours of Lakeview and Gentilly. More people there than the Lower 9th! And what about the feelings of the residents of Gentilly and Lakeview? Just not as great of an impact—that’s why we bring the “Money people” down to tour the lower 9th. Problem is, a lot of them didn’t go. Perhaps if their constituents were allowed the opportunity; things would be different.

Banning organized tours of the Lower 9th is about as dumb as having a city with seven (7) tax assessors, two court systems, two sheriffs; one Civil Sheriff and one Criminal Sheriff, (Nope, they have nothing to do with the New Orleans Police Dept.) NOPD and two (2) clerks of court—well dahhhhhhhh; there are two (2) courts! Oh! Yeah, we also have (State Funded) State Troopers, Harbor Police and GNO Bridge Police. Who in the hell even knows who funds the New Orleans Levee Police.

Governor Blanco stated in her address to the Louisiana Legislators in New Olreans on the evening of Monday, February 6, 2006, that the people of this nation think of us as old news. She is right on target. That’s why this freakin’ blog still continues. And I am getting tired of defending some of my remarks! But I’ll save that for the weekend when I do my “Comments”. (At the rate I’m pissing people off; probably won’t be any comments to respond too) Anyway………

Out of the mouths of those legislators, both locally and nationally have, who have toured the lower 9th; the words that come out are nearly identical; ”You have to see it to fully comprehend this” or "Seeing it in person is so different than seeing it on TV". How nice it would be to hear that from their constituents. But for now, we (you) have locked the door on the Lower 9th. We can’t change minds and hearts that way.

Not only should “Guided tours” (For safety and educational reasons) be allowed; it should be mandated—well encouraged. And no, I have no financial interest in Grayline or any other tour company. In fact, have RTA donate the use of buses and let the City of New Orleans conduct the tours.

However it is done, it must get done. God, advertise it. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to see a modern day Pompeii. Visitors should be encouraged to tour and see it all; Lower 9th, St. Bernard Parish and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Then put a human face on this horror. Visitors from afar must see it, experience it and pay respect to it. Once they see— they will open their wallets. Anyone with any kind of heart and/or conscience will leave this city a “Changed person". However, if they come for Mardi Gras and if that’s all they see; we are screwed—big time. They will leave and take a message back home that all is well in the Big Easy.

Dangle24-7

OK, OK, I know. I said I would never post an e-mail address. She’s a public official just as any Congressmen’s e-mail address I will post from time to time. Dangle24-7

A Katrina Story

2006-02-06T06:42:00.004-08:00

FROM DANGLE 24-7: Everyone has a Katrina story. I do. Gary McMillen does. (He’s the guy who wrote about his lunch at Bud’s Broiler; a local hamburger chain; remember--the Baboon

Anyway, here’s Gary’s story:

Letters from the River, 2
Gary McMillen

Enough Doppler radar. It was Saturday afternoon when I drove out to Lake Pontchartrain to gather my thoughts and make a decision. Sitting on the seawall, listening to the splash of waves on the concrete steps, I noticed there were no seagulls. That’s when I decided to evacuate. If the birds didn’t want to be in New Orleans, I sure as hell didn’t want to stay, either.

I soon became part of the human wave, looking for hotel rooms at any exit off Interstate 10. Standing in lobbies for hours, getting on a list to take a shower, chasing after rumors of vacancies and shelter, I began to accept that “normal” was something that did not exist anymore. On the outskirts of Lafayette a Vietnamese fishing family took me in. For three days and nights, we ate boiled crabs spread out on newspaper on the floor, drank beer, and watched the destruction of an American city unfold on CNN. Sleep was fitful. My son had promised he was evacuating to Atlanta, but I had not heard from him.

Excuse me for rambling, but in the days and weeks in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, thinking is a dull throb. The blurring effects of the storm’s sucker punch have me wobbly. The rational mind, numb from the frantic pace of dislocation, avoids thinking of what was left behind: a home that got nine feet of water, books, business records, laptop computer, a samurai sword, music, and tapes. Levees can be repaired but not that photograph of my dad fly-fishing in a trout stream in California.

“Goodbye” to e-mail. “Hello” to life of the wandering gypsy. I live at the Best Western in Shreveport now. I eat biscuits, smoked sausage, and white gravy at the breakfast buffet before going to work. One morning, at the entrance to the Louisiana State University Medical Center there was a cardboard box at the door with a sign: “For Victims of Hurricane Katrina.” I hate the word “victim,” but went up and peeked in the box. At the bottom were a pack of diapers and a tube of toothpaste. I looked in both directions to see if anyone was watching and snatched up the Colgate. I am the first in the McMillen-Gallagher clan of Scots and Irishmen to have applied for food stamps.

In the midst of crisis, I have learned there are two kinds of people in the world. There are people who tell you that they have an extra room off the garage where you can stay for the weekend, and then there are people who throw you the keys to their house. There are people who bring you boxes of clothes that don’t fit, and then there are people who ask for your waist size. There are people waiting for me to call them, and then there are people like New York trainer Danny Peitz, who kept punching my number into his cell phone until he reached me.

I’m drinking much more than usual: Old Forester, straight up, no ice. I have observed my state of mind and it’s not all pretty. The dry wit, the smile, the appreciation for jokes and just plain silliness have dissolved. Pounded by the stress of uncertainty, I have turned into Joe Friday. “Yes,” “No,” “OK” are standard expressions from my new robotic personality.

My son and I found each other. That was a celebration with relief. But there is a long list of big and little things that I miss and am concerned about losing. I had some horses on my Virtual Stable. I imagine them all winning and paying $36.40. I wonder if I had flood insurance. I wonder if the Fair Grounds is still there. I miss my Q-tip moment after taking a shower. I’m still puzzled about why I threw my golf clubs in the trunk of the car instead of some socks and a comb. Here I am with one pair of sandals, some jogging shorts, three shirts, two pair of underwear and a 7-iron. If you want to go deep, what I am really afraid of is losing contact and not seeing my friends again.

If anyone from Enterprise reads this, I still have your rental car. It’s a 2005 Ford Taurus, assigned to my Visa card and scheduled for return on Aug. 29. Bringing it back to New Orleans would have been a mistake for both of us. I think the Super Derby (gr. II) is coming up soon at Louisiana Downs. Maybe I’ll hit the trifecta and we can settle up when I get back.
__________
Gary? Is there a "Letters From The River, 1 or 3"? Dangle24-7

2006-02-05T06:53:00.000-08:00

See you Tomorrow

NETHER LANDS (NOT NETHERLANDS)

2006-02-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

Think you know what you're seeing?

Think again

Netherlands, February 1953

Dead: 1,835

Homes flooded: 3,000

Result: Government provided flood protection for a 1,000 year flood.

Wish I lived there.

High on this mountain the clouds down below
I'm feeling so strong and alive
From this rocky perch I'll continue to search
For the wind and the snow and the sky
Oh I want a lover and I want some friends
And I want to live in the sun
And I want to do all the things that I never have done

Sunny bright mornings and pale moonlit nights
Keep me from feeling alone
Now I'm learning to fly and this freedom is like
Nothing that I've ever known
Oh I've seen the bottom and I've been on top
But mostly I've lived in between
And where do you go when you get to the end of your dream

Off in the Nether Lands I heard the sound
Like the beating of heavenly wings
And deep in my brain I can hear a refrain
Of my soul as she rises and sings
Anthems to glory and anthems to love
And hymns filled with earthly delight
Like the songs that the darkness composes to worship the light

Once in a vision I came on some woods
And stood at a fork in the road
My choices were clear yet I froze with the fear
Of not knowing which way to go
Oh, one road was simple acceptance of life
The other road offered sweet peace
When I made my decision my vision became my release

Dan Fogelberg

If I could have done any better; I would. Dangle24-7

Tomorrow: Comments & Responses

Katrina I Want to End This Blog!

2006-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

In front of me just seconds ago, on my monitor was a blank Word Document. I make a deep “Sigh” and begin to type. And guess what? It was Katrina related material, and of course; it was voluntary. I was getting a head start this morning for tomorrow’s (Today’s) posting. Didn’t want a repeat of yesterday’s posting where I had to bang that sucker out in a matter of minutes the prior day because what I had planned to post never did play out…..yet.

We hear that there are those around the country who are suffering from “Katrina fatigue”. Some of our fellow citizens, those who stood together with us arm in arm on 9/11 and for months later were getting sick of hearing about us for five (5) minutes a day, five (5) days a week after five (5) months on NBC Nightly News. Some even were compelled to write NBC’s news anchor Brian Williams saying “Give it a break”, “Enough all ready”, “We are tired of hearing their whining”. And you know what? We don’t like it! But……

By far, they are in the minority (I read every comment) but we are now over five (5) months into this mess and I wonder how many people we will lose when we hit six (6) months. I wonder how many of “us” will remain when we approach the first anniversary.

Katrina is in our lives 24-7 down here. We cannot get away from it. We cannot leave our homes without seeing a blue roof, debris curbside or restaurants closed due to damage or lack of staff. We cannot go from one community to another without getting into absolute gridlock because so many have been displaced from Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes to our neighborhoods. Even as far away as Baton Rouge, which is 76 miles away, is having massive traffic jams and housing shortages due to the influx of evacuees who were forced to leave this area because of Katrina.

You see, we are not only Katrina fatigued down here, some of us are obsessed with it. We eat, drink and sleep Katrina. I personally said my goal was to end this blog when things began to get back to normal. I now realize that I will not live long enough for that to happen.

I guess what I am trying to say (And this is not the direction I thought I was going when I wrote the first paragraph) is that I am not angry with those comments; the ones that say “Enough already” or “Give it a break”. In fact, it may be some good sound advice; not for the country but for us, the ones who are living this hellish nightmare. Only problem is I see no escape route other then packing up our lives in a Ryder truck and heading to North Texas, Central Tennessee or any place that is 3 gazillion miles away from a large body of water.

It is now 1:10 PM and it was just 24 hours ago when I sent out an invitation to those who wrote Brian Williams to come and visit us. How bad can my timing be? What a time to end up with a combo special—writer’s block and Katrina Fatigue.

And now I’m obsessing. When will I ever see a local news cast again that doesn’t include the name “Katrina”? When will I ever pick up the Times-Picayune and not see the name “Katrina? When will I be able to tune in a local talk show and not here about Katrina? When will I be able to drive across town again in 15 minutes instead an hour? When will I (Fill in the blank)? When will I be able to end this blog?

A Very Tired Dangle 24-7

Katrina? Where Are You? Louisiana & Mississippi Are Still Here

2006-02-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Err......hmmmmm;..... I am err;........ I mean;.... well;........I am sorry. Excuse me. I will be right back.

Back. OK, I just went to NASA's website and according to the most recent satellite image, I was quite relieved to find Southeast Louisiana is still there and so is the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

After sitting through what seemed like an eternity of the State of The Union of Iraq; I dozed off! But just for 57 seconds. I know because my dog barked and woke me up. My TV was still on and according to the clock; I was asleep for less then a minute.

Then I heard a lot of stuff about health care. Not sure but was President Bush talking about heath care in Iraq or that other country; us, The United States of America? I know it's still there--I just saw it on NASA's website. Did I mention that Southeast La and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi are still there??????? Anyway................

I saw all but 57 seconds of the State of "Some" Union. Was it us or Iraq and by the way, I never heard one word about the catastrophe that continues in Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi! Unless....hmmmmm;....nah; that was only 57 seconds!!!!

Dangle24-7

Update: Three (3) bodies were recovered on January 31, 2006

Come And Hear Our Silence

2006-01-31T06:49:00.000-08:00

I want to welcome some new folks joining us from Brian Williams' NBC blog. Please, feel free to comment, gripe, suggest or whatever. I always encourage dialogue and appreciate the opportunity to hear what others think. You are also invited to e-mail me a comment and I will always consider such correspondence private unless I am instructed by you otherwise.

Today, I would like to take the opportunity to re-hash something I consider the definitive Katrina experience.

New Orleans is well known as a party town—in fact, a loud party town. Pre-Katrina, you would hear sirens; at least once an hour if you were in or around the Central Business District. You would hear the horns of us impatient frustrated New Orleans drivers. These sounds were so common; we locals didn’t even notice them.

A walk town Bourbon St. was full of sounds of Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, Folk Music, Cabaret, a solo sax or trumpet player leaning against a building wall with a solo, soulful sound, street barkers etc.—all competing for the attention of tourists and locals alike. The boisterous crowds seemed to be in a decibel competition with the sounds of this infamous street.

Tourists arrived from around the world and from every community of the United States; virtually every minute of the day. It was if it was a duty—a duty to give relief to those who journeyed here before them—those who were now sleep deprived with blood shot eyes, partied out and dragging themselves back to the airport and wondering to themselves “Did I really do that”?

