[quote]Garrett W. wrote:
RHINO928 wrote:
Dear President Bush and Members of Congress
In the three months since Hurricane Katrina, and then Hurricane Rita, ravaged New Orleans and coastal Louisiana, Americans have opened their hearts to those displaced and affected by the greatest natural disaster in our nation’s history. Their charitable and humanitarian outpouring reflects the very best in our country’s character. But more is necessary.
You requested that the citizens of Louisiana lead the way by creating and offering ideas for rebuilding that the Federal government can support. Through task forces, commissions, and community meetings, Louisiana is doing its part. Now, it is time for Washington to act.
To revitalize New Orleans and other affected communities will take a genuine commitment to the future. To secure the natural bounty of coastal Louisiana and America’s Wetlands as part of our legacy to future generations will take a commitment to protecting and restoring America’s greatest wetland treasure.
This Administration and this Congress have a responsibility to act to save these treasures and the time to make that commitment is now.
At the heart of the revitalization effort and at the heart of your responsibility is a commitment to two things:
Honest and effective storm protection, up to a Category 5 level, for New Orleans and other population centers, and
Coastal restoration and conservation.
These two pieces are inextricably tied together, and are key responsibilities of the federal government. Each day that passes without a commitment to the survival and prosperity of New Orleans, south Louisiana and America’s Wetland compounds and prolongs this tragedy. This is not just about a storm or Louisiana. It is about whether America answers the call of stewardship and responsibility. The time to act is now.
What type of gross chickshit is this?!?
I live 60 miles from the most heavily damaged areas who are seeing less aid than NOLA is. Funny how the fastest things getting rebuild there are casinos… But anyway…
The federal responsibility? Please. I almost want to shit my pants laughing cause some jerk thinks it my responsibility he put his entire community in a flood plain and wants me to now protect it from hurricanes on the coast?
How about you 1) Move inland 2) Deal with it like everyone else living in FL, TX, other parts of LA, MS AL, etc. do?[/quote]
First, Prof X quotes Hitler almost verbatim (w/o acknowledgment), now this racist crap. What’s next – agreeing with the president of Iran that the Holocaust was a myth?
I for one intend to ignore his posts, just like stepping around a steaming pile of dog shit on the sidewalk.
HH, if I understand you correctly, your objection is to the use of federal funds to rebuild New Orleans. Is that correct or have I misunderstood?
Personally, I think the city should be rebuilt. It is one of our major ports and a city of historical importance. Not to mention the president did promise to rebuild. I have no idea what will become of the city in the future, whether it will repopulate or what, but I don’t think it is to the benefit of the public good to just bail.
I am a believer in small government and the less government the better. There are however certain roles for the government and helping a major city rebuild and giving aid to the people who live there is one of them.
I’d like a check box on my tax forms, too. There are a lot of things I’d rather my tax money be spent on than say, bridges to nowhere, drilling in the ANWR or funding a poorly managed and poorly concieved war(for God’s sake, I was in the military; if you’re going to have a war, at least do it right). I’d like to see all the pork trimmed from the governments budget. Money aimed at rebuilding a major city after a natural disaster isn’t pork.
I think someone else pointed out corporate welfare and tax breaks for the wealthy in our tax system. Is that not robbing you and me? But the objection is to rebuild the city of New Orleans. Why is the latter worse thasn the former?
[quote]WMD wrote:
HH, if I understand you correctly, your objection is to the use of federal funds to rebuild New Orleans. Is that correct or have I misunderstood?
Personally, I think the city should be rebuilt. It is one of our major ports and a city of historical importance. Not to mention the president did promise to rebuild. I have no idea what will become of the city in the future, whether it will repopulate or what, but I don’t think it is to the benefit of the public good to just bail.
I am a believer in small government and the less government the better. There are however certain roles for the government and helping a major city rebuild and giving aid to the people who live there is one of them.
I’d like a check box on my tax forms, too. There are a lot of things I’d rather my tax money be spent on than say, bridges to nowhere, drilling in the ANWR or funding a poorly managed and poorly concieved war(for God’s sake, I was in the military; if you’re going to have a war, at least do it right). I’d like to see all the pork trimmed from the governments budget. Money aimed at rebuilding a major city after a natural disaster isn’t pork.
