Katrina - Has America Forgotten?

[Audrey2Katrina]

There was an AWFUL lot of flooding in the 1915 Hurricane if you're going to get technical; but NOTHING on the scale of what happened with Katrina... absolutely NOTHING remotely close. The population of the city of New Orleans when Betsy hit was much greater than it was for Katrina, and VERY few left... and yet the death toll was somewhere between 50 and 80 if I remember correctly. Katrina killed/drowned over 1,000 in New Orleans alone!

The '47 Hurricane flooded a lot of areas simply because a levee protection system was not in place--especially those areas of Jefferson that flooded. I talk to people daily who remember that one quite well, and they say IT was a spring shower compared to Katrina.

As far as the MRGO, I don't even want to go there, as I've already pronounced my feelings on that hideous monstrosity in another thread. It NEEDS TO GO! That said, the city is still very much alive, and very much worth the saving. It is far to rich a cultural and financial treasure for this nation to turn its back on when we pour billions upon billions into nations that could care less if we continue to exist as a nation.

Without comparing apples to oranges, Katrina WAS an unprecedented event, and with proper action being taken a repeat can and should be avoided. Whether or not it will actually be taken is a matter that remains to be seen. Where there is a will, there's a way. Just ask the folks living in Venice--another "sinking" city. They aren't about to give up on their prize jewel of a city--and neither are we!

A2K

[sunny]

You ROCK A2K!!!!!

[sunny]

Steve - I agree with you 100%. I don't wish this sort of thing on anyone, but we won't beat anyone else down if and when it comes to the rebuilding of their city. It's not a good feeling at all. Not at all.....

[Audrey2Katrina]

Coastal restoration is very high on the list CVW, I can promise you that. Those barrier islands are what saved New Orleans for years, and that is what we need to help save us in the future. It can, and will be, done!

I cited this once on another thread, (or was it this one ; but just as a reminder they HAVE engineers who have come up with bona-fide and practical ideas to save the city and make it safe for living:

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/185c893302839010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

You will note that levee/gate and coastal restoration are among the top two of their 5 "bold" proposals. This thing is doable, and it's a shame that while we pour billions into programs outside of our own counry, that many seem hesitant, to restore this cultural treasure.

A2K

[Ivanhater]

I wouldnt say "forgotten". Attention just naturally goes elsewhere, Katrina will likely be covered up by this years "big storm". Ivan was the monster in 2004 then Katrina took the attention. However, Pensacola and surrounding communities are still recovering from Ivan and Dennis, just takes time. With this active cycle we are in communities like Pensacola, New Orleans and so on just have to focus on rebuilding as other places get hit and attention goes to them.

[HurryKane]

Thanks for all the kind words and understanding out there. I'm not wishing this back on any of you and won't beat you down when it happens. But if you're trolling, and it ain't for shrimp, then you know what you can kiss.

Steve, darlin', I just adore you.

[sunny]

See. THIS. This right here!!! We can do THIS but people raise hell about rebuilding one of our cities!!!

[MGC]

The levees around New Orleans area should be rebuilt. They should be build right this time and upgraded to Cat-5. Are we as Americans going to abandon Miami when the next Cat-5 hits there? No. Are we as Americans going to abandon San Fransico when the next 8.0 earthquake hits there? No. Like President Bush said (and I'm not being political) and I can't exactly quote him but he said something to the effect that America is not America without New Orleans. New Orleans will return to her former glory. Of course, I am very biased on this matter as this is my birthplace, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America!!!.....MGC

[Steve]

Thanks y'all. I don't mean to come off like a jerk, but sometimes you gotta fight fire with fire. Something apparently lost on many people here because they didn't take Louisiana history as a kid (since they were from other parts of the world), is that we were one of 2 states that was actually growing when I was a kid. The other was the island-state of Hawaii. Louisiana was growing every year due to delta deposits and it was estimated that in the centuries to come, the toe of our boot would have been a fairly large peninsula. And in millenia, the repeated deposit of sediment would actually make that land natural ridges as well. Unfortunately, a lot changed. Giving into the oil companies and giving them everything they wanted so they could rape and pillage our resources and then consolidate to Houston, TX was a mistake in hindsight. But that's the proverbial water under the bridge. We know we'll be back despite what arrogant people or those who only live in the cost-benefit analsys world have to say about it. That goes for SW Alabama, the MGC and inland counties and SE LA. And hopefully if we get spared this year from repeat disaster, whoever does pay the price (whatever that price ends up being) also is allowed to rebuild with new compliance issues to help mitigate the costs and burdeons they're putting on other taxpayers and ratepayers.

