Monday, June 11, 2007

New Orleans Is An American City


New Orleans is an American city. Her porches fly American flags, just like porches in Peoria. Each morning her children say the Pledge of Allegiance, just like children in Boise. She was once attacked simply for being an American city, just like New York was.


So why has she been abandoned by her country? Why has she been abandoned by her President? Why do we spend more money each month in a foreign war of opportunity than we do in restoring one of our greatest cities from the worst calamity in its long history?


Why, in this second hurricane season after The Flood, is she all alone? Why is she still dark at night? Why are her citizens still scattered, forgotten, neglected? Why are her levees still weak? What happened to the promises?
"Throughout the area hit by the hurricane, we will do what it takes, we will stay as long as it takes, to help citizens rebuild their communities and their lives. And all who question the future of the Crescent City need to know there is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again."
In the America I was raised to believe in, promises meant something. Can we work to restore that America, along with New Orleans? Or is it too late?


And if it's too late for New Orleans, what does that mean for the future of your home town? Will yours be the next to fall off the American map, despite the fervor with which you fly your flags, and say your pledges?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I ask that same question everyday. When did this country go so terribly wrong? Here is a short audio from senate testimony given last week on the slow pace of recovery in LA. Is this the country you want America?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6vNRak7U0&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwetbankguide%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F
doctorj

Danielle said...

Well said. The way in which this administration has dismissed such a large part of American heritage and culture within the city of New Orleans is a loss to the entire country. Not doing right by New Orleans is shameful. I am especially nervous about big industries coming in and taking the land away from the people in the Ninth Ward. That seems to be their game plan after all.

I thank you for spreading the word.

Be well and enjoy the day.

R said...

Clayton: nice to see you post again. I hope your Mom and Dalton are doing well - let me know if he needs more tunes, or anything else.

Judy Thorne said...

Amen, Clayton. It seems as if New Orleans has been treated like the bastard stepchild from the start. Thanks for keeping the focus on.

Anonymous said...

here's a song for healing...

www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living.asp

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree with you more. But it's time we all realize that unless we -- me and you, Joe Average Citizen -- do something about New Orleans, it's never going to change. I've made several rebuilding visits there and I challenge you all to do the same. We can make the turnaround happen, one volunteer at a time.

Anonymous said...

Hey, nice to see you post. Hope things are getting better for you guys, despite the obvious.

Steve said...

Well put Clayton. I was listening to Dan Kahns song "Desire and Law" today at work, and just about broke down and cried to think of a land I love so much being so neglected,so bereft of the love and attention is so desperately needs.

I do believe it's time for another "poster reminder". I suggest that everyone go to Corbis.com, search for "Hurricane katrina", find the most horrible pictures they have (and they have quite a few heart wrenching pics) and make up fliers to remind people of what still is of a great concern.

Anonymous said...

I have lived in New Orleans for a few years now. Since the storm, those who are willing to work to restore their city have done so. So many down here are simply waiting for the next handout. There were so many jobs available here after Katrina that there really is no excuse. The media has put the spotlight on the "helpless," which I think makes this new America you speak of seem so much worse than it really is.

Thanks for caring, though.