I think someone else pointed out corporate welfare and tax breaks for the wealthy in our tax system. Is that not robbing you and me? But the objection is to rebuild the city of New Orleans. Why is the latter worse thasn the former?[/quote]
Well said. Apparently those bridges to nowhere are what he DOESN’T mind paying for.
[quote]Professor X wrote:
WMD wrote:
HH, if I understand you correctly, your objection is to the use of federal funds to rebuild New Orleans. Is that correct or have I misunderstood?
Personally, I think the city should be rebuilt. It is one of our major ports and a city of historical importance. Not to mention the president did promise to rebuild. I have no idea what will become of the city in the future, whether it will repopulate or what, but I don’t think it is to the benefit of the public good to just bail.
I am a believer in small government and the less government the better. There are however certain roles for the government and helping a major city rebuild and giving aid to the people who live there is one of them.
I’d like a check box on my tax forms, too. There are a lot of things I’d rather my tax money be spent on than say, bridges to nowhere, drilling in the ANWR or funding a poorly managed and poorly concieved war(for God’s sake, I was in the military; if you’re going to have a war, at least do it right). I’d like to see all the pork trimmed from the governments budget. Money aimed at rebuilding a major city after a natural disaster isn’t pork.
I think someone else pointed out corporate welfare and tax breaks for the wealthy in our tax system. Is that not robbing you and me? But the objection is to rebuild the city of New Orleans. Why is the latter worse thasn the former?
Well said. Apparently those bridges to nowhere are what he DOESN’T mind paying for.[/quote]
Okay, I’ll step in the stinking pile. This is easily an example of trolldom. Everything you’ve said completely contradicts what I’ve repeatedly said in this thread.
That is trolldom and you Professor x, are the Lord of the Realm.
Now, I’ll clean off my shoe and get back to grading papers (of intellects and maturities far in advance of yours).
I live 60 miles from the most heavily damaged areas who are seeing less aid than NOLA is. Funny how the fastest things getting rebuild there are casinos… But anyway…
The federal responsibility? Please. I almost want to shit my pants laughing cause some jerk thinks it my responsibility he put his entire community in a flood plain and wants me to now protect it from hurricanes on the coast?
How about you 1) Move inland 2) Deal with it like everyone else living in FL, TX, other parts of LA, MS AL, etc. do?[/quote]
Thanks for joining in Garrett. It’s great that someone else jumped in from the Gulf South, especialy considering you are in a state that ranks below or barely above Louisiana in every national catagory.
As for the Casino’s, that is private money. You know, Harrah’s, Bally’s etc… and they opened on their own. While from the outside that could appear as a mix up in priorities, there are some other things to consider.
When the Casino’s are open, they must pay the state of LA. monthly fees. These fees in addition to the tax revenue they generate are income for the state and the city of NOLA. They are providing revenue, and you’d be surprised at the amount of people going to them. It’s for the most part relief workers, insurance adjusters and media people that are here for whatever reason.
I’m sorry to hear you are so close to the storm damage. Did you aor family members loose much or have dameage to your homes? I hope it was minimal if anything.
How are you quantifying that the area you speak of is receiving less aid? I would be interested in that since I believe all areas effected need help in restoration.
To bad about your pants, you may want to try some Depends if you continue reading my posts.
I think you, as well as HH may be missing my point when I refer to Federal Aid. I don’t think either of you have thought this through completely nor do you have the facts needed to make a better decision.
Myself and most people here do not have any expectation of the Government being responsible for our personal properties, that’s what insurance is for. While that’s an entirely different compounded problem, I want to stay on the topic of the city. The Fed along with State government need to work together to protect the city from flooding. The port of NOLA is and has always been key to the economy of this country.
That’s what is so frustrating when you hear people say things like what is posted in this thread. This city has long played a huge part in the nations ecenomy and no other port in the country has the capabilities of the Port of NOLA.
So not only is it a resposibilty of the country, but it’s crucial to the overall well being of this nation.
To answer your quetions.
while that seems simple, it is actually much more complicated. No one decided to put New Orleans where it is. It has to be here because of the port. To have a port you need people to work. Those people need someplace to live, their kids need schools, there wife needs a hair and nail salon and so on and so on an economy is born. That’s why New Orleans is where it is. Knowing that, and the history of the port is what makes statements such as “whay did they build a city there in the first place” sound so fucking retarded.
