New Orleans (and the entire Gulf Coast) should be ***our*** time

[Stinky The Clown]

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the inadequacies of the Bush government were exceedingly clear to the entire nation - indeed, to the entire world. That picture was stark, in high contrast, and tragic in its epic scope.

Then the Bush government's spin machine got revved up and ready to rip like a buzz saw through the truth. And in some measure, they're already seeing successes. Tonight's media event cloaked as a caring message to the nation has but one purpose. To prop up a failed and failed again government of, by, and for the richest in our nation. At best, we will see crumbs fall off the edge of the podium, to be quickly snatched by the hungry seagulls (looking for all the world like the hungry, displaced poor of New Orleans' 9th Ward).

For our part, it seems the Dems are engaged in playing the Blame Game right along with the Bush government.

Stop it.

Everyone knows who was at fault. Just don't let them spin it. The truth is out there and it isn't pretty.

Even as the Blame Game might eclipse 'Survivor' as the mind candy of choice for the dumb and numb, plans for 'rebuilding' New Orleans are being proffered. No doubt we'll hear more of this tonight.

And mostly it will be Orwellian bullshit.

Now would be the PERFECT time for the Democratic leadership to show some wisdom, some vision, some passion, some compassion, and most of all, some LEADERSHIP.

WE should be the ones 'defining the mission' in the ravaged area. (Levees, worker rights, 'buy local' programs, temporary housing, wetlands restoration, oil industry restarting, port operation, mold abatement, school rebuilding, temporary and permanent health care facilities ...... and on and on and on.)

WE should be the ones laying out a plan that accomplishes the mission in way that makes sense **in the context of the region**.

WE should be the ones defining the methods by which those displaced by the storm - more 9th Warders than Garden Districters - will be made whole again. It is likely true that most of the housing stock that was flooded will need to be demolished rather than repaired. How will this happen? Who will do it? What will be the nature of the new housing stock? Will it be contextually appropriate? Will it be affordable? Will it, indeed, still be New orleans or some bland tract of 'government projects' that blight our nation's inner cities in the name of 'urban renewal'?

WE should be the ones with the comprehensive view. But I fear we'll be the ones who get bogged down in details, worrying about everything and solving nothing.

WE need to be out there BEFORE they're out there. It will be the Populists against the Corporatists. Populist will win if Populist can just show leadership and vision ... and a passion to do the right thing for everyone .... from the least of the least to the corporations who will, and must, indeed, return to New Orleans.

LEADERSHIP, VISION, and PASSION

Not only should this be or time.

It MUST be our time.

Are the Democrats up to this challenge? If they're not, we have deeper issues than the Bush government.

[RethugAssKicker]

1. I think the Mayor and Governor

need to take charge, work together and come up with a decent plan on how to rebuild NO.(taking into consideration community councils). Then they must be the onees to oversee it!

[Nederland]

2. No!

New Orleans has and always will be a cesspool of corruption. The last thing we want to do is to put those lackeys in charge.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. This is making my point .......

Arguing the details.

I'm not disagreeing with you or the poster to whom you say no.

Look at the BIG picture. No matter WHAT ANYONE does, the whole thing will have good points and bad points. It will never be perfect.

But this kind of yes/no stuff, this early in the process just accomplishes ... well ... nothing.

Look at the BIG PICTURE

[Totally Committed]

4. So, we fix it by sending in a whole new set of criminals?

Whatever criminal element was present (and, make no mistake, there is one in every major city in America...), they are no match for the ones populated, hired, and sanctioned by this administration!

TC

[RethugAssKicker]

5. Then Who?

[Nederland]

6. Someone external

...who has nothing to gain from handing out contracts to buddies.

Jimmy Carter?

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. You know as incredibly as it sounds....

the cronyism, patronage and corruption of the south has met its match... the Federal Government under George W Bush... in fact, the Feds have managed to do it better.

So I want the gulf coast people in charge... will there be graft? Yes, will there be stealing? Absolutely, what do you think is going on right now with all them no bids to Halliburton? Roses and candy?

[Stinky The Clown]

7. You're not getting this

All the posts to date .... the fact is, right now, there is absolutley NOTHING we can **actually** do. Leave the problems for the Republicans to solve. Our role should be VISIONING, LEADING, and speaking as paaionate advocates for the region and **all** the interests there.

Of course there will be criminals and corruption. That's everywhere, not just New Orleans.

We can look good by being the ones to vocalize the big picture stuff.

Everything discussed above is the detail stuff. It does nothing but bog down the message. Now, if we were charged and allowed to actually act, we can make sure we do the bestw e can to prevent that crap, but in our out of power status, we need to stick to the big picture stuff.