Yesterday, I wrote that the events of Katrina (and Rita) and the nation’s dealing with national disasters (both prior to their occurrences and their aftermaths should be the most important national and local issues in this year’s cycle of election campaigns.
One of the Buzzback writers said in response “There will be other floods, other disasters. What each resident of our town needs to accept is that we can be flooded again. Understanding this means either 1) have the ability to rebuild yourself (insurance) or 2) live elsewhere ("higher ground"). The government simply cannot cover the cost of rebuilding for thousands of uninsured residents, time after time. Even without taking eroding coastlines and global warming into account our levees can be overtopped in some hurricane path scenarios. I think this is a great place to live, but "flooding happens" - regardless of how much money we throw at this problem.”
Without doubt, the government cannot do everything but Americans have a right to expect that when the government undertakes an obligation, it does not mess up.
This failure occurred with the levees in the New Orleans area, with other areas of government and is occurring now—even three years post-Katrina.
The issue of natural disasters, government involvement (its lack of prevention or its failures afterwards) is a legitimate discussion that we must have this election season.It interfaces directly with the entire principle of government and personal responsibilities, other domestic and even foreign policy concerns.
Without doubt, Katrina is the best example of failures and responsibilities and the
issue resonates nationally
Yes, individuals have a choices to make and being prepared is one of them. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has been right in reminding people to “get a plan”.
However, in response to our Buzzboard writer (and I am serious about the need for this discussion) is perhaps, one of the plans would be for Louisiana citizens not to live South of 1-10.Perhaps, one of the plans would be for all of the citizens along the San Andreas fault to move since almost everyone expects a major earthquake sometime this century.Perhaps, most of Florida should move to central Kansas—but, if they do so, they should watch out for tornados pulverizing their towns. We are all at risk, no matter where we live and yes, these issues must be debated.
We must elevate this discussion well beyond what we are currently hearing from the candidates and the media. As a state and as a nation, it is time to put all issues on the table and at the top of the table must be the respective role of the government versus the people as it relates to preventing and solving infrastructure and asset issues prior to and once a disaster occurs.
Katrina is a microcosm and a symbol of the national problem. The ultimate question we should internally churn is: what is the dividing line between the people and the government?As it relates to Katrina and national natural disasters, where does the government safety net end and the people’s own obligations begin?
There are others who obviously share the same concerns although we might not agree on all points mentioned below.I totally endorse a discussion of these national issues and local issues and believe that New Orleans would be the proper venue for that discussion.
Here is a letter and a press release urging that New Orleans be the scene of an election debate.It was sent to me by Walter Williams, the founder of “Mr. Bill and Sluggo” characters from Saturday Night Live and whose famous figures are seen in national television commercials.While I do not agree with all of his comments, I thank him for his enthusiasm and passion and endorse his and other individuals’ cry that natural disasters, Katrina and Louisiana risks should be discussed in this election season
From Walter Williams:
YouTube and the city of New Orleans are trying to stage a debate here on September 18. What better place to hold a debate about the state of our country? Massive infrastructure failure, catastrophic environmental damage, economic chaos…sure sounds like the US of A to me. Here is a question from 18 year old super talent Amanda Shaw for the candidates that I filmed Saturday night for the YouTube debate http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at8HBF1yHAI
And please read the letter below to the candidates endorsed by concerned musicians including REM Pearl Jam, Doctor John…check out the list of who is pushing the candidates for answers to our plight.
But neither candidate has committed yet. That’s how you can help. Please contact Obama and McCain and ask them why they are afraid to come and face us. Have they written us off? Are we an embarrassment? There is a link below at the GRN site which allows you to just push a button to send a message to both campaigns to commit to this debate. We’ve got to make them feel like they’ll look bad if they do snub us…again. We were supposed to be awarded one of the three official debates.