And while I don’t mean this to be harsh or towards you, it is purely ignorance to write this city off and view at as “well it’s their problem” when in actuallity this country will suffer if New Orleans is not aided to a speedy recovery. Why should I have to move from a city that is over 300 years old and has generation after generation of family here? That don’t even sound how AmeriCAN’S do things. It’s more like AmeriCANT’S.
We are dealing with it and I always feel for those areas when they are hit. I support them by taking my family there for vacation and spend money to help drive their economy back to life. I contribute to funds for relief and most of all, I contact my Congressman to advise him to vote for releif budgeting.
Maybe to someone without all of the facts. While he raises some great questions, there is no meat. No REAL solution and it is lacking important counter-balances that are a cause and effect of an America without NOLA.
Common sense becomes sensless without all of the facts.
Wrong St. Charles dipshit. Better luck next time. A lot of the more successful people have also left with the poor. They’ve found new better paying jobs and rather stay there until they see whats happened to their city than wait. Even some people who’re currently there are contemplating moving.
I think the estimates of the city being around 100k will be right around it.
BTW the Saints need to leave ASAP. NOLA was a terrible NFL city before the hurricane its not better than Shreveport now.[/quote]
Dipshit? Was that really called for? Is that how you would of spoken to me had we been face to face? If so, you need your ass kicked.
And where is all your data from about the affluent people leaving?
While some people have left due to the uncertainy, many will move back once the area recovers. The city is at about 100k pops now. Do really think in a couple years it won’t grow? Much of that population is living in the surrounding parishes, so in effect it’s nearly the same size based on surrounding POP’s.
Hahaha the Aint’s… Season ticket holder and plus my company has a suite at the Dome. Great for Super Bowls - Sugar Bowl etc…
Having a little NFL envy are we?
Terrible city for an NFL franchise?
Do you actually have a fact source or do you make them up as you go along?
Benson paid 65mill and it is now worth 700mill. He was in the top 5 for revenues for 10 of the 17 years he has owned the team. His purchase and operating revenues makes the New Orleans Saints the number #1 small market professional sport franchise in the history of the league.
I’d be disgruntled if I were in Alabama too. No pro sports and two sorry NCAA teams both beaten by LSU.
Wow, the only person with a valid opinion thinks I could be a court jester. That’s awesome. I always wanted to be a jester.
Someone on this thread who is making sense is Rhino. Given the financial significance of the region, it is probably in the nations best interest to have a thriving NOLA port.
I’m not an expert on US economic factors, but if I recall there might be a little river in the US that terminates there. I don’t know if it is as important as it once was though.
The fact you don’t like some of the residents of the area, or think that they “demand” too much of your money, doesn’t have a lot to do with the larger picture. You are letting your personal feelings cloud your national thinking.
I don’t think anybody likes actually paying taxes. However, we all do it every day. Somehow, the elected officials in the capital are empowered to decide how much to take and what the best uses for it are.
That is their job. Whine and cry here in the politics forums all you like, it just shows how many people in the world actually don’t think like you do, or you wouldn’t be so upset by how things work in the real world as opposed to your viewpoint.
Maybe stick to the classroom, where people are actually forced to care about your opinions… if you don’t want to hear criticism of them? It doesn’t seem like you are used to it.
Bottom line - rebuilding those parts of N.O. that are naturally underwater is an insane waste. No matter how much we strengthen the levies, the place is still a silt marsh and is sinking every year. Why rebuild what we know will be lost again in the near future?
Keep those part that were built above sea level, like the French Q and the Gardern district - which is the only part that brought tourism anyway - and move the rest of the city backwards.
That way we keep our common sense, keep our history, and keep our money - or at least more of it.
[quote]WMD wrote:
HH, if I understand you correctly, your objection is to the use of federal funds to rebuild New Orleans. Is that correct or have I misunderstood?
Personally, I think the city should be rebuilt. It is one of our major ports and a city of historical importance. Not to mention the president did promise to rebuild. I have no idea what will become of the city in the future, whether it will repopulate or what, but I don’t think it is to the benefit of the public good to just bail.
I am a believer in small government and the less government the better. There are however certain roles for the government and helping a major city rebuild and giving aid to the people who live there is one of them.
I’d like a check box on my tax forms, too. There are a lot of things I’d rather my tax money be spent on than say, bridges to nowhere, drilling in the ANWR or funding a poorly managed and poorly concieved war(for God’s sake, I was in the military; if you’re going to have a war, at least do it right). I’d like to see all the pork trimmed from the governments budget. Money aimed at rebuilding a major city after a natural disaster isn’t pork.
