I have been struggling to find words to write about the disaster on the Gulf Coast. Let me just follow up on Bruce’s post yesterday encouraging y’all to contribute. He linked to an Glenn Reynolds’ impressive list on Instapundit. After reviewing a few, I made a contribution to Mercy Corps. I will be checking out other organizations and likely making additional contributions.
Please join me in reviewing Glenn’s list and find the charity which, you believe, can best help out at a time like this.
From the blogs I have had time to read since the disaster, Hugh Hewitt and Michelle Malkin have offered the best coverage. I just learned from Michelle the good news that R & B legend Fats Domino has been found alive and rescued. When I had read that he was missing, I feared the worst. Just a reminder, even at trying times like these, not to give up hope. With generosity, good will and the diligence of emergency service personnel — and other volunteers — we can make the best of this terrible situation.
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com
Anyone want to debate the merits of whether New Orleans should be rebuilt, and if so, how? Some people are saying it would be foolish to rebuild, others seem to be saying, yeah, it’s foolish, but we should rebuild anyway or else the hurricane wins.
My thoughts: salvage downtown, the French quarter, the big infrastructure. Raze some of the worst-hit neighborhoods and use them as the foundation for a stronger levee system. New build-outs should be only allowed on higher ground. Maybe create a system of pylons to raise new parts of the city above the level of a Cat 5 storm surge.
Also, K-Lo at NRO has what I think is an awesome suggestion. Repeal that bloated, porktacular Highway Bill and redirect the money into rebuilding the Gulf Coast.
I believe that the historic city — basically anything pre-1920 — should be rebuilt.
In short, if it isn’t underwater now, it can stay. Otherwise, level and return to what NO was — a city surrounded by marshes.
The core of the City, including the French Quarter, Convention Center and other areas above sea level can be reclaimed and rebuilt. Everything else, plow it down. If someone wants to build there, have at it. Just don’t expect the taxpayers to bail you out.
I realize that many current and former residents insist that the city be rebuilt, but they are not thinking with their heads. Although these people are genuine, they can’t turn the clock back. And I am unwilling to subsidize their nostalgia.
One of those Jazz funerals is in order.
For once I agree with everyone. I don’t think we should invest a dime in rebuilding a city when we can’t promise this won’t happen again. I’d rather spend the money to help those who’s homes/neighborhoods are lost find homes elsewhere than rebuild their homes where they are only to have this happen again.
Although the federal government had taken up the responsibility (i’m not arguing that it was their responsibility only that they made it their responsibility) to strengthen the levees starting back in 1995 and in 2003 the funding to finish the job was cut (not arguing the point of why just stating facts) and the cost of rebuilding the city or even just cleaning it up will be far more than it would have cost to strengthen the levees. It’s a shame really. A city full of such an interesting and unique culture hard to find in this country and it’s decimated.
Bloggers congratulating other bloggers. This post is eerily like Sen. Mary Landrieu’s comments to Anderson Cooper where she congratulates her fellow politicians.
Actually there are some things that should be built in the lowest areas.
The mayors’ house, the Governor’s mansion, the house of the police chief, and the house of the local FEMA manager.
Any word on Jennifer Flowers?
Guess not.