Also, can anyone explain why the huge environmental disaster which dumped a half a million gallons of heavy thick crude on our river and shut down all traffic, cut off drinking water, made everyone sick from the fumes and is a huge danger to wildlife, can’t get any press? Why did McCain cancel his trip here to tout the non impact of oil drilling on the very day the oil spill occurred? Why did our Governor keep quiet about the disaster for four days?
Generally with a disaster of such magnitude, the governor would be on the phone to the president begging for federal help. Two weeks later, the split open barge is still pinned against the Mississippi RiverBridge spewing oil as we speak. This was not a barge of powdered sugar, otherwise the tourists would be out dunking their beignets in the river. No it was a barge full of heavy crude headed north to help keep people warm this winter. This is further proof that New Orleans and southern LA have born the environmental impact in order to fuel the rest of the nation. Now these activities have put our very existence into question. Please read the release and letter below from the concerned musicians asking the candidates to explain their plan to save the birthplace of jazz, rock and roll, hip hop and who knows what next in the future. And please help us.
Peace all,
Walter
MUSICIANS SOUND CALL FOR THE LOUISIANA COAST
Dr. John, Funky Meters, REM, Pearl Jam, Allen Toussaint and others ask Presidential Contenders to Commit to Gulf Coast Wetlands, Recovery and Debate
Internationally known musicians have united with Louisiana artists to call on the Presidential candidates to debate in New Orleans about Louisiana coastal wetlands restoration and hurricane recovery. With the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina looming, musicians are urging the candidates to weigh in on GulfCoast issues which need Federal leadership -- Louisiana Coastal wetlands rebuilding and a sustainable hurricane recovery, by attending a Presidential Forum being organized by the websites Google and YouTube.
The Gulf Restoration Network partnered with Grammy-nominated musician Tab Benoit and his Voice of the Wetlands organization to enlist more than 90 musicians and music industry leaders on a letter to the candidates urging them to support Louisiana coastal wetlands rebuilding, a sustainable hurricane recovery and to present plans on both issues at the Google/YouTube forum. The letter was signed by a wide range of musicians and music industry voices; from New Orleans own Allen Toussaint, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Galactic, and Funky Meters to internationally known acts like REM, Pearl Jam, Trent Reznor, 311, Ok Go, Jackson Browne, My Morning Jacket and the Indigo Girls.
Rounder recording artist Amanda Shaw, a New Orleans based singer, songwriter and fiddler, turned 18 years old this week but has been an advocate for Louisiana’s wetlands since she was 14. “As a first time voter, I want to make sure they know how much we need our wetlands and hear their plans to restore the coast because the wetlands take care of us and protect us," said Shaw. Coastal experts have estimated that every mile of coastal wetlands that a storm travels over diminishes its surge by as much as a foot and point to the ongoing loss of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands (currently 25 square miles per year) as a primary reason that New Orleans’ federal levees failed during Katrina.
Stanton Moore, a founding member and drummer for Galactic stated, "New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and has influenced about every American style of music that followed, from rock to hip hop. The next President will need to prioritize restoring our coast to continue the recovery process. The culture of our whole country depends on it."
Benoit explains, "This forum is the perfect opportunity for the people of Louisiana to voice their concerns about rebuilding our wetlands and communities. It creates the opportunity to get the Presidential candidates to make concrete proposals for how we can ensure that Hurricane Katrina does not happen again."
Expected to use a format similar to the YouTube forum in the primaries, members of the public will be able to ask questions of the candidates by submitting YouTube videos. Despite high-profile support from Louisiana's Governor Bobby Jindal, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin as well as the New Orleans area universities, neither Senator Barack Obama nor Senator John McCain have committed to the event.
