Times-Picayune rips Feds....again. Damn good paper.

[MnFats]

provocative to say the least:

www.editorandpublisher.com

a snippet:


In the Times-Picayune editorial, entitled “It’s Time For A Nation to Return The Favor,” the paper reminded readers – and the rest of the country – how New Orleans had long been a place for vacation, celebration and resources, from oil to seafood.

“The federal government wrapped levees around greater New Orleans so that the rest of the country could share in our bounty,” the editorial began. “Americans wanted the oil and gas that flow freely off our shores. They longed for the oysters and shrimp and flaky Gulf fish that live in abundance in our waters. They wanted to ship corn and soybeans and beets down the Mississippi and through our ports. They wanted coffee and steel to flow north through the mouth of the river and into the heartland.

“They wanted more than that, though. They wanted to share in our spirit,” it continued. “They wanted to sample the joyous beauty of our jazz and our food. And we were happy to oblige them.”

The editorial went on to protest that the Army Corps essentially misled residents and local officials into thinking the levees were safe. “Barely anchored in mushy soil, the floodwalls gave way,” the paper contended. “Our homes and businesses were swamped. Hundreds of our neighbors died. Now, this metro area is drying off and digging out. Life is going forward. Our heart is beating.”

[kevinbgoode]

1. Sometimes I can't decide if I'm just furious at this situation

or just exasperated. I don't think anyone expects this city. . .and the Gulf Coast to be rebuilt overnight, but the way things are just lagging is just appalling to me. This is a nation that, during World War II, could produce several naval ships a WEEK, build thousands and thousands of planes in a year...and that was for a war.

And I don't blame the American people for this - we have been generous with our money and time, at least so far. . .but for some reason I can't stand the idea that thousands of people may be without a roof over their heads this holiday season without a job, money or any idea where they will go next.

You know, we keep seeing snippets of people who found relatives to stay with, at least temporarily. . .but what about the multitude of elderly or single people without families or friends outside of their home city? Living in a shelter for months, without any hope for a future has to be eventually demoralizing. . .and...I for one, would rather see $300 billion dollars spent in THIS country to build and reconstruct infrastructure than to continue tossing it overseas as if those people have a greater need.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[melody]

3. A wonderful piece, thanks for posting it

What is happening to New Orleans today is the future of this whole country, if we stay in the grip of these psychopaths. If they'll do it to NOLA, they'll do it to us.

These people don't give a damn about our country.

[Peter Frank]

4. I saw this on CNN...

The paper was screaming about what might happen in NO for years. The editor avoided the, "I told you so." He was only crushed that his efforts were in vain.

Then he went on to describe what you posted -- that only after Katrina was it discovered that the levees were so vulnerable. He said that a beginner engineering student wouldn't have designed these barriers.

edit to say recommended

[Swamp Rat]

5. Way'at MnFats!

:hi:

kick

[Peter Frank]

6. Good God folks -- recommend this thread! nt

:kick: