Today, Paul emailed me a link to this post at Firedoglake, with the comment, “[this] may infuriate or depress you.” Paul was wrong. I am infuriated and depressed.
At the heart of this post is a letter from New Orleans, recounting one family’s experience in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina:
So, what have I been doing for the last six months?
Well, six months ago, I hit the road trying to get my family out of the way of a big storm. Ended up 400 miles away from new orleans. My oldest son and I came back a couple of weeks later ready to try to start putting things back together and build. It was like running into a brick wall.
For the past six months, I’ve been banging my head against this wall, yelling and screaming.. and it hurts.
The letter goes on the describe the frustrations and indignities that this fully-insured, two-wage-earner family has experienced while attempting to repair their home, save his small business and rebuild their lives. They did everything that they were “supposed” to do: bought insurance, evacuated when the storm came, and returned to rebuild. All of the systems – both governmental and private – that should have been helping this family have so far failed them.
The letter closes with questions for all of us:
So, my fellow americans, what have you been doing for the past six months? What are you doing today? How about a phone call? How about a little legal help. As sure as Katrina, I can’t afford a lawyer. How about a little pressure on the federal government not just to answer for their lack of action, but to actually get up and do something. Everytime there’s a war overseas, I see people marching against it. Why don’t I see anyone marching against this war?
I’m not happy with my answers to these questions. What have I been doing for the past six months? I’ve been busy with the day-to-day struggles and frustrations – and joys and pleasures – of my own life. Oh, I’ve written about post-Katrina housing issues here, but not enough. I’ve given to charities, but not enough. I have not done enough to help – or to pressure my government to help – the many thousands still suffering in the wake of Katrina.
What am I doing today? I’m writing to ask you to read this post. I’m asking you to answer these questions for yourself. I know that this isn’t nearly enough, but it’s a start.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
You are so right.
Just an additional note:
If you can send money, be very careful how you contribute.
The apparent diversion of contributions to this cause through the Red Cross, which are now coming to light may make you want to scream all the louder.
My feeling is that it may be most important of all to keep pressure on federal officials, and your senators and congresspersons on this matter. Public officials sometimes (perhaps correctly) assume that most people forget about an issue after it has been intially raised and discussed. Let them know that it is not only the people directly affected by Katrina who are still watching their performance on this.
As a former resident of south Louisiana for many years, and of New Orleans, I was very proud of my new city, Houston, stepping up and welcoming 200,000 people after Katrina. Gradually other cities offered help but not many. Our city, the fourth largest in the nation, has struggled to accomodate the evacuees on a long term basis. The mayor has given them free rent and utilites for a 12 month period. Our schools have crowded classrooms, including my son’s high school. PTA’s provided school supplies and backpacks for the students.
Now we are seeing the long term effects. Crime is up as not just “good” citizens came here. Local charities are suffering from what is known here as “Katrina fatigue”. Everyone gives as much as possible but needs are always going to be there.
To assume the federal government is going to save the day is naive. The locals in New Orleans have only recently put together a plan for people to rebuild and it is very questionable. Naquin and others are too busy coming here and other places looking for votes in the upcoming election. Local and state governments have failed the people miserably.
And what about the Mississippi Gulf coast? At least most of New Orleans is still standing. My birth city of Biloxi is gone. Not to mention Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, etc. They get very little notice these days.
The western coast of Louisiana and the east coast of Texas are still not functioning from Rita. No coverage there either.