That was then…..

This is now. We are a city of sad contrasts and at odds with itself. We are going to try and have a Mardi Gras while 3,000 of our citizens are missing—most are presumed dead—many still buried in the rubble. We are trying to tell you “We are OK” while sending a delegation to Washington trying to find the money to save this dying city. We beg for Congressmen to come tour the Lower 9th Ward while banning organized educational tours for the public including…you got it; constituents of these same Congressmen.

I have been through Gentilly and Lakeview three (3) times post Katrina. I have been through the Lower 9th Ward just once. I cannot go back. What lingers in my mind from all these neighborhoods—of the low income to those of the upper income is the resounding chorus of silence—the silence of a once vibrant neighborhood where people lived and children played. It is a deafening silence that I cannot get out of my head.

We are a city in flux—in more ways then one. Think of the French Quarter as a stage; think of Mardi Gras as a play. If you can understand this, then come on down enjoy the fun this Mardi Gras but before you leave, you must "Come and hear our silence".
Dangle24-7

Post Katrina--Just Another Routine Day--The New Norm of The Big Easy

2006-01-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

MEMO FROM: Dangle24-7

Before I begin today's posting, I would like to welcome NBC Nightly News viewers.

For those of you who are here for the first time, my purpose; in concert with others (Who you will learn about in the coming days); is to raise awareness of our country of the "Current" conditions resulting from Hurricane Katrina in S.E. LA., New Orleans and the Gulf Coast of Miss. Hurricane Rita victims can also contact me and provide info on the status and progress of their communities of S.W. LA and the Texas Gulf Coast.

Also, please check out some of my previous posts. A couple of popular posts that come to mind are:

REBUILD NEW ORLEANS - REASON NO. 47

Good Morning Mr. Mayor - My Conversation With Mayor Ray Nagin

Not all posts will put a smile on your face. In fact, some will astound you. Such is the case of today’s post:

Post Katrina--Just Another Routine Day--The New Norm of The Big Easy
For those who think we are “Old news” and complain regarding continuing coverage of the aftermath of Katrina—for those who have said “ENOUGH ALREADY”; this is just one part of a routine day in New Orleans. Dangle24-7

FROM CNN INTERNATIONAL January 28, 2006

Death toll rises

Friday, the body of another Hurricane Katrina victim was found east of New Orleans and taken to a medical examiner's office, an official said.

This makes Louisiana's running total 1,104.

No information was available on who found the body under the debris of a home in storm-ravaged St. Bernard Parish, but Dr. Louis Cataldie, the state's medical examiner, recently asked that recovery crews and their cadaver dogs resume the search for bodies.

"The number of human remains that I have doesn't match the number of missing, which means there are either human remains that have either been washed away or are still out there waiting to be discovered," Cataldie said.

Authorities planned to send the body found Friday to St. Gabriel, just outside the capital, Baton Rouge, where a state medical team is trying to identify bodies.

The state's decision to stop searching for victims in October was met with criticism from St. Bernard Sheriff Jack Stephens, who said the state failed to fully search some of the most devastated areas, where many elderly residents lived.

The levees did not give way in St. Bernard Parish when Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast on August 29, but water came over the dams, and the parish was subjected to flooding similar to that in New Orleans.

The storm killed more than 1,200 people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Close to 2,700 people are on a missing persons list kept by the state, Cataldie said. He urged anyone who fled the hurricane to return to their homes and help search for missing friends and relatives.

"I've been at some of those addresses, and some of those are just slabs, which means there's more concern that there are more people in the debris," Cataldie said. "I think there are human remains in the debris, and we're going to have to very gingerly remove that debris to find them."

It also is likely that some of those on the list have been found alive but the state hasn't been notified, some officials have said.

ON THE 7TH DAY--I CHILLED--SEE YOU TOMORROW

2006-01-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

Comments - Katrina Jan. 21 - 28, 2006

2006-01-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

Comments
What visitors had to say this week.

Good Morning Mr. Mayor - My Conversation With Mayor Ray Nagin
Posting

Gina said...
BRAVO! I look forward to the encore ;~)

Huh? You think I can top that? OMG! Dangle24-7

PicturePurrfect said...
Wow.......Hitting the nail right on its ugly little hand. I echo Gina's "BRAVO".

Hell, I was trying for the head!!!!!! Dangle24-7

scoobydoo fan said...
I too echo the sentiments of the other posters. As if saying to make NOLA a chocolate city wasn’t bad enough. Mr.”Wonka” Nagin repeated that phrase several times after the fact. I listen to him on the radio the other day saying “ I have referred to that phrase many times” and “ The only line I crossed was to bring God into it”. What on earth is that man talking about? It is OK to make racial slurs, but don’t talk about God. WOW!!!!! Now I have heard it all. Sadly the only way he will get fired is when the voters have their say. And I think it is safe to say he has shown his true skin, (no pun intended).

Chill Scooby. When Nagin made those comments on WWL radio, I have it on good authority that God was groovin’ to KOOL 107 FM Dangle24-7

At The End Of The Day-The Bottom Line-The Nitty Gritty-(And every irritating over used cliché)……But The Proof Is In The Pudding
Posting

Markus said...
I have used these same arguments with people where I currently live in North Dakota. If New Orleans is not rebuilt, and the wetlands are allowed to disappear, I ask them:How will the local economy do when the cost of shipping all of their agricultural produce increases astronomically because it must go by truck or rail to another port? Do they think Cargill and the other agri-giants are going to eat that cost? No, the elevator price will go down.And if the Gulf Coast energy infrastructure is lost, can they handle a permanent dollar or more per unit rise in inputs costs for energy and anhydrous?

No! Dangle24-7

REBUILD NEW ORLEANS - REASON NO. 47
Posting

Markus said...
Man, that's fabulous. Ask your friend what's the future of the Fair Grounds. I can't imagine NOLA without an afternoon in the grandstands.

News isn’t good Markus. Not sure what Churchill has in store for the track. Not taking any odds on it for next Thanksgivivg at this time. Dangle24-7

TravelingMermaid said...
Great story - had me giggling! Thanks for sharing.

Any comment from the Mermaid is always flattering. You're not a redhead I hope!!!!!!

Markus said...
Tinker Bell and Ruthie the Duck Lady! Man, you're showing your age. But in New Orleans, that only increases your value if there's some renovation potential.

Heyyyyyyyyyyyy! I saw dat! Maybe I am just a history buff! Got to tell you Marcus; drove through Lakeview and Gentilly this past Thursday and I am not seeing much progress. I am losing my optimism and I didn't have a lot to start off with. Dangle24-7

NBC The Long Road Back Katrina
Posting

A honest-fan said...
I agree that Brian Williams and NBC has done an outstanding job of keeping the story of Katrina in the public eye--Good job to you and Brian Williams but I think the remarks about the other journalist tossing back drinks in a posh hotel was a cheap shot. Many other journalists did an outstanding job covering this story and that fact should be recognized.

Awwwww come on. Was not talking about “All” but “Many”. Was not talking about all. Was talking about Mr.Williams who chose to be locked down in the SuperDome. If you or anyone would like to contribute anything to this blog simply e-mail me at dangle24seven@yahoo.com. Upon review, it will probably be ignored. (Just kidding) Don’t be sooooooo sensitive. It’s tough down here. Dangle24-7

NBC The Long Road Back Katrina

2006-01-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

Since returning to Louisiana, I found that NBC Evening News has gone to great lengths to keep South East Louisiana, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the map. On the map meaning, giving us that thing we needed to know we were not forgotten. In the forefront of this was and still is Brian Williams.

I was not here for the “Big Bang” when Brian Williams, without a camera crew; transmitted pictures to the rest of the world from within the SuperDome with nothing more then a cell phone. I remember as I watched from a high and dry hotel suite outside of Nashville, TN., he was in the midst of a building that now more resembled a “Toilet Bowl” rather than a facility that has held nine (9) Super Bowls. Never saw the NBC CEO’s yacht pulling up on Poydras Ave. in an attempt to rescue Mr. Williams. You do realize he didn’t have to be there. Most journalists rode out Katrina in digs such as the Royal Sonesta downing Bloody Marys, Gin And Tonics and of course, Hurricanes (The good kind)

Had it been Geraldo Rivera rather than Brian Williams in the SuperDome, the reports would have come off as a cross between the old Phil Donahue Show and Jerry Springer. Not Mr. Williams though. His demeanor and actions, remained professional in an atmosphere of side shows and dramatics that in some quarters took on the spirit of Tom Grunick (Hey, don’t look at me, do I look like “Google”?) reporting on H.G. Welles' “War of The Worlds”.

Mr. Williams, I want to thank you for standing up for the people of Louisiana, specifically the metropolitan area of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I also want to thank your viewers for their overwhelming support for you and NBC for the continuing coverage of the aftermath of Katrina. I can only hope that you are prepared to sign on for one long journey.

Thank you,

Dangle24-7

Copy to: Brian Williams NBC News

Posted by Brian Williams, Anchor and Managing Editor (04:24 pm ET, 01/25/06)

I wrote the following for broadcast tonight. We have omitted the names from the e-mails, and they are just a representative sample of what we receive every day:

A necessary word about our coverage of the storm zone— specifically, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the City of New Orleans. Lately, a lot of viewers have felt the need to tell us what they think of our coverage, and we like that and we read them all. And while most of the e-mails we get are from folks wanting to thank us for our coverage, an increasing number do not.

Here are just a few from the past few days:

A viewer in Houston writes, “I was very saddened by the damage caused by the hurricane and certainly support the re-building of New Orleans... but can’t we give this a rest?”

Another viewer writes: “I’m getting just plain sick and tired of hearing the constant drumbeat about New Orleans...”

Still another is even more direct: “ENOUGH. We’re sick and tired of 'the long road back.'"
Again, that’s the minority view, but enough people feel that way to prompt us to say the following:

Our Katrina coverage started before Katrina arrived on shore. We were in the Superdome for the storm, and then watched what happened in New Orleans during that awful week. We have gone back many times, including this past Monday, and we’ve gone to Mississippi. We’ve covered the struggle in Florida and along the Texas coast, as we cover any event that causes human suffering.

Katrina is different. Katrina displaced 2 million Americans. It destroyed 350,000 homes. Not all the bodies have yet been found. It exposed cracks in our society, and it has us talking about race and class, and money and relief. It affected what we pay for gas, and may affect what we pay in taxes. It literally re-arranged the map of the Gulf Coast. There are many heroes, but no one villain.

Tonight, one of the great American cities is partially in ruins, and many of our fellow citizens are hurting and have nothing left. In some places, nothing’s been done yet.

And so, while we are reading the mail, we also have a job to do. And a big story to cover. Along with the news around the nation and the world each day, we intend to keep covering it. (End of post)

To visit Mr. Williams blog and to see what others have to say, please click the link below:

NBC

The Secret Is Out - Someone Screwed Up--Wow, You Could Knock Me Over With a Feather!

2006-01-26T04:48:00.000-08:00

White House to stay mum on Katrina

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Bush Administration is refusing to allow staff to testify on the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, citing concern for confidentiality.

That’s the stuff websites were loaded with yesterday, today and probably for days to come. The position of the President reminds me of the 5th amendment and the poor slob who uses it so not to incriminate himself. Whenever someone refuses to answer a question using the 5th amendment—one word always pops into my head—guilty!

I suppose there may be some validity to this decision to withhold information but quite frankly, looking around me, there isn’t much to keep confidential. We are now in one hell of a mess and it doesn’t matter today if the White House or The Governors Mansion in Louisiana or the Mayor’s Office in New Orleans dropped the ball. Besides, us folks down here are pissed at the lot of you anyway.

What does matter is that some progress be made—and I don’t mean “progress” of the parties at the cost of victims of Katrina. I have seen committees led by Republicans rake the Democratic Governor of Louisiana and the Democratic Mayor of New Orleans over the coals for the sake of grandstanding for the Grand Old Party. “Them Democrats (Jackasses) ain’t no saints neither” thought I with my “New Awlens” accent!

Joseph Lieberman (D) Conn. was in town last week and took a tour of the devastated areas of New Orleans with some of his colleagues from the Senate. He was astounded to see how little progress had been made since early September. Mary Landrieu (D) La. remarked on WWL radio Tuesday morning (1/24/06) that Lieberman told her the Federal response (Translation: Republican response) was inadequate. Evidently, Mary and Joseph (There’s a joke there; just can’t seem to put my finger on it, and if I could; don’t think I would) saw no need to discuss any short comings of Governor Blanco or Mayor Nagin; both Democrats.

