Comments on: Why I am rooting for Peyton Manning this one and only time

By: Marnie

Marnie — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 01:52:48 +0000

The Westbank was spared the devastation that happened to Lakeview, the 9th Ward, St. Bernard, but that doesn’t mean we are not suffering because of Katrina and the lack of progress. We can’t even get a decent shopping center up and running let alone the schools. Our Church will not be rededicated until next month. Our PK and K classes have had to double up (32 children in each class) because we cannot get portable buildings to replace the ones we lost. It is disheartening to have to deal with this day after day and then see friends and neighbors move away because they have had enough. Kent and Grant do not live in New Orleans because the economy could not provided them a decent job in their field. Dave, do not beat yourself up over this. Be thankful you had enough strength and courage to move on. Come back and enjoy Mardi Gras and Jazzfest while you can, but be glad you live in a decent community. New Orleans could not and would not help itself before the storm and now they want the government to bail them out. Look….they re-elected Nagin!!!! I admire people who are trying to rebuild like Jack, but how much more can they take.

By: David

David — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:38:30 +0000

New Orleans needs more people like you, Jack. And by no means am I trying to be critical of those that have persevered through the hurricane. I beat myself up all the time about deserting the city that I love and consider home.

I just hope people can turn their frustration with the government’s lack of response into a rebuilding effort, like Jack has.

By: cat

cat — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:28:32 +0000

I love your spirit, Jack. Looking forward to seeing you again at Mardi Gras.

By: Capn Jack

Capn Jack — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:59:49 +0000

David, We DO realize that the “Government” is not able, or willing, to rebuild our homes and lives. Neigborhood associations have, on their own, come up with a unified plan for rebuilding. I’m a member of our local self-help group (Beacon of Hope, with chapters city-wide) and we’re doing what we can in keeping our area (Lakeview West) clean. The elected politicians have not done that. But you would be pleased and saddened at the same time when you look around NO. Some things are getting better, while other things are just the same as Sept 05. We got rid of our multiple patronage-ridden levee boards, our multiple tax assessor system, and the two NO sheriff’s depts are actually working on become one.
I feel like a pioneer, though. Staking a claim in a hostile environment (physical, political & psychological). Government loaned me a trailer to exist in, but not much else. Garbage is getting picked up (2x week) and the FQ is actually pretty clean. They even wash the streets.
But John and Ann, my across the intersection neighbors, a young couple with 2 little ones around the corner, and I are the only ones living here full time. But a lot more houses are being torn down, gutted, or are being raised. And the streets around the Fairgrounds are full of FEMA trailers and people working. Brother Martin HS (Kent & Grant went there) is an island in a sea of heartbreak. I don’t go driving around a lot, because of potholes, and the depression that sets in when I do. I have to stay focused, and take joy out of getting insulation into one wall, installing a new porch light, or finding my wooden bench, that had floated away in the flood. Now I have a place for my rescued boat cushion. Too bad the boat couldn’t be rescued.
I wrote a little piece and an invitation to visit, for my (Chicago) HS newsletter, and I thought I might get a response or two. It’s been half a year and Nada. Yes, we have been forgotten by many, but we still have volunteers that come from everywhere and help gut, clean and rebuild. A “Thank You” is all we can give them back. Thanks for letting me vent.

By: Kent

Kent — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:09:44 +0000

Who says throw in the towel? But I’m not going to shut up about this sort of thing until the Gulf Coast gets as much respect as New York City.

I imagine I’ll be griping for a long time.

By: David

David — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 03:41:47 +0000

It doesn’t matter how many people gripe, the government cannot rebuild N.O/Gulf Coast by itself. The citizens and local governments have to realize that they’re not going receive enough help and it’s not going to come anytime soon.
You can’t just throw in the towell and keep waiting for the magic wand to fix everything. On a local level, figure out what needs to be done and begin.

By: Kent

Kent — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 03:24:40 +0000

The United States has abandoned the Gulf Coast. Griping brings attention to it. I’m not concerned with negative attitudes in NEw Orleans. I’m concerned with negative attitudes in Chicago and Atlanta and Washington DC.

By: cat

cat — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 01:25:46 +0000

I wish I could earmark my taxes for the things I’d like to pay for; bring my brother-in-law home from Iraq and treat N.O. and the rest of the Gulf Coast like we should.

By: David

David — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 01:19:06 +0000

Griping’s not going to solve anything, though. In fact, it just feeds into the negative attitude in New Orleans. It’s easy for me to say, sitting 500 miles away.

By: Kent

Kent — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 19:48:33 +0000

It’s my taxes, I’ll gripe as much as I want. If the American government can’t be bothered to even mention the Gulf Coast just two years after the storm, why should I even pay my taxes? How many years in a row have they used 9/11 to further America’s agenda?