I have never seen such generosity around me as I have seen since all this happened. It is breathtaking. I would have never predicted it but it is all around. The kindness of people to others has been everywhere.
What does amaze me is the extent to which others, outside this place, talk about how this is not their problem. As if a city, part of a state in this country, doesn't belong to everyone.
I don't remember people griping about the idea that the fed govt would respond to NYC after 911. We spend billions to protect our cities, our planes, our forrests,,all of our places from terrorism, from fire, from pollution, from natural disasters.
Why the "not my tax dollars" attitude? NO, its music, its cuisine, its history is all of ours. Just like the parks, just like NYC, just like the rivers, the mountains.
There is no "they" here.
American's are the most generous people on earth, until they feel they are being gouged.
LA isn't alone with these politicians, it just seems that anytime we get a dem in charge these things follow -- I could expound on our crooked governor whom I "hope" is gone in 2006....
I really don't believe it has to do with the city. I think it has to do with the horrible face that Nagin, Landreu and Blanco put on the city. Demanding 250 billion dollars to rebuild it just took everyone back.
The city will be rebuilt and people all over the country have opened their hearts and wallets so there should be no doubt of the commitment of your neighbors. I think the comments you hear are a direct result of selfish demands made by the terrible three.
There was an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer (a real rag!) this week about a couple in Lancaster (Amish Country) PA. The husband is recovering from heart surgery and also has dialysis 3 times a week. I believe they have a 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home. Several cars pulled up in front of their home with relatives from New Orleans, and a day or so later, more cars. There are now 49! people living in that home! All family, who say it is like a big reunion. A schedule is set up for the bathrooms--showers--"someone is always cooking". They don't have to buy groceries because people are always dropping off food and household and personal necessities.
The reporter was amazed that the coffee table was clear--no toys all over it--even with so many children. He (she?)was amazed at how orderly everything was, even with such a crowd. They are sleeping all over, in the garage, mattresses pushed to the sides of rooms. Cold weather will be here soon so they may have to come in from the garage--but they are all so happy to be safe and together.
The families say they cannot believe the generosity and friendliness of neighbors and even strangers. So far only 2 or 3 have been able to find jobs and are hopeful others will be able to do so. They are all looking forward to the wonderful Christmas they will have together. I wonder how many will return to New Orleans after seeing the beauty of the Lancaster countryside.
A group of churches in our area is hoping to sponsor a family, to provide a home and everything they need to re-establish themselves, whether temporarily or permanently, including a fund for living expenses, until they are able to be self-sufficient. We have wonderful schools here. From what I have read so many of the evacuees never had the financial means to move to another area. Every child deserves a decent education--that's the only way to ever get out of poverty. So we are all hoping a family will arrive!
It seems to me now that many of those who have been forced to leave New Orleans have hope for a better life.
We pray for all the flood victims every day altho none of us can imagine what you are going thru!