[StBernard] Seven months and a week after Katrina

[Westley Annis]

Jer,

You realize as well as anyone that Mississippi had a different set of
problems than St. Bernard.

1) St. Bernard had to wait three weeks for the flood waters to recede before
non-essential personal were allowed back in.
2) That was further delayed another week because of Rita.
3) Katrina took a lot of the debris back out into the gulf in Mississippi.
Unfortunately, all of the debris stayed behind in St. Bernard.

Most people also realize that Mississippi is on higher ground.  Should
another storm come, the same thing will happen.  In Mississippi the water
will come in and then leave almost as quickly as it came in.  St. Bernard is
a whole lot friendlier than Mississippi, so when the water comes in, it
likes to hand around for a few weeks, almost like a vacation.

Does Louisiana really have a lesser plan?  Congressman Baker came up with
his plan rather quickly.  Unfortunately, President Bush shot it down.  The
state has responded well to that road block.

Westley

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


**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==