Although
Hurricane Katrina blew through over one
month ago, Algiers is still the only section
of the city that has both electricity
and clean drinking water. Consequently,
Algiers is the only part of New Orleans
where residents are returning en mass.
For
residents that have returned, the future
is uncertain. Virtually everyone has been
out of work for more than a month and
many businesses are still closed. Additionally,
residents are facing unforeseen expenses
resulting from the disaster and few have
the cash reserves to continue forward
on little or no income.
Without
a doubt, major issues lay ahead; yet,
for those with vision, there is hope.
The world has felt our pain. People from
across the globe are helping us rebuild.
With time, money and careful planning,
New Orleans could be the gleaming jewel
of the South but the process will not
be easy.
First,
we must redefine the meaning of community,
putting aside our differences for the
common goal of a better city. Second,
although the rebuilding process will be
bumpy and frustrating, we must roll with
the punches and look beyond the daily
inconveniences. Third, along with all
the other trash from the storm, we must
sweep from the city the pocket lining
political deals that has robbed the public
treasury for so long. Last but not least,
we must deny the culture of poverty so
pervasive in the old New Orleans from
gaining a toe hold in our city's future.
If we can accomplish this daunting tasks,
all the world will look upon the Crescent
City with admiration.
Respectfully,
Larry
Lagarde
Algiers.org
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