Folks, I am going to keep this short. I am getting tired of the politically motivated b.s. by both parties. George W. is not going to release anything to embarrass his administration. (You would think they would have built up an immunity by now) The Democrats will do whatever it takes to embarrass Republicans and the White House. Republican leaders will do whatever it takes to embarrass the Democrats.

Citing concern for confidentiality by the White House is ludicrous. There is only one thing to be concerned about and let me tell you, Al Qaeda already knows about the importance of New Orleans. In fact, as far as I can tell, Al Qaeda probably has a better understanding of the importance of this city than most people in this country, including the vast majority of the 535 elitists in Washington, D.C.

You can take out New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Miami, etc; the loss of any of these cities would not come close to the impact this country would feel with the loss of New Orleans.

(See Tuesdays posting)
http://katrinavictimssos.blogspot.com/2006/01/at-end-of-day-bottom-line-nitty-gritty.html

We were not prepared for Katrina at any level of Government. Made no difference if it was led by a Republican or a Democrat. So let’s just get over it and get down to business.

And one more thing. After witnessing what has happened to New Orleans, how does your city stack up against a catastrophic event; let’s say a multiple dirty bomb attack? How well will your city fare if 80% of your town is contaminated with radiation poison? What impact will the loss of your city have on this country compared with the loss of the Port of New Orleans? (If you don’t know the answer, you didn’t read Tuesday’s posting)

It is time to put the political differences behind us and put all the information on the table. And let’s not have a freakin’ hissy over what went wrong during the days leading up to the arrival of Katrina. It’s been Five (5) months! Not only do we need to speak with one voice, we must listen and learn with an intellectual level that supersedes political causes and callings—that is; with the common sense of one common cause and that is rebuilding New Orleans.

Let us dwell on what is going wrong five (5) months following the arrival of Katrina.

Dangle24-7

Tomorrow: Our Friends At NBC

Something Extra Tonight

2006-01-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

Mermaid put me on to this book, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans. Net proceeds of sales through the end of January will go to New Orleans Relief Charities. Includes pre and post Katrina Photos. Click the link below for more info.
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans

Also, I highly recommend "CNN REPORTS KATRINA STATE OF EMERGENCY".
Available at Barnes & Nobel at a discounted price of $4.99 (Was $19.99). Great reading and great photos. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Katrina Relief Project.

Dangle24-7

REBUILD NEW ORLEANS - REASON NO. 47

2006-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

One of the most talented writers I know is Gary McMillen. Gary has written for various horse racing publications and he can weave out a tale in just two (2) or three (3) paragraphs painting a three dimensional picture that will tickle the senses. I am hoping to get Gary to contribute more stories of pre Katrina New Orlreans and some of his observations of the state of the city today. I used a statement of his a while back that really summed up the condition of New Orleans.

http://katrinavictimssos.blogspot.com/2006/01/there-are-times-when-just-few-words.html

Yesterday, I provided in-depth analysis by George Friedman as to the economic value of New Orleans to the nation and why it needs to be where it is; below sea level. We all know that high altitudes have an effect on the human brain. What we are not sure of is the effects of low altitude.

There are so many great pre-Katrina characters. Maybe one day we’ll discuss Ruthie the Duck Lady, The Chicken Man, Tinker Bell or The Cross Lady. Many of the characters from the past remain nameless but their antics were as outrageous as a tourist ordering a hamburger at the old Fitzgerald’s Lakefront Restaurant.

Gary has provide me with a little gem that is what we call down here “Naturally New Orleans” and it is one of the reasons that makes this city so interesting, so off beat, so charming, so much fun and quite frankly the perfect reason to rebuild New Orleans. And maybe, just perhaps, it all has to do with “Low altitude”. Anyway, here’s a story from Gary of a Pre-Katrina “Only In New Orleans” experience.

Lunch. Today. I pass up the cafeteria (L.S.U. Medical Center) and take a solo over to Bud's Broiler. A dusky, aged burger shack in the dilapidated shadows of the Dixie Brewery at least 30 years in existence. Rated a half-star on cleanliness, the mildewed walls and chipped plaster of the men's restroom whisper the real meaning of Big Easy. Sitting there, waiting for my order of a #4 (price has not changed in a decade), I stare at the wooden table pock-marked with carved initials and catchup smears. After my second bite into the stale bun, with the chili running down both edges of my mouth, I notice there are no napkins.

It is at this point, that all hell breaks loose. Two prostitutes that hang out at nearby Anita's, try to bring a pet baboon through the front door. An argument breaks out between the manager, who runs out from behind the counter, and the two incredulous hookers who see nothing wrong with bringing a four legged beast from Tasmania into a public eatery. Everyone now is screaming. Customers, climbing over a banister, seek shelter behind the juke box. The baboon (on a leash) jumps up into the arms of the prostitute and starts pulling on her gold hoop ear-rings. The grill, unattended by the frightened cook, has burst into high flame. Bud's Broiler is about to take on new meaning.
Spotting the alternate exit, I seek immediate refuge in the parking lot. Unwilling to curtail the entertainment on such short notice, I peer back through the smudged glass. My first impression, even in the midst of pandemonium, was that the bright red ass of the baboon matched the dyed phosphorant red wig of the wild-eyed and cursing prostitute. The matching colors of chaos.
By the time I got to the corner of Galvez and Tulane---the sound of sirens.
Gary McMillen

Folks, if this doesn’t prove that we must save this city; nothing will!
Dangle24-7

At The End Of The Day-The Bottom Line-The Nitty Gritty-(And every irritating over used cliché)……But The Proof Is In The Pudding

2006-01-24T06:43:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has been to New Orleans over the last few weeks knows that the conditions today are not much different then they were in the latter part of September when New Orleans finally dried out.

Which brings me to this observation written by George Friedman on September 1, 2005 regarding the rebuilding of New Orleans. Because of its length, I considered some editing but realized any editing of something as important as this would be akin to taking a tour of New Orleans and not seeing the Lower 9th Ward. It must remain a complete package and it must be marked “URGENT”.

Please take the time to read this. It is the single most important document that you will read regarding the issue of rebuilding New Orleans.

Dangle24-7

New Orleans: A Geopolitical Prize By George Friedman

September 01, 2005 22 30 GMT -- The American political system was founded in Philadelphia, but the American nation was built on the vast farmlands that stretch from the Alleghenies to the Rockies. That farmland produced the wealth that funded American industrialization: It permitted the formation of a class of small landholders who, amazingly, could produce more than they could consume. They could sell their excess crops in the east and in Europe and save that money, which eventually became the founding capital of American industry.

But it was not the extraordinary land nor the farmers and ranchers who alone set the process in motion. Rather, it was geography -- the extraordinary system of rivers that flowed through the Midwest and allowed them to ship their surplus to the rest of the world. All of the rivers flowed into one -- the Mississippi -- and the Mississippi flowed to the ports in and around one city: New Orleans. It was in New Orleans that the barges from upstream were unloaded and their cargos stored, sold and reloaded on ocean-going vessels. Until last Sunday, New Orleans was, in many ways, the pivot of the American economy.

For that reason, the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815 was a key moment in American history. Even though the battle occurred after the War of 1812 was over, had the British taken New Orleans, we suspect they wouldn't have given it back. Without New Orleans, the entire Louisiana Purchase would have been valueless to the United States. Or, to state it more precisely, the British would control the region because, at the end of the day, the value of the Purchase was the land and the rivers - which all converged on the Mississippi and the ultimate port of New Orleans. The hero of the battle was Andrew Jackson, and when he became president, his obsession with Texas had much to do with keeping the Mexicans away from New Orleans.

During the Cold War, a macabre topic of discussion among bored graduate students who studied such things was this: If the Soviets could destroy one city with a large nuclear device, which would it be? The usual answers were Washington or New York. For me, the answer was simple: New Orleans. If the Mississippi River was shut to traffic, then the foundations of the economy would be shattered. The industrial minerals needed in the factories wouldn't come in, and the agricultural wealth wouldn't flow out. Alternative routes really weren't available. The Germans knew it too: A U-boat campaign occurred near the mouth of the Mississippi during World War II. Both the Germans and Stratfor have stood with Andy Jackson: New Orleans was the prize.

Last Sunday, nature took out New Orleans almost as surely as a nuclear strike. Hurricane Katrina's geopolitical effect was not, in many ways, distinguishable from a mushroom cloud. The key exit from North America was closed. The petrochemical industry, which has become an added value to the region since Jackson's days, was at risk. The navigability of the Mississippi south of New Orleans was a question mark. New Orleans as a city and as a port complex had ceased to exist, and it was not clear that it could recover.

The ports of South Louisiana and New Orleans, which run north and south of the city, are as important today as at any point during the history of the republic. On its own merit, the Port of South Louisiana is the largest port in the United States by tonnage and the fifth-largest in the world. It exports more than 52 million tons a year, of which more than half are agricultural products -- corn, soybeans and so on. A larger proportion of U.S. agriculture flows out of the port. Almost as much cargo, nearly 57 million tons, comes in through the port -- including not only crude oil, but chemicals and fertilizers, coal, concrete and so on.

A simple way to think about the New Orleans port complex is that it is where the bulk commodities of agriculture go out to the world and the bulk commodities of industrialism come in. The commodity chain of the global food industry starts here, as does that of American industrialism. If these facilities are gone, more than the price of goods shifts: The very physical structure of the global economy would have to be reshaped. Consider the impact to the U.S. auto industry if steel doesn't come up the river, or the effect on global food supplies if U.S. corn and soybeans don't get to the markets.

The problem is that there are no good shipping alternatives. River transport is cheap, and most of the commodities we are discussing have low value-to-weight ratios. The U.S. transport system was built on the assumption that these commodities would travel to and from New Orleans by barge, where they would be loaded on ships or offloaded. Apart from port capacity elsewhere in the United States, there aren't enough trucks or rail cars to handle the long-distance hauling of these enormous quantities -- assuming for the moment that the economics could be managed, which they can't be.

The focus in the media has been on the oil industry in Louisiana and Mississippi. This is not a trivial question, but in a certain sense, it is dwarfed by the shipping issue. First, Louisiana is the source of about 15 percent of U.S.-produced petroleum, much of it from the Gulf. The local refineries are critical to American infrastructure. Were all of these facilities to be lost, the effect on the price of oil worldwide would be extraordinarily painful. If the river itself became unnavigable or if the ports are no longer functioning, however, the impact to the wider economy would be significantly more severe. In a sense, there is more flexibility in oil than in the physical transport of these other commodities.

There is clearly good news as information comes in. By all accounts, the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, which services supertankers in the Gulf, is intact. Port Fourchon, which is the center of extraction operations in the Gulf, has sustained damage but is recoverable. The status of the oil platforms is unclear and it is not known what the underwater systems look like, but on the surface, the damage - though not trivial -- is manageable.

The news on the river is also far better than would have been expected on Sunday. The river has not changed its course. No major levees containing the river have burst. The Mississippi apparently has not silted up to such an extent that massive dredging would be required to render it navigable. Even the port facilities, although apparently damaged in many places and destroyed in few, are still there. The river, as transport corridor, has not been lost.

What has been lost is the city of New Orleans and many of the residential suburban areas around it. The population has fled, leaving behind a relatively small number of people in desperate straits. Some are dead, others are dying, and the magnitude of the situation dwarfs the resources required to ameliorate their condition. But it is not the population that is trapped in New Orleans that is of geopolitical significance: It is the population that has left and has nowhere to return to.

The oil fields, pipelines and ports required a skilled workforce in order to operate. That workforce requires homes. They require stores to buy food and other supplies. Hospitals and doctors. Schools for their children. In other words, in order to operate the facilities critical to the United States, you need a workforce to do it -- and that workforce is gone. Unlike in other disasters, that workforce cannot return to the region because they have no place to live. New Orleans is gone, and the metropolitan area surrounding New Orleans is either gone or so badly damaged that it will not be inhabitable for a long time.

It is possible to jury-rig around this problem for a short time. But the fact is that those who have left the area have gone to live with relatives and friends. Those who had the ability to leave also had networks of relationships and resources to manage their exile. But those resources are not infinite -- and as it becomes apparent that these people will not be returning to New Orleans any time soon, they will be enrolling their children in new schools, finding new jobs, finding new accommodations. If they have any insurance money coming, they will collect it. If they have none, then -- whatever emotional connections they may have to their home -- their economic connection to it has been severed. In a very short time, these people will be making decisions that will start to reshape population and workforce patterns in the region.

