[StBernard] Where are the Children?

[Westley Annis]

David,

Although I certainly understand your concern, I think you are missing the
context.  The guys you saw were going into the building and removing items,
much like you may be doing with at your home.

Inside the building, yes you need full protective gear.  Outside is not as
bad.  The schools will start up in classroom trailers. Not until the
buildings have been completely cleaned and given the OK by the EPA & DEQ
will any students be allowed in.  The earliest this is expecting to happen
is January.

The whole river is called cancer alley. Ok, big deal.

Have you ever looked at the Houston Ship Channel?  What about Los Angeles
with their smog alerts?  Every locale you could think of moving to will have
some type of "danger".  It is up to you to decide what danger you want to
live with.

The same can be said for those fleeing because they don't want to go through
another hurricane.  They move to Chicago.  No hurricanes there, but massive
snow storms every winter.  California has wild fires, earthquakes, and mud
slides.

My point is, there is no place 100% safe.

I live in St. Bernard because of the people, the food, the crime rate, and
the culture.  I have lived in other cities and I tell you, there is no place
else like St. Bernard.

Westley 

-----Original Message-----

For those who saw  today's Picayune,Nov. 2nd, you can't seriously be
thinking of sending your children and grandchildren back to school in St.
Bernard. Two workers are holding the big letter "C" in front of Chalmette
High. Since these men are wearing protective clothing including boots and
masks, how can the children be safe?
The 2 refineries have been emitting poisons into the air and river for a
long period of time. My son left Chalmette 20 years ago and my daughter 10
years ago. As much as I love them I was glad when they left. People can talk
about the jobs and money the refineries bring into the parish, but is it
worth your child's life?
Of course not!!!
I know we're part of what is referred to as Cancer Alley. Isn't that
comforting? I think it extends from Baton Rouge to the mouth of the river. 
Children are,by far, more precious than anything else we have lost. We're
upset that we lost pictures and videos but we can make new ones.
Think about it. Some residents say how much they love the parish and don't
want to leave. It's not the parish, it's the people.
Thanks,
David Jochum