I think someone else pointed out corporate welfare and tax breaks for the wealthy in our tax system. Is that not robbing you and me? But the objection is to rebuild the city of New Orleans. Why is the latter worse thasn the former?[/quote]
Excellent questions. The way the tax system is set up now, you have little to no voice in how things are done. Do you know that many of us will hit the AMT soon? Wait’ll you get your bill then! You’ll be taxed as if you were a millionaire!
Anyway, my objection is that the current system allows congressmen to vote public monies for some particular group. Money is taken w/o my consent and used to fund things over which I have little or no approval process. Voting for one of the major part candidates will not change this. What allows the congress to get away with this is the philosophy of NEED. Under the guise of benevolence, Congress assumes powers it should not have. Soon, it assumes powers no sane man would ever want it to have. Altruism is used as a weapon against people.
Look at how I’m attacked here – since I don’t believe in Altruism, I’m labelled with deragatory names.
This kind of meddling in the life of the country is one of the main reason the Weimar Republic evolved into the 3rd Reich. Since the government assumed the power of re-distribution of wealth, life in Germany became a free-for-all of groups trying to attain power, fund themselves, and smash the other groups over the head with a club.
I live 60 miles from the most heavily damaged areas who are seeing less aid than NOLA is. Funny how the fastest things getting rebuild there are casinos… But anyway…
The federal responsibility? Please. I almost want to shit my pants laughing cause some jerk thinks it my responsibility he put his entire community in a flood plain and wants me to now protect it from hurricanes on the coast?
How about you 1) Move inland 2) Deal with it like everyone else living in FL, TX, other parts of LA, MS AL, etc. do?
Thanks for joining in Garrett. It’s great that someone else jumped in from the Gulf South, especialy considering you are in a state that ranks below or barely above Louisiana in every national catagory.
As for the Casino’s, that is private money. You know, Harrah’s, Bally’s etc… and they opened on their own. While from the outside that could appear as a mix up in priorities, there are some other things to consider.
When the Casino’s are open, they must pay the state of LA. monthly fees. These fees in addition to the tax revenue they generate are income for the state and the city of NOLA. They are providing revenue, and you’d be surprised at the amount of people going to them. It’s for the most part relief workers, insurance adjusters and media people that are here for whatever reason.
I’m sorry to hear you are so close to the storm damage. Did you aor family members loose much or have dameage to your homes? I hope it was minimal if anything.
How are you quantifying that the area you speak of is receiving less aid? I would be interested in that since I believe all areas effected need help in restoration.
To bad about your pants, you may want to try some Depends if you continue reading my posts.
I think you, as well as HH may be missing my point when I refer to Federal Aid. I don’t think either of you have thought this through completely nor do you have the facts needed to make a better decision.
Myself and most people here do not have any expectation of the Government being responsible for our personal properties, that’s what insurance is for. While that’s an entirely different compounded problem, I want to stay on the topic of the city. The Fed along with State government need to work together to protect the city from flooding. The port of NOLA is and has always been key to the economy of this country.
That’s what is so frustrating when you hear people say things like what is posted in this thread. This city has long played a huge part in the nations ecenomy and no other port in the country has the capabilities of the Port of NOLA.
So not only is it a resposibilty of the country, but it’s crucial to the overall well being of this nation.
To answer your quetions.
while that seems simple, it is actually much more complicated. No one decided to put New Orleans where it is. It has to be here because of the port. To have a port you need people to work. Those people need someplace to live, their kids need schools, there wife needs a hair and nail salon and so on and so on an economy is born. That’s why New Orleans is where it is. Knowing that, and the history of the port is what makes statements such as “whay did they build a city there in the first place” sound so fucking retarded.
And while I don’t mean this to be harsh or towards you, it is purely ignorance to write this city off and view at as “well it’s their problem” when in actuallity this country will suffer if New Orleans is not aided to a speedy recovery. Why should I have to move from a city that is over 300 years old and has generation after generation of family here? That don’t even sound how AmeriCAN’S do things. It’s more like AmeriCANT’S.
We are dealing with it and I always feel for those areas when they are hit. I support them by taking my family there for vacation and spend money to help drive their economy back to life. I contribute to funds for relief and most of all, I contact my Congressman to advise him to vote for releif budgeting.