A city is a complex and ongoing process - one that requires physical infrastructure to support the people who live in it and people to operate that physical infrastructure. We don't simply mean power plants or sewage treatment facilities, although they are critical. Someone has to be able to sell a bottle of milk or a new shirt. Someone has to be able to repair a car or do surgery. And the people who do those things, along with the infrastructure that supports them, are gone -- and they are not coming back anytime soon.

It is in this sense, then, that it seems almost as if a nuclear weapon went off in New Orleans. The people mostly have fled rather than died, but they are gone. Not all of the facilities are destroyed, but most are. It appears to us that New Orleans and its environs have passed the point of recoverability. The area can recover, to be sure, but only with the commitment of massive resources from outside -- and those resources would always be at risk to another Katrina.

The displacement of population is the crisis that New Orleans faces. It is also a national
crisis, because the largest port in the United States cannot function without a city around it. The physical and business processes of a port cannot occur in a ghost town, and right now, that is what New Orleans is. It is not about the facilities, and it is not about the oil. It is about the loss of a city's population and the paralysis of the largest port in the United States.

Let's go back to the beginning. The United States historically has depended on the Mississippi and its tributaries for transport. Barges navigate the river. Ships go on the ocean. The barges must offload to the ships and vice versa. There must be a facility to empower this exchange. It is also the facility where goods are stored in transit. Without this port, the river can't be used. Protecting that port has been, from the time of the Louisiana Purchase, a fundamental national security issue for the United States.

Katrina has taken out the port -- not by destroying the facilities, but by rendering the area uninhabited and potentially uninhabitable. That means that even if the Mississippi remains navigable, the absence of a port near the mouth of the river makes the Mississippi enormously less useful than it was. For these reasons, the United States has lost not only its biggest port complex, but also the utility of its river transport system -- the foundation of the entire American transport system. There are some substitutes, but none with sufficient capacity to solve the problem.

It follows from this that the port will have to be revived and, one would assume, the city as well. The ports around New Orleans are located as far north as they can be and still be accessed by ocean-going vessels. The need for ships to be able to pass each other in the waterways, which narrow to the north, adds to the problem. Besides, the Highway 190 bridge in Baton Rouge blocks the river going north. New Orleans is where it is for a reason: The United States needs a city right there.

New Orleans is not optional for the United States' commercial infrastructure. It is a terrible place for a city to be located, but exactly the place where a city must exist. With that as a given, a city will return there because the alternatives are too devastating. The harvest is coming, and that means that the port will have to be opened soon. As in Iraq, premiums will be paid to people prepared to endure the hardships of working in New Orleans. But in the end, the city will return because it has to.

Geopolitics is the stuff of permanent geographical realities and the way they interact with political life. Geopolitics created New Orleans. Geopolitics caused American presidents to obsess over its safety. And geopolitics will force the city's resurrection, even if it is in the worst imaginable place.

Tomorrow: Rebuild New Orleans Reason Number 47

Tomorrow: Why New Orleans Must Be Rebuilt...And Will Be - Part 1

2006-01-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

I spent two (2) days working on a four (4) part series as to why New Orleans would be rebuilt. Posted the first part early this morning and what worked in theory proved to be “sucky” in reality. So into the trash it went. I was forced to “Wing” this one out today. Gonna have to do.

We would like to think that our representatives in Congress are educated and that they understand or at least are knowledgeable as to the importance of the geographical location of our country, cities and particularly; New Orleans.

Yes, we are below sea level and yes, much or our lives, especially recently; revolves around that fact. But let’s get something straight. It wasn’t Katrina that devastated New Orleans. It appears New Orleans fell due to a collaborative (Effort?) and ignorance of local, state and federal agencies. We trusted them. We were assured by them that we were protected from a Cat. 3 hurricane. Some have estimated that Katrina was in fact a strong Cat. 3 or perhaps a weak Cat. 4 when she made her way through the Crescent City.

But now there are those from the outside who don’t want to rebuild New Orleans? Hell, one Congressman (Who is a staunched supporter of the U.S. being in Iraq) said we (New Orleans & Louisiana) are as corrupt as Iraq. He went on to say that we should not invest in New Orleans. (Hmmmm, he thinks we are like Iraq but he supports Iraq and not us?)

Let’s set the record right before I really lose my temper to the point where I begin to use profanities and my blog is “Googled” by someone thus ending up with me being investigated by the F.B.I.

Tomorrow, I shall share with everyone the undeniable truth and reason that will put the subject to rest as to why New Orleans must and will be rebuilt. It will be rebuilt because people of this country need this city. The economy of this country requires New Orleans to be rebuilt and she needs to be rebuilt right where she is….under sea level.

Tomorrow: At The End Of The Day-The Bottom Line-The Nitty Gritty-(And every irritating over used cliché)……But The Proof Is In The Pudding

Dangle24-7

Good Morning Mr. Mayor - My Conversation With Mayor Ray Nagin

2006-01-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning Mr. Mayor,

Don’t you hate it when someone starts a sentence off with “At the risk of”? Well Mr. Mayor, at the risk of creating another bru-ha-ha, I have just a few things to share with you. But fear not for I shall choose my words carefully. I shall use the “Backspace” key often and I shall cut and paste and ultimately delete some of my words to avoid the “What in the hell was he thinking” facial expressions and comments. You know the ones I’m talking about Mr. Mayor. The ones you saw and heard this past Monday afternoon and throughout the rest of the week.

It is so simple; such a “No brainer.” Lessons have been taught by so many and yet it appears we just cannot avoid this seemingly obvious pitfall. These “Off the cuff” remarks (I hope they were off the cuff) have ended so many careers.

Oh! And Mr. Mayor; then there are the feeble attempts to cover up the “Fau-paux”. Generally, it’s impossible for one to tap dance around the questions once the ill fated misguided message has been delivered and received. (Hmmmm; should I be concerned for using the terminology “Tap dance?”)

Anyway Mr. Mayor, do you remember the late Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder? A football commentator for CBS, Snyder mused in January 1988 that slave owners had bred black slaves to produce the best physical specimens. Black athletes, he went on to say, could "jump higher and run faster" because of their "high thighs and big size." He said this during a national television broadcast! CBS fired him in a matter of hours.

Mr. Mayor, do you recall when Lee Alcorn, president of the Dallas National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), stepped into it big time while speaking on a Dallas radio show August 7, 2000? Regarding Al Gore’s choice of Joseph Lieberman as his running mate; Alcorn declared, "If we get a Jew person, then what I’m wondering is, I mean, what is this movement for, you know? Does it have anything to do with the failed peace talks?" He continued, "So I think we need to be very suspicious of any kind of partnerships between the Jews at that kind of level because we know that their interest primarily has to do with money and these kind of things." Within a couple of days, Alcorn had resigned his position, after being suspended by NAACP president Kweisi Mfume.

Then Mr Mayor, there was the late Howard Cosell's innocent, off the cuff descriptive comment on a Monday Night Football game when he excitedly blurted out to his cohorts and a national television audience, "Look at that little monkey run" as Washington Redskins' wide receiver Alvin Garrett; who is black, sprinted towards the Dallas end zone leaving Cowboy defenders in the dust? It is said that the late Roone Arledge, then the President of ABC Sports, considered putting a gun to his head. (Not his head, Howard’s!) For once, even Dandy Don Meredith was quiet. Poor Frank Gifford, the former sports jock; it went right over his head. In all fairness; Cosell had a big mouth but one thing he was not and that was a racist. He championed the Civil Rights Movement and made Muhammad Ali larger then life by playing Ali’s straight man early on in Ali’s career when he was then known as Cassius Clay. None of that mattered. When you say the wrong words; no matter how innocently, the “Take no prisoners” mentality goes into overdrive. For weeks this poor man was viciously attacked and pounced on repeatedly for his comment. Fortunately; Cosell’s career beat the odds and survived but according to his autobiography; the accusations that he was a racist devastated him. His wife later stated that he never recovered from the personal attacks on his character.

Mr. Mayor, can you recover from your “Off the cuff”—poorly thought out analogy? Well, we just have to hope so for the sake of all of us who have a stake in the rebuilding of New Orleans.

One more thing Mr. Mayor and then I shell consider this matter closed.

It’s the ingredients of us, the people; black, brown red, white, yellow, etc. (Alphabetical order for those of you who are scrutinizing me) that makes the delicious “Gumbo” we call New Orleans. As for chocolate—ain’t nothin’ but beans.

Dangle24-7

Tomorrow: Why New Orleans Must Be Rebuilt...And Will Be Part 1

Comments

2006-01-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

I am the first to admit that if and when I respond to a comment, I become a little less guarded. This week, since there was so much interest in "Chocolate", (and really; who can resist "Chocolate"?) I am "Blogging" this week's comments and responses.

FROM: White and it "don't" matter! said...
I'm white-who cares. I am 59 and remember segregation and when Sammy Davis Jr. married a white woman the world acted like it would stop spinning. It did not and it should not. Just recently I told my husband that although things certainly are not perfect or even close to perfect on the racial front---for the most part it just does not matter anymore. A good friend has a lover/partner--whatever he is just and I won't use his name but I think of him as L---he is black but that would not be how I would describe him. My nephew had a recent fling with a black girl and it just was not an issue--thankfully we are getting there. I was appalled by the remarks of Ray Nagin and of course it could be he just does not know how to make chocolate --you don't mix it with milk unless you want chocolate milk or milk chocolate. I love chocolate doesn't everyone but I hated the divide he created with that remark. As to the storm being the work of god well all storms are the work or God but I don't for an instant think God is out to get us because of politics or whatever. It is all just stupid and Ray Nagin is not a stupid man---he is a smart man that made some stupid remarks--unfortunately his remarks have sent the wrong message. My gut was well screw you I'll keep my white earned dollars out of NO and then I thought about what a wonderful city NO is and how many people black, white, brown, Vietnamese (sp) etc. that make up the mix of NO and I'll not let Ray Nagin turn me against the people of NO. I'll continue to support ALL the People of NO.

RESPONSE: Hi “Don’t Matter”, well stated. After Mr. Nagin made his comment, I swore to discontinue this blog. It is not his apology that changed my mind; in fact, I have a lot to say about his remarks. (See tomorrow’s blog). It’s just that the more voices we have to band together, the better chance we have for the survival of New Orleans. (See this coming Monday’s blog—it’s a show stopper!!!) Dangle24-7

FROM: annonomous in NOLA said...
(To) chocolate and proud
You are just as much of a racial slob as your beloved Nagin. I get that you are proud to be black. Is it a sin for me to be proud to be white? How dare you say that just because you are black that it gives you the right to belittle me. I find most of Nagins speech to be belittling to all of New Orleans. New Orleans is not all black, not all white, not all hispanic, not all asian or any other nationality. It is a great melting pot. White & Proud

RESPONSE: Thanks White & Proud, well said. Be proud of who you are and not what race you are because if you want, I can point out so much for Blacks, Whites, Hispanic & Asians to be ashamed of. Dangle24-7

FROM: chocolate and proud said...
A white New Orleans will be as stupid as a white Chalmette. Nagin selling us out. he says the truth and then he backs down to whity

RESPONSE: "Chocolate"… I have no clue as to what your point is and my guess is you don't either. If you are a regular reader of my blog, please let me know and I will make every effort in the future to use words with no more than 2 syllables. (Just my way of making a reasonable accommodation) Dangle 24-7

FROM: scoobydoo fan said...
The last thing you would want to do is give up and give in, that my friend is not you. I like the way you don't sugar coat everything and make it politically correct.
As far as reporting Houston crime rates, you are not there you are here in the heart of New Orleans. Letting the world know what is and sadly isn't happening.
Keep up the good fight!!!!!

RESPONSE: Scoobyoofan...you were with me since the beginning. Thank you so much my very special friend. Dangle24-7

FROM: Margie K. Irving, TX said...
I am so glad you are continuing your blog. It is very informative to those of us who are away. Instead of receiving only news that it filtered and sanitized, we get to hear from those of you down there on the battle field. Keep up the good work. And thank you, Margie

RESPONSE: Margie K...Not really a battlefield here; That's in Washington D.C. We here are concerned with much more important issues like choosing between semi sweet and Dutch chocolate. Dangle24-7

FROM: TravelingMermaid said...
Don't you dare terminate your blog! Just realize you won't "please all of the people all of the time". And a blog is not for that purpose - it's for communicating YOUR point of view & as long as you can back it up with facts, you have nothing to be concerned about. Anyone who doesn't agree with your point of view is free not to visit your blog! And free to expouse their own opinion on their own blog. I plan to comment on the Mayor's speech, etc. as well but I want to think first & not just react. Plus, I just put you on my blogroll so that settles it!

