December 2, 2006:
The city continues to make strides in securing the input of all residents. "Over 2,500 New Orleanians in 21 cities gathered on Saturday, December 2nd at the second Community Congress. Gathered in 5 cities simultaneously (New Orleans, Atlanta, Houston, Baton Rouge and Dallas) as well as 16 sites across the country, community members answered critical questions on rebuilding options and engaged in dialogue with fellow community members about recovery issues." See www.unifiedneworleansplan.org for the summay of the priorities set by the Congress and other relevant details.
It is inspiring to participate in the process. I met people dedicated to the city and its recovery, yet, who are cautiously optimistic. The hesitation exists due to the concern that the politics of old are so entrenched, that the opportunity presented to all New Orleanians will be squandered. It is incumbant especially upon the political leaders to think in the broadest terms possible; in addition, the private sector must play a part as there is not enough federal dollars to cover all that must be done. It's not over, and it is a long road back. Stay tuned as the City-Wide Planning commission will submit the recommendations to the Council in January 2007.
It then goes along the approval process from City Council, Mayor, Govenor and relative Federal agencies. We hope that no link in the chain will negatively impact it. The people of New Orleans deserve the highest of intergrity in the decisions forthcoming.
Revisiting The City (November 11, 2006)
It has been almost 14 months since the Katrina affected so many lives. The condition of the city is improving, people are returning. But the conditions under which one must exist, create such stress on a daily basis. We so often do not recognize how fortunate we are, that the acquisition of material things is not the "truth".
In spite of the many obstacles, success stories abound. These stories of success unfortunately are not those that get the exposure, that shape the opinion of others who have never experienced suffering.
There have been many meetings. The people are exhausted mentally and filled with frustration. "We don't want you do it for us" is the mantra under which those most affected with minimal resources operate daily. But the impediments which have been put before them are not all from the storm.
I had the opportunity to meet others in dire circumstance, who struggle from day to day to provide basic sustenance and a safe environment in which the people in the community can live and prosper. Seem so simple, yet so far from fruition, but not impossible. It's uplifting and amazing to feel the strong sense of community and hope.
WWW.UNIFIEDNEWORLEANSPLAN.COM (UNOP) provides some information regarding the process by which the city will be rebuilt. There is much to do, and it requires the diligent and genuine efforts of many. Once the recommendations are made, several layers of government will render a decision to accept, change or deny them. It is the politics of old which concern me. Even though the city has endured a severe blow, there are still some who have only selfish motives and are not truly concerned with the issues of those who struggle to be heard; and ultimately, New Orleans.
Alas, they march on, so shall we.........
October 2005
To witness devastation, you are overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions that span the spectrum. Reflection of what was, and what does the future hold, permeate your thoughts. Through events beyond your control, you are tested to the soul of your convictions. In that you have a common cause.
Through it, you discover who you are. Does the weight crush you or “build the muscle needed to manage the load”? You find the strength to move on, develop and prosper, where the odds of success are seemingly insurmountable.
You find that common cause that exists within all of us: to live, grow and contribute to the planet upon which we reside. And it is through CommonCauses Foundation that you find the means. So will you respond to the call?
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