Posted on 10/27/2005 3:24:46 PM PDT by caryatid
Some came seeking help with specific problems they are encountering with city bureaucracy, others for general information about the status of New Orleans' post-Katrina recovery.
But just as many seemed in search of comfort and reassurance or a place to vent their anger at perceived injustices in the way the city is struggling back from a catastrophic hurricane.
"I lost my dignity," one man said in denouncing what he called insultingly low wages being offered local workers by some contractors. "How do I get it back?"
Whether in search of information or group therapy, hundreds of people crowded into a Canal Street hotel ballroom Wednesday for the first of what are billed as weekly town hall meetings Mayor Ray Nagin will hold to update the public and hear their concerns.
The session was supposed to start at 2 p.m., but it was past 2:30 before Nagin, clad in a New Orleans Saints sweatshirt, walked in to a chorus of catcalls about the delay. "You were late for Katrina, too," one man shouted.
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
LOL
* ping *
Dude, the government ain't got it.
Snort.
Following the meeting Nagin was to get on a bus to leave but none were available.
Also, they lost their dignity when they accepted that first welfare check.
Quoting from the article:
"Criticized for what one speaker depicted as the city's inadequate evacuation and shelter plans before Katrina, Nagin defended his record, saying that 1.5 million people were evacuated from the New Orleans area. He said the city will re-evaluate its plans for evacuating and sheltering people, but he told the crowd, "If another Katrina is coming, run!"
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So that's his plan for any future disasters huh? Really inspires confidence in me. (sarcasm)
Got news for ya Nagin - It's much, much more than just the people in DC.
And this quote:
"Man, I am so far not thinking about re-election," Nagin shot back. "You want the job, man? Maybe we can work something out."
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LOL My cat could do a better job as mayor.
Hasn't Hizzoner figured out, yet, that the world is watching ... ?
He couldn't get the buses running to save people's lives ... but he can plan a Hallowe'en party ...
I stopped laughing long enough to read this to someone whose reaction was "Good God Almighty".
I fear this New Orleans thing is going to be a lonnnnnnnng, drawn out affair! Fasten your seat belts, boys ... !
To the person who lost their dignity:
Since Nagin uncovered your "unseemly parts" I suggest that you get him to retrieve it.
That makes no sense. What's he going to do, build floating slums?
He couldn't get the buses running to save people's lives ... but he can plan a Hallowe'en party ...
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Wonder how much of our tax dollars and our generous contributions to private charities will go towards this Halloween party???
His previous plan was "It will turn" (the approaching cat 5 hurricane).
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One of the stories at the time was: the reason he did not mobilize the buses to evacuate people -- he didn't know if he legally could do so. He had to study the issue first.
Good grief, man. The city is sinking under water; people are drowning...no time to be "studying the issue." Get the people out...if anyone objects on legal grounds, you can deal with it later.
Why didn't the crowd grab a rope or at least a rail and tar and feathers.
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Because the mayor and others have people convinced it wasn't his fault -- it was the President's, FEMA's, whitey's, and anyone else who can be blamed.
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