RESPONSE: TravelingMermaid...I exist because of you. Thanks for the encouragement. Great blog everyone. My favorite because I can go to it; rest and be at peace. Please have a look:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15616696
Dangle24-7

FROM: Markus said...
Don't give up. Every word we post keeps the truth alive. New Orleans needs you
Markus…

RESPONSE: Hello and thanks for stopping by. Had many pizzas at Luigi’s. Remember the traffic light? That’s my old stomping ground. The Barrel, The Library and Brothers …..rings any bells? Your statement “New Orleans needs you” single handily makes my case. If New Orleans needs me; it just proves how bad off the city really is!!!!!!!!!!!
And ….one other thing. Check out http://wetbankguide.blogspot.com
Now this dude can write! Dangle24-7

FROM: Terrell said…
Dude or Miss, You da bomb

RESPONSE: Terrell. I da Bomb? Thanks, U da Man! (BTW I a Man too!)

FROM: Gina said...
IT would be a LOT of trouble for my feeble mind to change MY blog template and delete your link, after all the trouble it cost me to add y'all! PLEASE keep up the good FIGHT . . . er . . . work ;~)

RESPONSE: Gina, you been reading up on me for quite a while. I’ve decided to hang around a bit longer. Only because I am receiving so much encouragement from so many ladies!!!! And…….. Terrell does think…I da Bomb!
Gina has a great blog that captures the spirit of New Orleans,head over to: http://chicory.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow: Good Morning Mr. Mayor

Epilogue: Untitled

2006-01-20T06:07:00.001-08:00

Fourth draft and still; not even a title. It was going to be titled "Departure" but once you visit this area, you can never leave; at least mentally.

That’s where I am at this moment. Perhaps this is where anyone and everyone ends up after visiting the lower 9th Ward, St. Bernard Parish, Bayou Liberty and Old Town in Slidell, La. or the Mississippi Gulf Coast. (This should not be construed as a lack of compassion or understanding of the destruction in other parts of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes).

We just cannot find the words. We try but it’s just not possible. As I think about it; perhaps that is what makes it so profound. For me, in my mind and in my gut; the closest I came to describing what I saw was the “It is so evil and yet somehow sacred” tag. There is also a feeling of “Paying respect to this area” and all the generations who settled here prior to and up to the arrival of Katrina.

I’m sure others have found their own words to describe what they saw. I won’t tell you to share your experience with others because you will; that’s how this works. But these words can only be found and perhaps best understood by those of who have been there to “Pay respect”.

Dangle24-7

Tomorrow: Letters & Comments

Trip # 3 Part 3 Scene 2 Arrival

2006-01-19T04:06:00.000-08:00

Three hours into this driving tour and I am about to leave the Upper 9th Ward and cross over to the Lower 9th Ward. I was anticipating the worse. After I crossed the drawbridge section; I would be there. It was our ground zero. It was our Hiroshima; it was our 9/11; it was……….hmmmmm; not as bad as I expected!

I drove through some neighborhoods and I saw boarded up homes, I saw water lines on doors, I saw the abandoned cars, I smelled the mold; hell, after three (3) hours of this, it becomes the norm.

I turned on Jourdan Ave. and headed north. I passed Fats Domino’s place where someone, thinking he was lost to the storm, sprayed painted “RIP Fats”. Fortunately, Fats was found and rescued. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9159941/

Eventually, I arrived at the corner of Jourdan and N. Claiborne. There was some activity. Cars were moving slowly east and west on N. Claiborne. Even though it was the same old Katrina color and the same old Katrina smell that I had encountered all something here eerily different; almost surreal.

I crossed N. Claiborne Ave. and remained on Jourdan Ave. After a few blocks, I noticed to my left; towards the Industrial Canal; there appeared to be “Empty spaces” where empty spaces shouldn’t be. I made a left and slowly went toward these voids. The first thing I noticed was houses in the wrong places. Some were turned on angles; others were sitting on top of cars while other’s had cars sitting on top of them. Houses still standing were leaning to one side or another. Then there were others leaning forward and still others were leaning backwards. Oddly enough, one had Christmas decorations in the window!

I went another block and on either side of me were piles upon piles of wood and debris. I could see the Industrial Canal Levee to my left and I could see where it had been patched. I was now in the path, the size of a city block, where a surge of water had come through and took everything in its path with it. I was sitting in the path. I had arrived at ground zero. What in the hell was I seeing? What in the hell was I suppose to do?

This is not what I saw on television. This is not what I read in newspapers. This is not what I saw and read about on the Internet. This was flat out Armageddon.

There was a man sitting on a porch of a house that was leaning very badly. His facial expression appeared to be distant, perhaps of an unknown distant future or nothing more then thoughts of a recent past. The first good wind to come along will probably put this house out of its misery; and perhaps mercifully; him out of “His”.

Whatever this was; whatever I was seeing; it became the sum of today. It also became a part of me.

Nothing you have seen; nothing you have heard; will prepare you for this. It is “Violence” frozen in time. It is so evil and yet somehow sacred. Once you see this, you will never be the same. And for this--I am thankful.

Dangle24-7

Tomorrow: Epilogue

Trip # 3 Part 3 Scene 1 Upper 9th The Approach

2006-01-18T04:35:00.000-08:00

Upper 9th -- Lower 9th -- There is a difference. Back in the 40s; there was something modern about living in the “Upper 9th”. And if you ventured off to Gentilly in the 50s; you may as well be moving to Alaska.

That was then; this is now.

As I exited off I-10 and headed towards the northern boundary of the “Upper 9th”, I left behind one of the oldest sections of Gentilly. It also resembled its cousins that I had visited earlier today. Void of life and of color except for that “Katrina Brown”; so empty and so still.

I made my way over the Franklin Ave. Overpass and as I coasted down, I was surprise as to what I saw. The good news--It wasn’t any worse then Gentilly. The bad news--It wasn’t any better than Gentilly. These houses; some of them over 80 years old; houses that stood up to a lady named Betsy, were no match for Katrina’s wrath. Flood lines were midway up the front doors and again; no signs of life and dead silence.

When I reached St. Claude Ave., I made a left and I also made an assumption of what laid before me. I was wrong in so many ways. I was heading east on St. Claude and I was actually seeing some activity. There were some small eateries and a guy fixing flat tires. There were people; not many but it was like passing through something civilized for the first time in hours. I had found an oasis in the middle of a desert. I felt excited and hopeful.

But I saw something ahead of me that I knew was going to change my life. It terrified me as a child and it was “Creeping” me out now. I just knew one day I would be on it and it would rise before I could get off of it and I would slide off. There was something chilling to a four (4) year old as to the way it would rise and make the road vertical rather then horizontal. And now for a brief moment; I was not approaching it; it seemed to be approaching me. It was the St. Claude Ave. drawbridge. In its down position; it allows motor vehicles and even pedestrian traffic to cross the Industrial Canal. In its up position; it allowed water traffic through. For many decades it has linked two (2) communities together that were so different; they were alike--another one of those little “New Orleans nuances” that cannot be explained. This is the bridge that connects the Upper 9th to the Lower 9th and I was heading towards the lower 9th.

Dangle 24-7

Tomorrow: Trip #3 Part 3 Scene 2 Lower 9th The Arrival

Note: Remarks made by Mayor Ray Nagin in addition to his apology will be posted sometime this weekend. Dangle 24-7

FAIR & BALANCE...I REALLY DO TRY

2006-01-17T14:39:00.001-08:00

It’s been twenty-four (24) hours since New Orleans' Mayor Ray Nagin made questionable comments during a speech at a MLK rally.

It was less then a week ago when I was accused on a message board of posting only positive items and comments relative to the rebuilding of New Orleans.

In a separate incident, I was “Called down” regarding this posting:
http://katrinavictimssos.blogspot.com/2006/01/responsible-reporting_09.html

Without going into great detail, the information from my source was confirmed by numerous verifications using multiple combinations of search words and criteria through two (2) search engines. The contradictory information the complainant was providing could not be verified one single time through numerous attempts using the same techniques and the same search engines.

The complainant stated that I should take her word (Which she admitted was hear say) and post statements in her e-mail contradicting what I had previously posted. I offered to post our e-mail exchanges and to allow them to stand on their own merits but only if she gave me permission and with my promise to conceal her identity. I have never heard back from her.

I was also labeled recently as “Unfair” for not posting information regarding the increase crime rate in Houston attributed to Katrina evacuees. Hell, does this look like a LAW & ORDER blog? I don’t post baseball scores either.

My postings of last night and today will hopefully show that I will post the “Bad” in addition to the “Good” & the “Ugly”.

And I do plan to post a comment on the Mayor’s statements. At this point I really don’t know what I want to say. Let me put it to you like this; if Rush Limbaugh said New Orleans needs to become a Vanilla City and be a city of European Americans and we don’t care what the people in the lower 9th say; then apologizes; at what point are we to accept or trust his apology? At what point would a black person accept and trust his apology?

Twelve hours ago, I decided to terminate this blog. Today; I want to see where I go with it or where it takes me.

Traveling Mermaid; you came along at the right time. I am staying on a bit longer because of your compliments and encouragement. Thanks…….I guess.

Dangle 24-7

Tomorrow: Trip # 3 Part 3 Scene 1 Upper 9th

Nagin------------Chocolate

2006-01-17T04:53:00.000-08:00

Nagin's "Chocolate" Speech
http://www.wdsu.com/video/6154578/detail.html

Nagin Defines "Chocolate"
http://www.wdsu.com/video/6162103/detail.html

New Orleans Mayor Says God Mad at U.S.

2006-01-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

New Orleans Mayor Says God Mad at U.S.Jan 16 9:44 PM US/Eastern Email this story
By BRETT MARTEL Associated Press Writer
NEW ORLEANS

Mayor Ray Nagin suggested Monday that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and other storms were a sign that "God is mad at America" and at black communities, too, for tearing themselves apart with violence and political infighting.

"Surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country," Nagin, who is black, said as he and other city leaders marked Martin Luther King Day.

"Surely he doesn't approve of us being in Iraq under false pretenses. But surely he is upset at black America also. We're not taking care of ourselves."

Nagin also promised that New Orleans will be a "chocolate" city again. Many of the city's black neighborhoods were heavily damaged by Katrina.

"It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans _ the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said. "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans."

Nagin described an imaginary conversation with King, the late civil rights leader.

"I said, `What is it going to take for us to move on and live your dream and make it a reality?' He said, `I don't think that we need to pay attention any more as much about other folks and racists on the other side.' He said, `The thing we need to focus on as a community _ black folks

I'm talking about _ is ourselves.'"

Nagin said he also asked: "Why is black-on-black crime such an issue? Why do our young men hate each other so much that they look their brother in the face and they will take a gun and kill him in cold blood?"

The reply, Nagin said, was: "We as a people need to fix ourselves first."

Nagin also said King would have been dismayed with black leaders who are "most of the time tearing each other down publicly for the delight of many."

A day earlier, gunfire erupted at a parade to commemorate King's birthday. Three people were wounded in the daylight shooting amid a throng of mostly black spectators, but police said there were no immediate suspects or witnesses.

2006-01-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

Mayor: New Orleans to be "chocolate" again
1/16/2006, 1:16 p.m. CT
By BRETT MARTEL The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mayor Ray Nagin told a crowd gathered at City Hall for a Martin Luther King Day march that New Orleans will be "chocolate" again.

"We ask black people ... It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans — the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," Nagin said Monday. "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans."

ATTENTION

2006-01-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

DUE TO MAYOR RAY NAGIN'S SPEECH TODAY AT A MARTIN LUTHER KING RALLY, TOMORROW'S SCHEDULED POSTING WILL NOT BE MADE.

UNTIL I GET A TRANSCRIPT OF MAYOR NAGIN'S SPEECH, THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER POSTS.

DANGLE 24-7

Trip # 3 Part 2 Scene 3 Deeper In Hell

2006-01-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

Coming off the Senator Ted Hickey Bridge that crosses the Industrial Canal by Lake Pontchartrain, I was now entering what is known as New Orleans East.

This is the New Orleans version of its western boundary neighbor; Metairie. Here is where you find the last frontier of New Orleans development. Its "Birth" was in the late 50s but this community really blossomed in the late 60s and early 70s. It is home to a diverse population of white, black, poor, middle class and the wealthy. To the far east of this community is a large independent self sustaining Vietnamese population.

I heard Katrina took a heavy toll on New Orleans East and it did, although it really looked pretty much like the devastation I saw earlier in Gentilly and Lakeview. There were virtually no signs of life or any meaningful recovery efforts and of course; there was that look and smell of Katrina. Either my senses have become numbed or there just isn't anything else to say except-- It's block after block and mile after mile of just total destruction.