Voice Of the Wetlands (VOW) is an organization that is made up strictly of volunteers who dedicate their talent, time and resources to bring global attention to south Louisiana and the world's coastal erosion problem. Based in Houma, Louisiana, VOW is organizing their 5th annual Voice of the Wetlands Festival October 10-12 at the Southdown Plantation in Houma. On the web at www.voiceofthewetlands.com <http://www.voiceofthewetlands..com/>
Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) is a network of groups and individuals committed to restoring the Gulf of Mexico to an ecologically and biologically sustainable condition. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the GRN is the only organization solely focused on uniting and empowering people to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf. On the web at www.healthygulf.org <http://www.healthygulf.org/
Ahhhh,,, my bubbly little T-duuuuhhhbbb………. Where I would gladly recommend Sharon to a state post because she has government ‘speak talk’ down pat I am hard-pressed to be able to do the same for you… Unfortunately it appears that Piyush’s kingdom already has more than enough court jesters in the hallways, so my advocating you for that type of post would be moot and to out and out proclaim you as having the greatest potential of being the state jack ass would be highly unkind of me being as there are so many others already on the taxpayers roll lined up to assume that spot…….. And anyways, at the bottom of it all I do tend to side with John McCain in his disdain for affirmative action posts…….. That includes purposely hiring dumbazzes……. Whatever their shape, sex, color, religion or diet is…… Potential customers???? What on earth are you talking about??? If I wanted customers, I would merely go out and get customers….. But that is not what I am concerned about…….. I quite being concerned about that tangent of business around 10 or so years ago and since then have pretty much been touring the country……. Ahhh, the life of Riley…. It may not be much, but it provides me with what I need………… Where money is to be concerned; I have turned down more offers and more ‘deals’ that would have made me more ‘ha-ha-ha, money’ in one sitting than you could ever accomplish in 40 to 80 of your lifetimes at the highest pay rate available to your profession…….. But then there were the "non-competition clauses." they wanted to toss into the ‘deals’, so that of course made them a moot point for me…. Oh, I could have probably busied myself with the pursuit of any one of a couple of dozen other interests I have entertained over the years ranging from aquaculture to rapid transit but those ideals are not of the caliber of necessity or as great a benefit for my fellow man as the programs I now envision, and in the scale of things not really worthy of that much of my attentions or contemplations in comparison……… I think I considered those types of pursuits sort of like putting the cart in front of the mule so to speak, and probably more trouble than they are worth……. I have to admit though, every now and then you do give me pause to chuckle. For all of your latherings you have shown yourself to be one of the typical types of asses I encounter on a day to day basis…. And in comparison, when I think about idiots such as yourself, I am not suffering…….. If the state wants to save several hundred million dollars, and the Fed’s want to save several billion dollars, and if they want to initiate protection mediums that will eventually reduce the risk of several hundreds of billions of dollars around the nation due to unfortunate losses commonly associated with catastrophic events, then fine. And if not, well then, fine…. In the end I suppose it will be suckers and jackasses such as yourself that are going to foot the bill in the form of higher taxes as a result of your ignorant type of thinking in order for those kind of things to be remediated….. Now that is one hell of a lifes ambition and something worthy for an idiot to brag about….. As for me? Uhhhhh, fine by me, no skin off my nose. I either can, or I can’t.. And as I get older it is beginning to make less and less of a difference to me……. You are quite possibly among the dumbest ‘smart’ people I have ever had the unfortunate experience of dialoging with….. And I thought my ex wives and their families were for the most part comprised as two of the biggest boxes of stupid I have ever taken off the shelf????? But then again, my mistakes, so it’s all good….. Ehhhhhh, live and learn I suppose…. Well anyways, I hope you are having good luck with your mitochondria or whatever it is you are probing and poking around on…….. I suppose it beats the hell out of culturing bacteria on feces in a pitre dish (I met a gal that did that for a living once, and I thought I experienced some shi^^y things in life?). Just remember, it isn’t always about living longer, it is often a matter of living better with what days we have in life…. And not necessarily at your neighbors expense……… Peace out dude…………………. Written by
on 8/7/2008
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I must say Stephen I am disappointed that my post in response to this issue and to Sid's comments about the quality of the "debate" on this site was removed. So, I will try again with a shorter version. I see no reason for Katrina to be an issue in this campaign. Neither of the Presidential candidates were in a position to make critical decisions and anything they would say would be complete speculation. Of course, they will both say that they would do better. But since Blanco has been replaced, they would not even be dealing with the same leadership. Bobby Jindal has already shown a tremendous understanding for the need for local and state preparation. Citizens are being told they need to check their insurance to make sure they are fully covered. Other earthen levees have failed in other parts of the country. Mother Nature cannot be held back when she is determined. Humans always think they can out smart her at our peril. Katrina should stand as a reminder for responsibility for all but not as a campaign issue. Written by Sharon
