[StBernard] Seven months and a week after Katrina

[Westley Annis]

 Mississippi's Gulf Coast is slowly coming back together.  People are
attempting to rebuild.  The government has laid out a clear vision for the
recovery and renaissance of the area.  There are still mountains of debris
to remove.  There are still insurance hassles.  There are still people who
are waiting for someone else to act so that they can move on - but there is
progress.  The critical bridges that allowed people to move along the Gulf
Coast remain out.  People are going hours out of a direct path - but they
are moving."

**I've had the opportunity to visit the Gulf Coast 2 months ago. (at least
most of the coast itself decimated). Being decimated means, boards, and
bricks, etc. with not much mud and cra# as we've had. However, they did do
an excellent job in the cleanup there, cleaned to the hilt, beaches, and
buildings salvagable. I was impressed with the work-savvy/smooth operations
to get the job done. I would add that most of beach-front properties are
owned more by the affluent, businesses (including casinos, money-making
enterprises) and such, it seems.

However, by comparison, St. Bernard has done little to my impression as to
show results. I suppose it had to do with non-committance, few fundings, and
mismanagement to some degree by someone who is yet to be determined as time
evolves into an appreciable outcome. (we hope).

It's depressing to see such grossly-unaddressed detail in St. Bernard.
Whether it is someone's fault or Providence setting up the parish as an
example of Sodam & Gommorah's repeat; if the area's destiny was to feel the
pain to the "x-factor" or if our parish is being by-passed for another cause
or commitment is not certain. But, if the parish is going to be resurrected
properly, it will need to do so expediciously. It's not always "Good things
come to those who wait" in this situation. People's lives take the least
path of financial and emotional resistance through disasters. 

The makeup of our neighbors, friends and family may have eternally been
changed due to the storm. How we adjust to it whether in the parish or
displaced depends upon the strength of our emotions (with or without any
faith-based help), our new neighbor's attitudes and the unknown variables we
call "help from the community, assistance to rebuilding/recovery by agencies
which must assist the parish and citizens" and our own dedication and
reach-out for others.

Sooner than later is a key. Mississippi has a plan. How is it that we have a
lesser one?

==jer==