More Waiting and Guessing in New Orleans

I have moaned and groaned for quite a while now, but, unfortunately, still more of the same seems on the horizon. In the nearly five months after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is no closer to revitalization than it was immediately following the storm. In fact, the most impressive work done, to date, was accomplished in the first few weeks after Katrina’s original onslaught. The whole rebuilding effort has become nothing more than stale and reeks of something worse than the offending aroma of black mold.

Depressing though it may seem, we still have yet to see any official plan of action. Local, state, and federal leadership is still as inept as it was before and during the storm. No one has come forth to shepherd the flocks run away as a result of the hurricane and its aftermath. The only steps taken by Mayor Nagin have been divisive. Governor Blanco’s moves have exemplified complete confusion and utter ineffectiveness. President Bush has maintained his course of indifference and lame ignorance. None of this should really shock any of us, but what is most appalling is the lack of support from our other elected officials. Sure, it’s nice to visit affected areas of New Orleans on the tax-payers’ dime and take posh trips to Holland to see how they handle their flooding situation. Unfortunately, trips get us nowhere, especially when the ones who go have nothing to offer but, “Ooh’s,” and “Ahh’s.” When these are the only remarks heard, everyone finally winds up with one big, expensive, “Duh.”

The longer we wait in rebuilding New Orleans, the more ominous the outlook for the city. Time is not a friend to equitable solutions, as the people forced out of their homes and neighborhoods lose patience and give up on the city they once loved. Perhaps the stalling tactics being used are meant to do just that. At this point, nothing would surprise any of us.