on 8/7/2008
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And on this day in 2008, StrongConcrete alienated dozens more potential customers. Of course, that could be any date in 2008, or 2007, or 2006.... Written by Tee Dub
on 8/7/2008
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KjunLady, I'm overweight, struggling to not smoke, forcing myself to exercise more, concentrating on my work instead of surfing the net.... issues, issues, issues. Misspelling words are the least of my concerns. Written by kpf
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"Steven as far as the.."....Uh, kp-- it's STEPHEN...(smile) Written by KjunLady
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Steven as far as the "respective role of the government versus the people as it relates to preventing and solving infrastructure and asset issues prior to and once a disaster occurs" - the problem I have is that THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT A DIME to give away. All it can do is take from taxpayers and "bailout" those who 1) do not have flood insurance, 2) take out questionable mortgages, 3) have children when they are still children themselves, etc., etc. I am not a heartless person, but 1) when is “enough, enough” and 2) actions have consequences. Negative consequences are essential to modify behavior, - as an example - bailouts of poor lending practices will lead to more poor lending practices, on and on until some lender is allowed to go broke - and then the remaining institutions will change their lending practices. I do understand peoples' desire for various "government safety nets" but these - like any insurance - only tend to be practical when many pay and few collect. Major disasters will severely tax the system – be they public "safety nets" or private insurance. I do not know what the answer is but it does seem that those who are responsible, those who "do without" to live within their means and take out necessary insurances are expected to give to Uncle Sam so he can "bail out" those who are irresponsible. Although I accept this is how things are, I resent it nonetheless Written by kpf
on 8/7/2008
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Written by/Concrete head. You are a real nutcake. Please, leave these boards. You do not make any sense at all. Written by Clarence
on 8/6/2008
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Katrina has as its basis the Greek language and is basically defined as meaning "pure". Katrina the storm must serve as the basis for the cleansing, the purification of this city and this state and this nation. Recent events locally and statewide have given signs of this purification and elimination of corruption. Out of this destructive storm must come a purification that will unite all people. More importantly,it must bring to our city, our state, and our nation the leadership that will cause a revival of hope for people of all of the 50 states. Nowhere better to allow that purification to begin than in the site where that storm hit so drastically and the failure of government designed and constructed levees. It is that reason alone that should call for the leaders of both major parties to demand that there be a frank discussion by the soon to be candidates of these parties. However, one wonders why they will not? Are they too ashamed of the indifference shown to this city and those cities to our west that have been injured by Rita. Other states have suffered damage without issues being addressed while Congress takes its summer recess. How unfortunate that the leaders of our nation need to vacation at these times that are so devestating for people of many states. Voters must remember this and other issues that arise in the future when they cast their votes. The cleansing must come from the people themselves - the cleansing this nation of indifferent leadership. Written by RhettsWife
on 8/6/2008
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"It was sent to me by Walter Williams, the founder of “Mr. Bill and Sluggo” characters "... I thought Vance Degenerous created "Mr.Bill and Sluggo"... I remember Williams and Degenerous on N.O. radio... and One went places- the other didn't. Hmmm... Written by KjunLady
on 8/6/2008
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You see Gloria, the title of the article is; New Orleans, National Disasters and Political Elections……………. If you think really hard about it, and consider what each of the postings have in common with each sub topic in the title of the article, you will see that those events not only make a statement, but that those historical dates and facts are also very relevant to the topic/topics and should cause a person to ask the right questions or to at least present the correct answers…………………….. After all, I did hear it stated somewhere that; “History always repeats itself”…… Written by ....No argument involved, simply observation
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Gloria, what is nonsensical about history asides from some of the nonsesical things that have occured during the course of its passing??????? Written by
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on this day in history in 1951 - Typhoon floods kill 4,800 in Manchuria........ So much for the not anywhere statement..... Not anywhere is a big place huh tdub?