To put in perspective the area I have covered thus far; I have been through approximately 100 square miles of devastation and this does not include the blue roofs and the abundance of FEMA trailers I saw earlier in Metairie. It also does not include the West Bank of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Lafourche Parish, St. Charles Parish, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, parts of Alabama's Gulf Coast and an additional 40 square miles of New Orleans of which I was on my way to view.

I started back west on Chef Menteur Highway where I picked up 1-10 West. I headed towards the Franklin Exit. This would take me to the southern most point of Gentilly that borders the 9th Ward. (Upper 9th not Lower 9th) .

While exiting on the ramp, I wondered if I would ever find the right words for me to sum up what I have seen?

Trip # 3 Part 3 Scene 1 Upper 9th

Trip # 3 Part 2 Scene 2 Still In Hell

2006-01-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

By now, I am very disheartened. I have reached Harrison Avenue; sort of what you would consider the business district of Lakeview. Everything is closed and as I think of the images; they appear in my mind as “Black and white". Everything in this city appears to be colorless. I traveled down Harrison to make my way to City Park and then; Gentilly.

As I crossed Marconi Blvd., which borders the west side of the park, on my right are hundreds of tents. This area of City Park is known as Scout Island. Odd name since it isn't an island. Even stranger now since instead of scouts pitching tents; Scout Island has become home for work crews and volunteers. These tents were blue, red, yellow; every imaginable color, and all appeared to sleep just one. You have to stop and wonder how many sacrifices are being made by these people.

A bit further into the park, the first thing I noticed was areas splashed with sunlight for the first time in well over 100 years. New Orleans City Park lost over 1,000 century old Live Oaks.

As I approached Wisner Blvd. which borders the east side of City Park, I passed between two (2) golf courses. The greens, which are always well manicured, appeared to mimic the rough. Sand traps were no longer a problem because there were no golfers.

Crossing over Bayou St. John, I entered Gentilly. This is where I grew up. It was desolate. It still had that tainted look. It still had “That” smell. It was the same as it was the last time I visited. Again, I heard nothing but silence. An area that was so densely populated just months ago has now taken on the appearance of a ghost town.

I drove down Filmore to Wingate Dr. On the corner of Wingate and Filmore was the first house I owned. It was vacant as were the other houses. The windows and doors were opened. As I exited my car, that “Katrina smell” was present. I went to the front door and looked inside. It was gutted, no sheet rock--the inside was reduced to nothing but two by fours. I went to the back where there was a small den and stuck my head through the door. The smell of mold was overwhelming and I cannot describe what I saw. This house is now someone's shattered dream; a shattered dream that was a part of my past.

My next stop was at another house on Wingate Dr. This is where my best childhood friend Temple lived. As a kid, it was my second home occupied by my second family. His mother still lives (Lived?) there. It also sat vacant with the front door cracked open. I went up and looked through the door. The furniture was upside down, tossed everywhere; and everything was black. It was lifeless and again the smell of mold took hold of my senses. This “Home” like the majority of the other thousands of homes in this area has sat here untouched for nearly five (5) months. This is just unimaginable.

Around the corner is where I grew up--5760 Wildair Dr. I went up on the porch and looked through the front bed room window but I am clueless as to what I saw. It was black everywhere and reeked of that mold smell—maybe stench is a better term. I pushed the front door open and again, that smell; that blackness. This little place that brought so much pride to so many now stands empty and one man’s castle, no matter how humble, has become nothing more then a memory.

This is the home my father would walk the grounds of because he was so proud it. It was the house where I played with my first childhood friend Craig. It was the house where my sister said her first words. It was the house where my mother would talk to my grandmother on the phone for what seemed to be endless hours. This was the front porch where my parents would sit and chat with the Normans and the Arnolds. Now this house stands as the others; empty and resembling rows of tombstones more so then homes.

Next, I went to view the University of New Orleans (U.N.O.) campus. The soccer/softball/flag football fields resembled a Florida retirement community. Nothing but trailers--FEMA trailers. I suppose this is good. U.N.O. is planning on resuming some classes in a few weeks. These trailers are for faculty and staff although I am not sure where the students will be coming from --I know it won’t be Lakeview or Gentilly.

Across from U.N.O. is a small upscale subdivision called Lake Oaks. Here is where some hope lies. No flooding, very little wind damage and approximately two (2) square miles of “Anywhere, U.S.A.” except.... surrounded by hell. And--it’s right off Lakeshore Dr.; the road that borders Lake Pontchartrain. Go figure.

From Lake Oaks, I drove down Lakeshore Dr. and for the first time "Post" Katriana, I was going to cross the Industrial Canal and explore New Orleans East; the northern neighbor of the Lower 9th Ward.

Tomorrow: Trip # 3 Part 2 Scene 3 "Deeper In Hell"

Trip # 3 Part 2 Scene 1 Through The Gates of Hell

2006-01-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

Crossing over the 17th Bridge on Veterans Blvd. is one of those things I can’t get use to. Use to be that I was leaving Metaire and entering the middle to upper middle class neighborhood of New Orleans called Lakeview.

How things have changed over the last four (4) and one (1) half months and....... how things have NOT changed over the last four (4) months.

It just so happens; I was visiting the same day President Bush came to town to visit. I actually saw the presidential motorcade as it was passing through Metairie on I-10 from Armstrong International Airport to downtown New Orleans.

Not sure exactly where they took him but it appeared to be uptown New Orleans. He saw major progress and was pleased. Well, I was in Lakeview. I saw little progress and I was not pleased at all. Little did I know that today was going to get worse.

I do not blame the President for saying what he did. For some reason, he was sheltered from Lakeview, Gentilly and The Lower 9th Ward. Perhaps he didn't get to see the Lower 9th Ward because New Orleans Council Woman Cynthia Willard-Lewis would not allow him to "Tour" down there.

So......... President Bush says everything is great here. Hope he didn't try to get lunch at Commander's Palace, a favorite restaurant of mine located uptown. They have yet to re-open.

Anyway, back to my tour, ooops, er, that is, um..... I mean visit!!!

Lakeview is still quiet and lifeless. There was an occasional FEMA trailer but over all, this once exclusive and charming area that sits mostly between City Park and Lake Pontchartrain was like being in Death Valley, and I don't mean LSU's “Tiger Stadium”. You actually believe that if you sit in one spot long enough, tumbleweed will roll by; like in the other Death Valley.

So many dreams just flat out smashed!

Tomorrow: Trip # 3 Part 2 Scene 2 Still In Hell

Trip # 3 Part 1 Scene 1

2006-01-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I made my third trip to the South Shore of Lake Pontchartrain. When taking the 24 mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge from Mandeville, LA., you head south and your first destination is Metairie, LA.

You haven’t heard much about Katrina’s effect on Metairie. In fact, I had been through Metairie twice and saw a few “Blue roofs” and some debris lined up endlessly along curbsides. Other then that; not much to write about.

Well, the amount of debris should have tipped me off.

Today’s trip was eye popping. The good news: Virtually every house on every street on either side of West Esplanade from Transcontinental to N. Causeway Blvd. had a FEMA trailer parked in their driveway or on their front lawn. The bad news: Virtually every house on every street on either side of West Esplanade from Transcontinental to N. Causeway Blvd. had a FEMA trailer parked in their driveway or on their front lawn! Blue roofs were more common the uncommon.

All fast food outlets were closed; not even drive throughs. The Wendy’s in front of East Jefferson Hospital that was always packed with medical staff is closed. A McDonalds near Lakeside Shopping Mall was closed with a large “Help wanted” on the front window.

Traffic in Metairie is extremely heavy and the area has lots of activity. It looks like a place that was hit by a Hurricane and in recovery.

New Orleans and Metairie share a common border. It’s called The 17th Street Canal. Perhaps you heard of it? Crossing this canal is like leaving purgatory and entering hell.

Tomorrow: Through The Gates of Hell

Is You Is Or Is You Ain't..........Not

2006-01-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t?

This was yesterday’s “teaser” at the end of yesterday’s posting. It was such a perfect title for what I had in mind and when I finally put my thoughts into words; the title didn’t fit; my thoughts got lost in the translation…………

So, after wasting many hours in an attempt to provoke some and to appease others, I decided, why not let someone else do it?

From The New Orleans City Council’s Website:

COUNCIL OPPOSES TOURS IN DEVASTATED NEIGHBORHOODS

At the request of Council members Cynthia Willard-Lewis and Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits tours for compensation in the area east of the Industrial Canal.

“This is a public safety issue,” said Councilmember Willard-Lewis. “Residents are returning home to make repairs on their homes and need to be able to work without extra vehicles on the roadways.”

Me again. Any addtional thoughts? I have some. See tomorrow's posting.
Dangle24-7

2006-01-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

Editorial From The Times- Picayune
Shock has value
Tuesday, January 10, 2006

New Orleans residents who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina shouldn't lose their dignity too, and they may feel exploited if devastated parts of the city are turned into tourist attractions.

But when City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis pushed through a ban on paid tours in the Lower 9th Ward and eastern New Orleans, she didn't take into account the good that a first-hand look can do.

Granted, some people who pay for a tour of the ruined areas of New Orleans will be motivated more by morbid curiosity than compassion.

Callous onlookers gawking at wrecked homes and neighborhoods could certainly offend the dispossessed. But there's nothing to prevent that kind of sightseer -- or scores of them -- from hopping in a private vehicle to take a look on their own.

By contrast, organized, for-profit tours could be controlled if they caused problems. The City Council could limit the hours of such tours, for example, or the number. Ms. Willard-Lewis should have considered those kinds of measures.
Instead, she insisted on an outright ban in the area she represents. That will deny visitors a chance to see the scope of Hurricane Katrina's damage, something that could make believers out of skeptics and persuade them to speak up for New Orleans when they return home.

Gray Line Tours, which began tours of Lakeview and Gentilly last week, passes out letters in support of rebuilding New Orleans for visitors to sign and mail to their representatives and asks them to sign a petition in favor of President Bush's promise to fortify the levees.

Tours by Isabelle, which has been using vans to show visitors the Lower 9th Ward and Lakeview, also encourages its customers to speak out. "People must see this, because we need help," said owner Isabelle Cossart.

Not everyone who sees the damage is going to take the time to write a letter or send an e-mail. But even if they simply talk about what they saw to friends and neighbors back home, it will help keep this storm-ravaged region on the national radar. That kind of attention is important enough to put up with orderly onlookers. (END OF STORY)

Tomorrow: Is It Is Or Is It A’int?

2006-01-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

There are times when just a few words can sum up so much. This is one of those times and if anyone doubts the emotional trauma inflicted upon the people of Katrina's strike zone; recite the following five (5) times.
Dangle24-7

"If you weren't there or you didn't go back, you just don't get it."
Gary McMillen

Tomorrow: Gray Area Part Deux

Responsible Reporting?

2006-01-09T05:23:00.001-08:00

My friend Penny e-mailed me this newspaper article on January 1, 2006. What a way to welcome in the “New Year”. She was upset and rightfully so.

Penny has a very keen eye for detail and the more I get to know her, the more I realize that perhaps someone else should be doing this blog. For now, you all are stuck with me.

The following is a December 29 article from The Lima News in Lima, Ohio:

Lima doctor reflects on Katrina victims
By JIM SABIN
LIMA — Dr. Myron Shank heard the firsthand accounts of what life was like in New Orleans in the days after Hurricane Katrina.

He knew what the national media portrayed, but what he saw there and what he heard while working with veterans in Jackson, Miss., just didn’t match up, he said.

“It was very different than what’s portrayed in the national news media. These people really had a very different attitude about everything than what you’d be led to believe by the national media,” Shank said.

Shank, a Lima endocrinologist, went to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson to help out as much as he could. He left Sept. 25, came back after a couple of weeks, then returned to spend five more weeks there, finally coming home Dec. 1.

The stories he heard were horrible, he said. Stories of women and young girls being raped and murdered, then stacked like cordwood in the New Orleans Convention Center. Stories of Superdome and Convention Center bathrooms with ankle-deep feces. Of people wading through water so toxic it burned and took the paint off cars.

And no stories of anyone who wanted to return to a rebuilt New Orleans, he said.

“Not a single person that I talked to thought it should be rebuilt. They don’t want new levies; they want the marshlands restored,” Shank said. “Every one of them that I talked to … they don’t want to go back. Everything that they knew was gone.”

He said most he talked to blamed local and state officials for the poor response to the flooding that swamped 80 percent of New Orleans, and didn’t blame the federal government.

“They told me that their mayor and governor had no plans and then refused federal relief for the first four days out of fear of relinquishing control,” he said. Once the military moved in and took control, things improved, he was told. “Even those who said they did not like the president gave him very high marks in the disaster relief. It was just the opposite of what the national media was reporting.”