[/quote]
Thanks for the well-wishes. Everything was fine.
The MS Gulf Coast is the one getting the biggest shaft I feel. But then again there isn’t as much of a need for heavy flood protection etc. They’re getting overlooked.
Now… On the topics of flood control. Isn’t that what is causing the destruction of the bayous etc in LA? Now I’m a big fan of levelling forests and beating up Greenpeace activists. But some concern has to be taken. The port is central to trade, however, could it be moved up the river a bit? Could they move some of the FTA to surrounding ports to reduce reliance on NOLA and its port? We don’t need to have warehouses stocked full of coffee etc. Creating additional FTA up the river 20-50 miles would help to alleviate this problem to a degree. Its a quite complicated problem with no cut and dried answer. But the answer isn’t to just continue to rely solely on the port in NOLA.
Bottom line: Rebuild the city, but find ways to reduce dependence on it in case this happens again.
I was talking about casinos in Biloxi. (You know the area that received the most damage from the storm.) However, its applicable to the areas in LA also. They pay taxes and are generating dollars to help rebuild the area. I see no problems with it. Once again the free market economy is working.
[quote]vroom wrote:
The jester to the king … speaks! Everyone be sure to sit up and pay attention!!
Wow, the only person with a valid opinion thinks I could be a court jester. That’s awesome. I always wanted to be a jester.
Someone on this thread who is making sense is Rhino. Given the financial significance of the region, it is probably in the nations best interest to have a thriving NOLA port.
I’m not an expert on US economic factors, but if I recall there might be a little river in the US that terminates there. I don’t know if it is as important as it once was though.
The fact you don’t like some of the residents of the area, or think that they “demand” too much of your money, doesn’t have a lot to do with the larger picture. You are letting your personal feelings cloud your national thinking.
I don’t think anybody likes actually paying taxes. However, we all do it every day. Somehow, the elected officials in the capital are empowered to decide how much to take and what the best uses for it are.
That is their job. Whine and cry here in the politics forums all you like, it just shows how many people in the world actually don’t think like you do, or you wouldn’t be so upset by how things work in the real world as opposed to your viewpoint.
Maybe stick to the classroom, where people are actually forced to care about your opinions… if you don’t want to hear criticism of them? It doesn’t seem like you are used to it.[/quote]
Hmm…Physics and Calculus are ‘opinions’. Good post.
You just don’t get it, do you? I thought Canadians were all rah-rah for freedom. Yet you think Americans should be forced to pay taxes for something they may not care about in the least. Guess right and wrong, philosophical principle, things like that, never made it into the curriculum up there.
Levees built with money taken from victims, a city rebuilt squarely upon the dreams of students, businessmen, scientists who were taxed to pay for it all. (No one thinks of them.) No education, no new business, no new discoveries – it was all taxed away to rebuild in a swamp.
The data is mostly in focus groups and case studies. Personal conversation with people from the area who have or are not relocating. Some are poor, some are not. But the bullshit argument about “Only the poor are leaving” is ridiculous. The homeless are mostly gone, and some of the rich are as well. Same thing applies to the MS Gulf Coast, I’ve met people staying and people going. Being in Mobile makes it somewhat easier to see who is flowing in and out.
However, going to the playoffs once since 93’ coupled with a single 10 win season doesn’t bode well for any franchise. BTW, where’s your data? Here’s mine for last year.
Coupled with a current 3-10 record, I think I’ve got evidence.
The dipshit comment was called for. You are terribly wrong and come off a pompous asshole spreading misinformation. If you’re gonna sound like a know-it-all, please… (You link a New Orleans version of monopoly?!? Why don’t I say Tatoonie is the most affluent street in America and link the Star Wars version?!?)
NB: I’m not an Alabama or Auburn fan. I think the soft out of conference schedules are appalling and pathetic.
I’m a Notre Dame fan. Too bad LSU is going to the… Peach bowl… On Dec 30.? Isn’t that the 4th pick from the SEC? You guys make it to your championship game and don’t get the Cotton, Capital One or Sugar Bowl? Man thats really hating.
Now if you wanna talk about the BCS. Yes, LSU is ranked 12th ahead of Alabama, but behind Auburn and Georgia.