Written by
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And on this day in history, in 1661 - Holland sold Brazil to Portugal for 8 million guilders....... How much is 8 million guilders???? Well in todays Euro's that would equal a little over 6 billion......... I think the U.S. made a better deal when they bought all that real estate from Napolean..........
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Written by or Concrete or "whatever" you want to call yourself today, please stop your nonsensical postings. People know who you are and you are only hurting your own reputation. Don't you see that people really think you are hurting these boards by posting nonsense that you can say once in a single sentence (or perhaps by two sentences) and by only one person and not by various psudo-names. You are really getting sickening. Written by Gloria
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And I also became that webpages 3760th visiter for the month!!!!! Yayyyyyyyyyy!!!!! I feel so special!!!!! Written by
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And I have no idea what this has to do with black history, but on this day in 1962, Jamiaca became an independent domininon within the British Commonwealth. But some black history infopage is claiming it is something that is a black history thing...... wutever............
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And - - - I'm Henry VIII, I Am - by Herman’s Hermits was also at the top of the music charts on this day in 1965........ That was one heck of a year................
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And on this day in history in 1965 - The Rolling Stones were at the top of the Rock 'n Roll charts with; (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction...................
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On this day in history, in 1881 - Sir Alexander Fleming - a Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist who discovered penicillin was born........ I am sure he had an interesting CV......... Written by
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Whoops, on this day in history, I posted that the first atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!! It was Hiroshima..................... (Now that aint funny! and neither is the following) See how easy it is to rewrite history???? The reason I posted this, is because that is what I saw on a Louisiana news station today at noon...... Yeah, they said on this day Nagasaki was bombed...... So it just goes to show, we are being spoon fed facts any which way that the media chooses to present them.... Which leads me to another interesting phenomena.... Monitor Lizards................................... Next time, so stay tuned y'all.. Written by
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And of course on this day in 1916, Richard Hofstadter, physicist who won the Nobel prize in 1961 for his studies of neutrons and protons was born......... I wonder where he was in 1945???? Written by
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Also on this day in History, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, outlawing the literacy test for voting eligibility in the South. Written by
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Many readers out there may not realize it, but on August 6, 1945, 2:00 a.m. on Tinian Island, way out in the Central Pacific Ocean, Colonel Paul Tibbets taxied his aircraft off the tarmack and headed for the runway.......... Picking up speed, he carefully eased his B-29 'Superfortress' into the dark morning sky bound for an unseen destination somewhere over the invisible horizon.......... Hours later, in the early dawn light, the Enola Gay dropped its single payload from the bomb bay...... And the rest is history for Nagasaki, and mankind......... The first atomic bomb had been deployed onto a live population............... Since that time some 63 years ago, only one other atomic weapon has been dispatched in such fashion...... and it too destroyed a city in less than the blink of an eye.... Oh, and by the way, today is August 6th, 2008.........................
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Wall Street declines on Freddie Mac loss * * * * By TIM PARADIS, - - - AP Business Writer............ 19 minutes ago...... NEW YORK - Stocks retreated Wednesday, a day after a big rally, as troubled mortgage financier Freddie Mac reported a larger-than-expected second-quarter loss and touched off fresh concerns about the financial sector. * * * * * * * * * * * THE FEDERAL TREASURY IS DEDICATING FUNDS WHERE? AND WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES DURING THIS UPCOMMING ELECTION?????? Puhleaasssssseeeee get a grip on u self there doc....
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Yesterday, I wrote that the events of Katrina (and Rita) and the nation’s dealing with national disasters (both prior to their occurrences and their aftermaths should be the most important national and local issues in this year’s cycle of election campaigns.