He said many of the combat veterans he worked with actually spent more time talking about combat than the disaster.

“The life-and-death issues all around them probably brought back those memories. Most of these people had never talked about it in their lives,” he said. “Usually combat veterans do not talk about their combat experiences at all.”

Shank said he hasn’t had time to sort through how the experience changed him personally. It was the first significant disaster he worked on, he said. Even now, just talking about it is difficult, he said.

“It’s amazing to me how much emotion it brings back. I didn’t realize how deeply it affected me,” he said. “I think I’m still trying to sort that out. Obviously, it was an emotionally disturbing experience, not only the natural disaster, but also the human response to it, the lack of preparation, the inappropriate response to it.”

There you have it folks. We have a writer who does not check facts and a medical doctor who is either grossly uninformed or hallucinating.

Here are some things that jump out at you:

This was published on December 29, 2005. This is four (4) months after Katrina. The reports of mass killings and rapes and bodies piled up at the convention Center were erroneous. This story belongs with those that were written between September 1 and September 15; all of which have since been proven untrue and every major news outlet will tell you this.

“Not a single person that I talked to thought it should be rebuilt. They don’t want new levies; they want the marshlands restored,” Shank said. “Every one of them that I talked to … they don’t want to go back. Everything that they knew was gone.”

Well, Doc, the re-population of the city is moving well ahead of what was forecasted. See the link below:

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1136100412176420.xml

"Dr. Myron Shank heard the firsthand accounts of what life was like in New Orleans in the days after Hurricane Katrina".

FIRST HAND????????? FROM WHO?????????

Here’s the “Rub”. You see, our friend Penny figured out something that made what Shank claims completely bogus. Evacuees in shelters in Jackson, Mississippi had to arrive prior to the storm moving inland. I-55 became impassable within one day of Katrina’s arrival. And, areas around Jackson Mississippi were without power for about a week. Why move evacuees up there? They didn’t. Superdome and Convention Center evacuees were moved west to Houston.

In one of our e-mail exchanges, I told her I wanted to blog this information but I always like to check “My facts” two (2) or (3) times. Before I had a chance to check anything, Penny sent me an e-mail with the following two (2) links.

http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_4517,00.html

http://www.click2houston.com/news/4915550/detail.html

I am adding a third link.

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1454073.htm

I even tried “Googling” the following string of words; “Superdome Convention Evacuees Katrina Jackson”. You guessed it…..No hits saying that evacuees from either the Dome or the Convention Center ended up in Jackson, Mississippi. Try it. So much for Shank’s “First hand accounts”.

Shank closes by saying “I think I’m still trying to sort that out. Obviously, it was an emotionally disturbing experience, not only the natural disaster, but also the human response to it, the lack of preparation, the inappropriate response to it.”

DOC!!!! Get over it! You were either conned or you are delusional!

Which brings us to Jim Sabin; the writer of this piece of fiction.

I am sure Mr. Sabin is a very nice person. I am sure he aspires for a day when he will write for the New York Times or perhaps the Washington Post. Based on how he handled Shank’s story; I’d say it’s a toss up that his career will be probably end up with The Penny Pincher, you know, the free paper you receive at your local grocery store with all the weight loss ads. With lots of luck and a resume` omitting this article; he could land at D.C. Comics.

Thank you Penny for nipping this one in the bud. It is important that people are encouraged; not discouraged from coming back to their homes. The irresponsible journalism of Jim Sabin harms our efforts to bring our people home and if widely distributed, this article could be a real morale breaker. Fortunately, it appears that this piece of garbage was ignored by all the wire services and net works.

Thankfully, due to the keen eye of our friend Penny; we can lay another “Urban legend” http://sosareweforgotten.blogspot.com/2005/12/new-urban-legend.html
to rest; hopefully for good this time.

Again, many thanks Penny,
Dangle24-7

Copy to: Jim Sabin
Dr. Myron Shank

Mr. Sabin, your response will be welcomed.

Dr. Shank, your response will be welcomed.

OOOPS!!!!!!!

2006-01-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Last night, I had a major computer crash. Four (4) hours spent accomplishing nothing and ended up going to bed while running a self diagnosis of the entire operating system. Woke up this morning and found nothing useful to unlock my system. Last resort; booted in safe mode and with a little luck, was able to get in, deleted the little "Gremlin" that shut me down and by some miracle, I am up and running and I appear to be running faster then ever!

However, I had no chance of creating a post today but I saw a comment on yesterday's posting and I said to myself: "Got me a posting".

The following is a comment on yesterday's posting "For Me, Not A Gray Area":

I agree with you that the tours raise awareness, and are therefore beneficial. I liken it to visiting the prison camp at Dachau, Germany - or the Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. A very good entry today. Thanks, Gina

My response:

Thanks Gina. A wonderful example.

I fully understand and respect the feelings of those who feel as if they have become something along the lines of a side show. The
purpose of my Blog is to send a message to people around the country about how bad the conditions are--STILL. This is exactly what these tours will accomplish.

I have seen a couple of news reports on these tours and the riders appeared to be shaken and shocked at what they were seeing. I have even seen tears.

Having seen these conditions first hand, I know once you truly experience the destruction, you have no choice but to share with others what you have seen. These folks will go back home and do the same with family and friends. They will have no choice because the impact will forever change them. It becomes a moral obligation to share this experience with others.

It was my trip into the heart of New Orleans that began this Blog.

Thank you, Glenn

Dangle24-7

For Me, Not Really A Gray Area

2006-01-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

Gray Line Tours is a popular way for tourists to see New Orleans. Prior to Katrina, for less then a brunch at Brennan’s, you could ride in the comfort of an air conditioned bus and tour the French Quarter, The Garden District, City Park, New Orleans beautiful lakefront and even nearby swamps.

This week, Gray Line began a tour called “Hurricane Katrina: America’s Worst Catastrophe”. I am not really sure what “Attractions” it will visit but in all honesty, any area east of Canal Street will drop jaws. And when the tour crosses the Industrial Canals; to the lands of New Orleans East and The Lower 9th ward; there will be tears. Perhaps some will be emotionally scarred; never forgetting this one of a kind tour. One thing for sure; it will be something they will never forget. It’s a memory these tourists will take home and share with anyone and everyone they see.

So……..is this a good thing or is it a bad thing. Are they trespassing on people’s personal tragedies? After leaving New Orleans, will they educate people from other areas of the country? As the tour bus passes, will people who are gutting their homes wave a hand with five (5) fingers or just one (1) finger?

Gray line will not allow anyone off the bus to take a picture. They will donate $3.00 to one of five (5) charities involved with disaster relief for every paid fare; $35.00 for adults, $29.00 for children. (Children?) Guides will talk to the tourists through the issues raised by Katrina.

I have been through the Mid City, City Park, Lakeview and Gentilly areas twice since Katrina struck. My purpose was to visit areas where I grew up and where friends lived. I must confess; some pictures I took were of things that had no memory attached to it. I slipped in and out of “Sight seeing of a curiosity nature”. And when I had the opportunity to see someone working on their house; I avoided eye contact. I felt as if I was intruding on “Sacred ground”.

I know for a fact that what I saw in late September as I drove through New Orleans combined with what I was hearing, and more so; with what I wasn’t hearing, drove me to begin this Blog.

I fully understand the emotions and the resentment of those who are knee deep in the rubble of their homes; those who have been through so much doing whatever they can do to put their lives back together and now find that their tragedy; their misfortune, their despair has turned into a “Tourist attraction”.

Arlo Guthrie who made popular the song by Steve Goodman “The City of New Orleans” rode the train “The City of New Orleans” from Chicago to New Orleans. Along the way, he did benefit concerts for hurricane relief. When he finally arrived, he was taken on a tour of the devastation. He was shocked. He had been doing benefits for a week and had no clue as to how grave the condition of New Orleans really was. That was three weeks ago and what was supposed to be just one benefit concert (With Willie Nelson) has turned into a three (3) week encore.

I have yet to meet one person who visited New Orleans post Katrina and to not have been shocked by what they experienced and what they saw. Weeks of seeing the devastation of New Orleans on television did not prepare them.

With the risk of offending many victims, I applaud Gray Line for raising awareness of the conditions in New Orleans. I wish they would extend a tour to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I also encourage them to contact congress and offer a “Free Pass” to any Congressman to take this tour.

Copy to Gray Line

Dangle24-7

KATRINA - THE HURRICANE THAT KEEPS ON TAKING

2006-01-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

In addition to yesterday's posting; the following story demonstrates how Katrina continues to touch lives throughout the region.

Downed trees deadly in St. Tammany
Accidents kill five since the hurricane

Tuesday, January 03, 2006
By Paul Purpura and Jenny Hurwitz

Richard Adam grew up near the bayous of St. Tammany Parish and had enough grit to endure Army Ranger training and war itself.

So it is perplexing to his family that, in a freakish accident, Adam was crushed by a tree Friday as he cut it down on his property near Slidell, said Martin Blei, his brother-in-law. Adam is the fifth person to die from a hurricane-damaged tree since Katrina swept through the region four months ago, according to Mark Lombard of the parish coroner's office.

"I don't know how good he was with a chain saw, but he was a good handyman," Blei said. "He worked construction and was good with heights. It was just bizarre."
Adam, 34, had a 4-year-old daughter, and his wife is expecting their second child late next month.

Considering the threat posed by damaged trees, Lombard warned parish residents to proceed with caution when attempting to remove tree debris from their yards. "If at all possible, use professionals to accomplish these types of tasks," Lombard said.

On Wednesday, Margie Miller, 68, was killed when a massive limb broke off an oak tree in her yard. It fell on her while she raked leaves just before dusk, said her daughter, Rachel Miller.

Unable to afford to hire someone to remove the tree and lacking homeowners insurance, Margie Miller asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for taking down the oak, which Miller estimated is more than a century old. But her request was denied, Miller said.

"This tree had been damaged since Hurricane Katrina, possibly hit by lightning because it was split down the middle," Miller said. "We knew it was going to fall eventually. We thought it was going to be the other side of the tree, not the side that did fall."

A retired homemaker, Miller "was somebody who didn't go outside that much," her daughter said. "She just happened to be raking leaves that day, and it happened."

Adam was cutting down a damaged tree about 5:30 p.m. to provide a safer environment for his daughter, Blei said. "There were some trees he already cut down and some that probably needed to be cut down because the tops are hanging down," he said.

Using a chain saw, Adam was cutting through the 2-foot trunk about 3 feet from the bottom, Blei said. The tall tree, whose core was hollow, apparently slid off the stump and punched the ground before it toppled, Blei said. Based on Adam's cut, the tree did not fall in the direction he intended, Blei said.

"He probably attempted to get out of the way, from what we can tell," Blei said.

Adam died Friday at NorthShore Regional Medical Center in Slidell, about a five-minute drive from his home, Blei said. A native of the Bayou Liberty area, Adam was a Salmen High School graduate who served in the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Blei said.

Adam's family is expected today to open a donations account for his children at Hibernia National Bank or through the Honnaker Funeral Home, (985) 641-1900.
Larry Woodward, another Slidell resident, was killed at his home in November while using a chain saw to cut up a felled tree. While cutting, a portion of a stump snapped and hit him in the head, officials said.

On Oct. 27, Valentino Corona, 52, of the Slidell area, was killed on his motorcycle when he hit a tree felled by Katrina, authorities said. As Katrina barreled ashore on Aug. 29, Gary Hingle, 51, was killed by a white oak tree that fell on him at his home near Slidell, officials said.

Lombard said that such fatal accidents were infrequent before the hurricane, and the coroner's office hadn't dealt with any in the past couple of years.

Tomorrow: Gray Line Tours - Are they trespassing on residents' grief?

chicory.blogspot.com

2006-01-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

VISIT THE ABOVE BLOG AND SAY HELLO TO A NEW FRIEND

KATRINA DESPAIR INFLICTS NEW TOLL

2006-01-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

From Associated Press
Fairfax Digital - Australia
Katrina Despair Inflicts New Toll

By Adam Nossiter, New Orleans
December 28, 2005

NEW ORLEANS appears to be experiencing a sharp increase in suicides after hurricane Katrina, with statistics suggesting the rate is now double the national average.

At least seven people have killed themselves in the four months since the storm, officials say, in a city whose population is now no more than 75,000 to 100,000. That compares with a national rate of 11 suicides per 100,000 for all of 2002 and a rate in New Orleans of about nine per 100,000 for all of 2004.

There is broad agreement that the problem is likely to get worse.

