[StBernard] Parish Threatens To Tear Down Renovated Home

[Westley Annis]

"I am surprised at the lack of favorable comments relative to the demolition
of condemmed homes in St. Bernard.  I know that I am not alone in praising
Craig Taffaro for getting the demolitons moving again.  --JFR."

Jer Responds:

Overall good? It's probably the best IF the one who gets ripped of his/her
home is not in that number. It must be noted that not everyone in the U.S.
is at the same economic and financial level. If one is surprised at why
there are a "lack of favorable comments" instead of condemnation, it is
because those who wish to see others lose their home (and in this example)
it was overwhelming to even envision this occurring in America. 

Does one laugh when the bulldozer is ripping apart one's home? Does it
matter whether the home was owned for 1 year or 30 and have it leveled when
bad luck dictates a person's finances who cannot meet time limits?

I'm not rich by any means either, and if I spent $50,000 trying to get a
home into any livable condition and cannot keep up with others who have a
greater means, I'd bring this one into the courts up to the Supreme Courts
who would lend an ear. I'd bring in the national press to expose what is
broken in America.

I certainly, and I'm sure everyone else would LOVE to be on the losing end
of this argument where one has to choose to eat and pay for medical expenses
and are in the awful position of struggling to pay for restoration beyond
what I was able to afford.

No one personal is at the same critical juncture simultaneously. And we're
sure, if there are some who are fortunate to have the extra money--that the
underprivileged would God-willing bless them for their generosity.

To those who can help the poor or the hurting homeowner after this disaster,
then by all means do so to avoid hearing about a wrecking ball happening in
any neighborhood.

I would tell you this. If I were a councilman in the neighborhood, or the
Parish President, I would attend every home in the parish where one tends to
lose his/her home to the wrecking crew and determine the individual's
situation on a case-by-case basis. To me, it's cold as the Artic Circle to
remove one's domicile during this hellish nightmare in which we've been
placed. 

--jer--