There needs to be a reconstruction brigade organized

[craigolemiss]

Rather than the Military recruiters descending on the Astrodome and other shelters -- there needs to be an immediate organization of voulunteers from these shelters to go back to NO. Even if they have to march the 300 miles with picks and shovels on their shoulders, there are people that want to do the work paid or not.

[Vincardog]

1. Talk to a FEMA worker. They are authorized to spend up to

$200,000 on their government credit cards and sign no bid contracts. Get a contract to clean up NO then go to the Shelters and get the workers. .

[judy]

2. Yes, I think that would be the best thing to do!

Involve the people in the reconstruction of their own city, and let them move back in as it becomes possible.

But...where would all Bush's friends who are planning to build mansions where small houses once stood, go?

And, what is Halliburton going to do if the people do their own rebuilding?

Have a heart, OK?

[JuniperLea]

3. Habitat for Humanity

Are they doing anything?

[lindisfarne]

4. I'm sure Habitat for Humanity will be helping; they're probably

already discussing how best to help.

There will also be people (elderly, handicapped) who will need help with hauling out garbage, cleaning up yards, cutting up trees, ripping out carpet, sheet rock, and replacing it and painting. Much simpler stuff than rebuilding - stuff that almost anyone can help with.

Some of this is already happening in many areas. Rural areas and small towns aren't in as tight of a lockdown as New Orleans. This weekend, many people in those areas would probably just welcome someone stopping by with a carload of clothes and supplies - the Red Cross hasn't reached many areas yet.

Edited to add:
Your community group or church could "adopt a town": someone might have to drive down to scout out the situation, talk to local authorities, and then work groups could drive down and help with the cleanups on some weekends.