Stevenson Palfi, 53, a well-known local filmmaker, was apparently the latest to take his life. Mr. Palfi's house in the mid-city section had taken eight (8) feet of water, and he was in despair over losing years of files and photographs, a computer and all the contents of his office.

The aftermath of the storm pushed him "right off the cliff emotionally", a friend, Mary Katherine Aldin, said. "This just hit him so hard. It was a cumulative devastation to him emotionally."

Mr Palfi sat down to write a suicide note and a will, then shot himself on the second floor of his Banks Street home in the early hours of December 14, Ms Aldin said.

The signs of despair are pervasive in New Orleans. A woman, having returned to see her flood-damaged house for the first time, runs screaming down Mirabeau Avenue in the Gentilly neighborhood, where the police find her babbling uncontrollably. In a Bourbon Street nightclub, a man draws a gun and shoots himself in the head as dancers sway to the music. From half-ruined houses, police retrieve weeping and distraught home owners.

Psychiatrists report that previously stable patients are now preoccupied with death and suicide.

"I would call the scope of this disaster, the scale of mental health problems, unprecedented," said Charles Curie, the mental health administrator at the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Health professionals confronting this tide of despondency view it as one more sign that New Orleans, with its ruined neighborhoods, is far from recovered.

"I've had some very depressed people from Katrina," said psychiatrist Douglas Greve, who has a practice in the French Quarter.

"These are profound depressions. In the past I would have hospitalized these patients."

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Toll Free Telephone Number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

TOMORROW: NEW VICTIMS ON THE NORTH SHORE

Angels Somewhere Else

2006-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

So, as the waters from various canals flooded 80% of the City of New Orleans; while St. Bernard Parish was all but destroyed; while lower Plaquemines Parish all but disappeared from the face of the earth; while parts of Jefferson, Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes were drying out; while the charming coastal cities and towns of Mississippi were reduced to ruins; most of us from “Down here” were “Somewhere else”. My “Somewhere else” was Brentwood Tennessee.

While held up in Brentwood, I shared a fortunate “Common” experience with many evacuees all over the country. My story is different only by names and location but identical to the heart felt giving from so many to so many in such a terrible, dark, sad, time.

I hate editing this story because it means so much to me but I have learned one thing; keep it short or you will lose the reader. I do have the original e-mail with the entire story so all is not lost.

As Katrina was leaving her legacy in Southeast Louisiana and The Gulf Coast of Mississippi; the ladies of Brentwood Pointe, a beautiful community in Brentwood, TN.; discussed how they could lend assistance to the evacuees coming into Nashville. Sandra K. actually came up with the idea of preparing and feeding us (Evacuees) home cooked meals.

That afternoon, Sandra K. and Helen E. went to the local hotels asking if they could post signs and asked the desk clerks if they would contact any evacuees who were guests.

As it happened, one meal was planned on a night for which the clubhouse had been previously rented. So Jo Ann C., who had recently lost her husband, and Betty H. volunteered their residences to host the dinner. The dinner ultimately ended up at Jo Ann’s. She was such a gracious hostess and her lovely home felt quite welcoming.

Reuben H. and his wife, Betty, came up with a poster sign and visited the local hotels to promote another dinner. And for even another dinner, Lois did the food coordinating while Betty H. was rounding up more evacuees.

People began calling to make reservations, and they began cooking. The phone was also ringing with women offering to bring food: They were: Betty C., Ladelle M., Audrey G., Barbara U., Deloris F., Helon M., Janet B., Jessie B., Lois T., Margaret K., Monetta M., Sandy W., Faye A., Mary Lee Z., Doris B. and Martha M. (If any are forgotten, please accept my apologies.)

Some of the evacuees who came were:
Rachel & Don C., Covington, LA.

Beverly & Patrick B, Hattiesburg, MS., and their two (2) grandchildren, Kaylin and Brennan D.

Marianne & Gary E, Madisonville, LA., and their two (2) children, Lori (15) and Lesley (13).

Marianne’s mother; Odile G., Metairie, LA., who recently learned of the lost of her 82 year old brother and his wife. He refused to evacuate his Gentilly home so his wife stayed with him. Odile was very emotional – so hurt she could not hold back her tears.

Leslie & ‘Sonny’ Claude B., LA., and their three (3) children, Todd (27), Chad (26), Rachel (21). Also with them was Mitch (20), who lives with the Breauxs and Mitch’s girlfriend. (Leslie lost her insurance business to the storm.)

The following are quotes from Betty’s e-mail:

“Then there is Dana and Glenn who Betty and Reuben fell in love with; and I am going to let you (Glenn) present you beautiful people (Brentwood Pointe and guests) to your (Glenn’s) blog.”

“Having these people here meant so much to us, and it was the least we could do. Thanks to all of them for allowing us this opportunity.”

And “My” angels didn’t stop at feeding us scrumptious homemade meals. When not in the kitchen satisfying appetites; they and their church had raised approximately $300,000 and numerous truckloads of supplies for hurricane relief. Church members personally have come down to the affected areas and volunteered to assist in relief efforts. This relief by these wonderful people continues today.

Ed K., President of the Brentwood Pointe Home Owners Association, has personally made trips (At his own expense) to the Gulf Coast and is there at this very moment; taking time out of his life and giving it to so many others.

So, there you have my version of my experience with my “Brentwood Angels”. I suspect this is a very common story that can be told countless times by countless evacuees who were “Somewhere else”. And as common as this story is; it could not be anymore special for those of us who had the “Privilege” to be cared for by our new friends; our Angels “Somewhere else”. And the list of "Somewhere else" is endless.

Thank you Brentwood Angels, Nashville Angels, Baton Rouge Angels, Houston Angels, Dallas Angels, Little Rock Angels, Jackson Angels, Memphis Angels, Chicago Angels...............

OILY

2006-01-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

The were many victims of Katrina and Rita. I will touch on this subject later this week. For now, as the holidays wind down and lives return to "Normal" (Wow, how many times have you heard that word or a form of that word over the last four (4) months), there are still many pet owners who will never be re-united with their pets. One little guy who became famous is Oily.

Found in St. Bernard Parish; he was a victim of the Murphy Oil Spill.

His fate:
He was reunited with his "Parents" and continues to be spoiled rotten.

Dangle24-7

BEFORE & AFTER

2006-01-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

Here's one way at looking at how things have changed from before Katrina to after Katrina.

After clicking on to this link, click on photo to view the next photo

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10334157/displaymode/1107/s/2/

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006

2005-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

One Promise

No One Will Be Forgotten

CHILL WITH ME

2005-12-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Just one day to go until we leave 2005. And as we leave, I want to invite you to take a few minutes to "Chill" with me as I reminisce of life as it was prior to Katrina. I can confirm that this link will work with Windows Media Player & Real Player. If your ISP is a Dial up, please allow time for buffering. OK, are you ready? Cool. Let's all "Chill" together as we leave 2005. Click to Chill!

http://www.paulsoniat.net/songs/BornInNewOrleans.m3u

Paul Soniat Born in New Orleans
2005 Paul M Soniat

Back To Chillin'

2005-12-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

I said I would be "Chillin" a couple of days ago.

I also said unless there was a "Major development".

I had a "Major development".

Took a break from "Chillin" yesterday; posted my "Major development".

No new "Major developments".

Resumed "Chillin".

Another Step Forward......... Through My Front Door

2005-12-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

With Congress in recess, there isn't much to do and if I am finding myself distracted from the purpose of this Blog, I have to wonder how anyone outside of the "Strike Zone" can continue to care. Is Katrina Fatigue at my door? Hell, just having a door down here is good! Wait a second! My front door?

Which brings me to of all places; "ME"!

Living on The North Shore of St. Tammany Parish for the last few years has not only insulated me from the criminal element that roamed the streets of New Orleans; it also insulated me from what we call "Naturally New Orleans". I grew up there; played there; went to school there and worked there. I had "History" there. Then I moved to the upper middle class suburb of New Orleans called "The North Shore".

The North Shore is not in the city limits. There is a 24 mile bridge that separates the Western part of the The North Shore from The South Shore. In between the two shores is Lake Pontchartrain. We couldn't be far enough away from New Orleans; well except for making a living and bringing all the money back to The North Shore.

New Orleans and The Gulf Coast of Mississippi were always ready to welcome guests to their communities but on August 29, 2005, a lady by the name of Katrina paid an unwelcome visit and she was about as well received as a New Orleans evacuee in Houston these days.

The Western part of St. Tammany took a pretty good hit from Katrina, but nowhere near as bad as the Eastern part of St. Tammany. Everything between Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, Mississippi south of Pass Road was either gone or severely damaged. And just following the celebratory "High Fiving" by New Orleans Officials with the departure of Katrina and thinking they dodged the bullet; water began flowing into the streets from three (3) canals and didn't stop until it found its level; which in many cases was the roof tops of homes; some of which were occupied. The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MrGo) backed up and took out St. Bernard Parish along with some help of the eastern levee breach of The Industrial Canal. (For those of you not familiar with that canal, it is a shipping channel that resembles a river more so then a canal). Eastern St. Tammany took on water from a tidal surge from Lake Pontchartrain causing bayous to overflow while Western St. Tammany lost every business and some homes within three blocks of the lake. This storm marched through and conquered like a well oiled military machine and then escaped leaving behind a time delayed weapon of mass destruction.

So where am I going with this????? It's about me and what I thought I lost......and what I found.

Aside from some incidental damage (Approximately $5000), and a whole bunch of down trees that had to be removed; I did fine. But I wasn't feeling fine. Every memory I had of growing up in New Orleans was either destroyed or tainted with the color of Katrina. (Yes, the aftermath of Katrina has a color and if you have been there; then you know what I mean. It is something that TV cameras, pictures off the Web or Magazine Covers cannot convey.) I had friends who lived in New Orleans. I had friend's who lived in St. Bernard Parish. I had friends who lived in Eastern St. Tammany. The Gulf Coast of Mississippi was my playground. Saw Ray Charles, Meatloaf (Twice), Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons (Well, they were new Seasons), Bobby Vee, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian (Still can't sing), Jay Leno, Dan Fogelberg, Cirque Su Soleil - Alegria and so much more.

On a trip into the heart of New Orleans in early October, I found that the house I grew up in had a flood line over the mail box (This house was raised; not on a slab). The schools I went to were lifeless. The fast food places were full of sludge and "unapproachable" (Not sure what that means but it comes to mind). Getting out of the car on the corner of the once busy intersection of Elysian Fields and Robert E. Lee and hearing nothing but silence left me awe struck. I was only two (2) blocks from the University of New Orleans. The beautiful landscape of the "Neutral Ground" (New Orleans lingo for median) was gone and every blade of grass was dead. The playgrounds' slides and swings were still there, but the trees and grass were dead from days of being submerged in salt water - - and there were no children. The feeling I got was that of the lone survivor of a nuclear holocaust.

I was depressed because; and as I stated on a message board one day, "My past was erased". Those four (4) words drew a lot of attention and sympathy for me.

Then while sitting in a restaurant last night, I saw a family that I think was from St. Bernard Parish eating at a St. Tammany Parish restaurant. (It is estimated that 20,000 people from St. Bernard Parish alone have relocated to Western St. Tammany). As if being struck by a bolt of lightning, I realized I didn't lose anything! Every single picture taken of me and my family prior to Katrina; I have.... post Katrina. Every single picture taken of my wife and her family that she had prior to Katrina; she has....post Katrina. Every little collectible we have acquired prior to Katrina, we have.... post Katrina. What did this family from St. Bernard Parish escape with? What did any of the still "Displaced" citizens escape with?

I have seen time and time again, people going through the rubble that was once their home, desperately searching for at least one picture of their baby, one memento of their past; anything thing they could salvage from their past. Seeing this was heart breaking but I always went back to my intangible losses.

Last night changed me. I want it recorded because so often; a change in our lives occurs and we don't know why or even when. I know when! And I know why! I still have a front door and behind it; everything my wife and I hold dear remains as it did prior to Katrina.

dangle24-7

STILL CHILLIN'

2005-12-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Chillin'

2005-12-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Congress remains in recess until after the first of the year. We need to take time and focus on what must be accomplished.

So, for the next few days, my postings will be brief unless there is a major development. For those of you who are feeling forgotten, I promise you that you are not forgotten.

Plans are in motion to attempt another Message Board at eBay for Hurricane related material (If I ever can get "Unsuspended", I am in my 14th day of a 7 day suspension).

This Blog now links to a larger Blog network for more exposure.

You also may be asked to participate in conjunction with WWL radio, a little project that has the working title of "Flood."

So, hang in there, we are nowhere near where we need to be and we will let this country and the world know that.

Dangle24-7

Happy Chanukah

2005-12-25T18:01:00.000-08:00