Just the same, how much are we charging the esteemed citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq to sew the seeds for their futures? Will they one day be taxed so we can collect what we loaned to them? As it is now, every American is $1,000 into the hole since the overthrow of Saddam (not counting Afghanistan here). And since we don't balance budgets anymore and have a national debt, we'll be paying interest on the current $300BB (and future principal) until Kingdom Come. Interest on American debt, the gift that keeps on giving.



Steve

[caribepr]

Gosh, and here I thought Texans were the main passionate people about their place in the world (the US)
Emotions are running high here right now and I think this is one of the most articulate and interesting threads (without describing weather, but rather effects of everything this board is about, hurricanes/tropical weather) that I've ever seen.
I know the feeling in a roundabout way as we in the Caribbean often feel that not only do people rarely realize we exist, but when we get wiped out, it is merely a blip in the universe (of the US). In this situation, the results of last year's horror storms, the expected is reality; while the hearts of the world care, the reality is, attention spans are short and there is certainly a LOT going on to claim the next *disaster* soundbite.
One thing I really love about Culebra is the passion locals feel for their home, a tiny speck in the world. And the passion coming through from you NO and MGS folks...wow! It's beautiful. But it's like being in love with someone that your friends don't know, or tasting a taste that you think is the best you've ever tried from someone's home kitchen that they can't buy, it's pretty close to impossible to explain it to someone else who never fell in love or eats oatmeal and thinks it's the high point of cuisine.
I only know this. That beyond disasters, beyond FEMA, where there is passion and commitment, there will be healing. There is inspiration here, anyone who reads this thread and doesn't get a pang - sheesh!, and I wish all of you who are struggling so hard in the face of so much negative the very very very best in strength, courage and love. (is there a *sappy* emoticon?)

[Audrey2Katrina]

and who on earth will move there as a new resident?

My son and his family for one... it was this catastrophe that made him realize just HOW DEEP our roots go in this area. Lived in Tennessee, coming back "HOME", We have been a part of New Orleans since its colonial period, and come-what-may, we will have family here till the bitter end--and hopefully that'll be a looooooong way off. My Sis, lived in New York for 9 years.... came back HOME... the key word here is it's HOME! Long may this proud city continue to bless this nation with her natural treasures.

A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Sun, I hope that the NOLA taxpayers like yourself are ready and able to fund the effort

If the Federal Government would have been granting us our oil revenues like they have just about EVERY OTHER STATE... the sum of money since 1960 would have been something like 150 BILLION.. as per the governments own statistis. It really chaps me to hear someone say "we taxpayers" when they don't realize just how much of OUR money has been dumped right into the coffers of the government to help people all over this country--but when OUR time of need comes, we get met with this kind of scorn.

Sad!


A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Huh? It's not like asking for help rebuilding a town hit by a tornado, or a community affected by fire or localized flooding. You are asking people to fund the rebuilding of a city of millions that will more than likely face the same fate again and again and again. Would you invest in a company who goes bankrupt every couple of years? Not me. But like I said, I'm in FL not NOLA, so what do I know...

You mean like asking the taxpayers to fund half a trillion to build up or rebuild Iraq? I'm sure you share equal umbrage about that, but it's a drop in the bucket to what a genuine AMERICAN city is in need of!

A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Then you have a lot to learn about us Luzianne folks, don't you? We WILL beat the odds. And when it is said and done we will have something to be very proud of.

Hear Hear!

A2K

[TSmith274]

Sun, I hope that the NOLA taxpayers like yourself are ready and able to fund the effort.