[quote]Garrett W. wrote:
The data is mostly in focus groups and case studies. Personal conversation with people from the area who have or are not relocating. Some are poor, some are not. But the bullshit argument about “Only the poor are leaving” is ridiculous. The homeless are mostly gone, and some of the rich are as well. Same thing applies to the MS Gulf Coast, I’ve met people staying and people going. Being in Mobile makes it somewhat easier to see who is flowing in and out.
However, going to the playoffs once since 93’ coupled with a single 10 win season doesn’t bode well for any franchise. BTW, where’s your data? Here’s mine for last year.
Coupled with a current 3-10 record, I think I’ve got evidence.
[/quote]
I never made the argument “only” the poor are leaving. Not sure if you are just stating that or pinning it on me. Either way, your correct. The majority of poor folk have left and many rich people are living somewhere else until things are settled here. It’s the middle class guy that of course got his arse whipped.Most don’t want to put money into their homes until some decisions on made for building codes, levee protection, elevation, can they get insurance etc. When that’s decided though, many will return. That’s why it is important to build a viable levee system and commit to doing so quickly. It’s possible to do so and this never would of happened if they were built correctly. If the Netherlands can do it, why can’t we?
As for the Aint’s, I really do not want to hi-jack the topic with them however will return the ball once and put down my paddle… They have actually had 5 , 10 plus win seasons 87,88,91,92,2000 (your welcome to validate it)
Currently, they are near the bottom but not because of lacking local support. Tom Benson is a total tool and horrible with PR. He bricked it hard when he fired Ditka and the entire staff and has had to continue paying the entire staff millions. Bad moves with Haslett and I could go on and on. However, just as I stated, his 65mill investment is (according your source) worth well over 600mill and if it was sold to Los Angles it would likelty be above the 900mill mark…imo…easily 700mill anywhere else.
And just because they suck and are having a horrible year does not mean we are not a viable NFL city. I think New Orleans and Miami have hosted the most Super Bowls in the history of the league. We were a viable market, however I will agree that it has been compromised.
Having them leave now though would be another kick in the teeth for the city and the fans. I’m not a huge Saint’s fan but love that we have an NFL team to support and go see games. New Orleans has a helluva a lot more to worry about than the Saints. Seeing them leave would not surprise me and wouldn’t be the end of the world. The Dome itself does provide a huge economic impact for the city and state. Insurance and state money is funding it’s rebuild and remodel.
[quote]Garrett W. wrote:
The dipshit comment was called for. You are terribly wrong and come off a pompous asshole spreading misinformation. If you’re gonna sound like a know-it-all, please… (You link a New Orleans version of monopoly?!? Why don’t I say Tatoonie is the most affluent street in America and link the Star Wars version?!?)
[/quote]
Other than the damn monopoly comment where is the other mis-information? Do you want to debate the values of St Charles Ave or wether there is a monoply board with it on there? The bottom line it always has been and still is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the country.
Stately mansions, tree-lined avenues and lush gardens help define the the elegance and grace of New Orleans along St Charles Ave . In the mid-1800s, this area became home to many wealthy northerners coming to the city. They found the large, quiet lots more appealing than the small rowdy French Quarter. In the 1880’s, Mark Twain visited this area and remarked that “no houses could well be in better harmony with their surroundings or more pleasing to the eye.” Napolean Bonaparte lived there as the city flourished. These homes capture the essence of great privilege. They are reminders that, for a fortunate few, affluence and luxury are part of daily life in New Orleans.
I would really like for you to point out where I have spread misinformation in regards to the importance of New Orleans, it’s contribution to the growth and devellopment of the nation. If you prove me wrong on those opoints, maybe I am a dipshit.
And really, I want all of the same for your beloved Alabama that I want for South Louisiana, Mississippi, Tx. or any other American city hit with tragedy. I want to make it clear that I am equally concerned with all areas effected by natural disasters. If we are not going to be together why have a Union of States? Are we abandoning the core values of this country, America?
I have no “earthly” idea what the hell the Star Wars comment means. It’s probably funny as hell to Star Wars fans though…
I truly don’t intend to be pompous. I am however quite passionate about this topic for both obvious and some probably not so obvious reasons. I did get insensed by the many un-American attitudes and comments related to the Fed helping fund the levee protection system. I find it quite hard to swallow when someone cloakes themselves as a victim when I see the real victims of this tragedy everyday. Using this tragedy to spread one’s “philosphical” views on taxation is cowardly and un-American. Because of that I became abrasive and likely appeared pompous.
