[StBernard] Katrina: The Two Year Toll

[Westley Annis]

Katrina: The Two Year Toll


It's hard to believe that two years have passed since everyone's life was
turned upside down by Katrina, a disaster of biblical proportions wreaking
destruction on an area that was already struggling.  Katrina is easily one
of the most horrifying catastrophes in US history claiming over 1,000 lives
with its aftermath causing the most widespread and prolonged suffering of
American citizens since the Great Depression.  And, of course, its most
tragic aspect is that much of the destruction, namely the flooding, was
caused by the error of man rather than an Act of God.     
 
And even two years later, there is still tremendous distress and ruin.  Many
plod on, waiting for their road home money, trying to rebuild and restore
some normalcy in their life.  Like most, I worry about the future of the
area with New Orleans overrun with crime and government incompetence.  The
lack of a cohesive plan has l eft many very wary of the city and the area
continues to bleed jobs and productive citizens.  Many lifelong natives of
the area are reluctantly considering leaving.  Many of their children have
already decided to.
 
Still there have been some small steps forward, with area citizens bravely
trudging against the grain to salvage their homes and businesses.  We read
about their courage and resilience every day and many are making their own
path to recovery either without or with limited governmental assistance.
They poured out their savings to repair their houses and tenaciously opened
and then cling to their businesses.  

These good souls join the first responders as the real heroes of our
community. They provide hope that despite all of the crime, corruption and
chaos, there is still plenty of good in the area, which is certainly worth
saving.  It is the test of government to rise to this challenge of recovery
with the same level of courage and tenacity as the citizens which depend on
it.
     
There will be a massive change in leadership on the state level this fall
and with it perhaps the last chance in our lifetimes to enact the structural
reform of our troubled state and maybe coax our children to stay.  The
enactment of structural ethics, educational, medical and fiscal reform would
be a giant step towards recovery. So take the elections seriously and be
sure to vote.  And don't be afraid to ask candidates the hard questions.  

Like you, I sometimes become discouraged by the avalanche of  bad news about
our community.  But then I think of all the people who have had it much
worse and who are still marching on.  And I draw hope and inspiration from
their valor.  So despite all of the obstacles that seem to be stacked
against us, I continue on, taking one day at a time and hoping that each day
brings more progre ss and relief for our citizens.  I attended a Katrina
memorial event this morning.  On my way back, I noticed a sign in front of a
formerly destroyed restaurant which has since reopened "Recovery. Rebuild.
Rebirth."    

                                                                         Tim