Are my posts invisible? Just kidding. Louisiana taxpayers are willing and able to bear the burden 100%. Some 30+ billion to be exact. A little known fact is that the federal government's second largest single tax source is oil and gas activity in Louisiana. Louisiana is like a little Kuwait... we have TONS of oil and gas. Some states get up to 50% royalties from oil and gas activity. Louisiana recieves around 1%. Yes, 1%. If we can get this up to 35-40%, we'd have enough money to build a coastal protection system that would make the great pyramids in Egypt look like child's play... and restore the coastal marshes. All we need from our fellow American taxpayers is a phone call to your representatives telling them to vote for the right thing for Louisiana in the form of increased oil and gas royalties.

[Audrey2Katrina]

A2K, I just want to make it clear that I posted that because I found it offensive as well and entirely off the mark. I hope that you didn't take it to mean that I agreed with it. Obviously from reading my posts, you must know I absolutely take the opposite position.

Oh, I'm WELL aware of that, Jason... no problems. I just wanted to elaborate on the levels of outright insensitivity some people display when a little compassion is more in order. Your post was well stated, and your position beyond doubt.

A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Not to get nit-picky, but she hit a semi. That's two cars (well, a truck and a car)

Not to get nit-picky, but she hit a mosquito fogger truck in front of her.. I remember it VERY well, one of the members of our drum and bugle corps had connections on the MSG where I believe it happened, and brought some pretty nasty pictures of it... regardless... it was not a semi...but a mosquito control fogger.

A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Steve - I agree with you 100%. I don't wish this sort of thing on anyone, but we won't beat anyone else down if and when it comes to the rebuilding of their city. It's not a good feeling at all. Not at all.....

No it isn't.... and sometimes it's just best to bite your lip!

A2K

[ROCK]

:D

Thanks y'all. I don't mean to come off like a jerk, but sometimes you gotta fight fire with fire. Something apparently lost on many people here because they didn't take Louisiana history as a kid (since they were from other parts of the world), is that we were one of 2 states that was actually growing when I was a kid. The other was the island-state of Hawaii. Louisiana was growing every year due to delta deposits and it was estimated that in the centuries to come, the toe of our boot would have been a fairly large peninsula. And in millenia, the repeated deposit of sediment would actually make that land natural ridges as well. Unfortunately, a lot changed. Giving into the oil companies and giving them everything they wanted so they could rape and pillage our resources and then consolidate to Houston, TX was a mistake in hindsight. But that's the proverbial water under the bridge. We know we'll be back despite what arrogant people or those who only live in the cost-benefit analsys world have to say about it. That goes for SW Alabama, the MGC and inland counties and SE LA. And hopefully if we get spared this year from repeat disaster, whoever does pay the price (whatever that price ends up being) also is allowed to rebuild with new compliance issues to help mitigate the costs and burdeons they're putting on other taxpayers and ratepayers.

Just the same, how much are we charging the esteemed citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq to sew the seeds for their futures? Will they one day be taxed so we can collect what we loaned to them? As it is now, every American is $1,000 into the hole since the overthrow of Saddam (not counting Afghanistan here). And since we don't balance budgets anymore and have a national debt, we'll be paying interest on the current $300BB (and future principal) until Kingdom Come. Interest on American debt, the gift that keeps on giving.



Steve

Not trying to add to the political thread here but I am not in a hole of $1,000 to anyone. Not sure where you got that figure, Steve. Furthermore, implying Texas (Houston) oil companies are the cause of LA's misery is totally off-base. If your going to tell the story tell the whole story.

[Audrey2Katrina]

I only know this. That beyond disasters, beyond FEMA, where there is passion and commitment, there will be healing. There is inspiration here, anyone who reads this thread and doesn't get a pang - sheesh!, and I wish all of you who are struggling so hard in the face of so much negative the very very very best in strength, courage and love. (is there a *sappy* emoticon?)

Thanks a MIL, Carib, it IS nice to hear an empathetic voice betimes. And the very best hopes and prayers for you and yours in your little paradise of the world!

A2K