I would truly like to turn focus on the issue. And that is rebuilding New Orleans and why it is important to the country and therefore a Federal resposibility.
The importance of NO, the Gulf, the Miss Delta to our Nation is manifest, & in more than material & economy (good enough reason on its own) - it is our people & culture too. We are long past due on addressing infrastructure problems in our live-for-the-moment / quick $ civilization. Here is a chance to re-build & build anew for the long haul - right in the heartland. Think: WWJD? (I’m referring to Jefferson)
This is a test of will that will mean as much for our Nation’s future as any other civil cause that we face in our generation. our duty is clear - put political pressure upon our governments (top to bottom, but especially where power & $ reside - in DC) to do what our highest values demand - fix things - take care/protect people - NOW- or else…
[quote]Garrett W. wrote:
NB: I’m not an Alabama or Auburn fan. I think the soft out of conference schedules are appalling and pathetic.
I’m a Notre Dame fan. Too bad LSU is going to the… Peach bowl… On Dec 30.? Isn’t that the 4th pick from the SEC? You guys make it to your championship game and don’t get the Cotton, Capital One or Sugar Bowl? Man thats really hating.
Now if you wanna talk about the BCS. Yes, LSU is ranked 12th ahead of Alabama, but behind Auburn and Georgia.[/quote]
Dude, I am not a LSU fan in the least bit. In fact I’m not an SEC fan or even a NCAA football fan. I only watch it to see the talent coming to the NFL. I like watching millionaire’s play more than college kids. I only threw that out there as a jab hoping you were one of those brainwashed SEC fans…haha
The MS Gulf Coast is the one getting the biggest shaft I feel. But then again there isn’t as much of a need for heavy flood protection etc. They’re getting overlooked.
Now… On the topics of flood control. Isn’t that what is causing the destruction of the bayous etc in LA? Now I’m a big fan of levelling forests and beating up Greenpeace activists. But some concern has to be taken. The port is central to trade, however, could it be moved up the river a bit? Could they move some of the FTA to surrounding ports to reduce reliance on NOLA and its port? We don’t need to have warehouses stocked full of coffee etc. Creating additional FTA up the river 20-50 miles would help to alleviate this problem to a degree. Its a quite complicated problem with no cut and dried answer. But the answer isn’t to just continue to rely solely on the port in NOLA.
Bottom line: Rebuild the city, but find ways to reduce dependence on it in case this happens again.
I was talking about casinos in Biloxi. (You know the area that received the most damage from the storm.) However, its applicable to the areas in LA also. They pay taxes and are generating dollars to help rebuild the area. I see no problems with it. Once again the free market economy is working. [/quote]
My Job covers the Gulf coast all the way to the Miss/Bama border, so I’m well aware of the horrible conditions in Billoxi. I’m confident Trent Lott will get what the state needs, he’s quite powerful.
The Coastal restoration is important and a seperate issue from flood control. The diversion of the Miss River combined with the MRGO, has contributed to the deterioration of wet lands. Also by putting better storm surge controls in place, the marsh can remain protected and will stop the shrinfing of our coastline. The Netherlands have had huge success in doing so and they are involved for the new South Louisiana system.
The port is extemely unique.
You need to understand a few things about port operations first.
The port of NO has material handling operations that cannot be replicated anywhere else on the Gulf Coast. One reason is the depth of water off of NO. It’s very shallow off Galveston by comparison, so ships can’t simply be redirected here. Some can, but many are too big. The ship channel for the port of Houston is 56 miles long. A lot of the ships that go into NO simply can’t go to Houston. Besides, the off-loading tankers have to load off into something. It’s not like you can off load extra LPG or crude into some random warehouse somewhere. The port of Los Angeles is vital too, but it’s primarily a container and bulk carrier port. Those types of cargo are child’s play to handle compared to the bulk of NO’s freight, which is petroleum based. Not to mention that NO’s port is the river port for farm products from the midwest for export. There is no viable alternative for the export of those goods. It’s impossible to replace southbound barges with trucks. There is too much freight for that.
So yes, it IS that important. Why does progress languish? Because every level of government we have has failed. No one person in a position to do something has shown the leadership qualities necessary to forge a path and clear the way for progress. They’ve all failed, and continue to serve as walking displays of failure.