Big Government - Recovery From Katrina Shows That It can't Get Out Of It's Own Way

Face The Nation on CBS TV ^ | 8/27/2006 | Bob Schieffer

[Mila]

Yes, I saw that and I agree that it's awful. I don't know what to think as to why they are having so much trouble getting up on their feet. At the very least should be extreme gratitude at what the governments of Texas and the US are doing for them. Demanding and complaining is out of place. Maybe there are reasons of which I, as one who have never experienced their situation, can't imagine. Or it might be as simple as that they were nonworking types to begin with and so they are just continuing their sad pattern. At the very least, the order of the day should be extreme gratitude at what the governments of Texas and the US are doing for them. I too wonder what will become of them. It seems that it is a problem that can't be easily solved.

As I'm sure your brother has told you, there are people who have returned and are working hard on their homes. These even include some who lived in the lower income areas of the city (the lower ninth ward) that were very hard hit. I truly admire all who have taken on the monumentally daunting task of reestablishing their lives here. Of course, Spike Lee's documentary not withstanding, Katrina's damage cut across all economic and class lines. My husband's elderly uncle and aunt lived in a nice house in Lakeview, a predominantly white part of the city. They lost everything. They are in their mid 80s so, although they talk about it, I doubt that they will rebuild. It's hard to start over at that age.

[plain talk]

Yes. I drove through Lakeview a month ago. So sad to see those nice homes trashed. So sorry about your uncle and aunt. My brother was lucky. He lives east of where the 18th street canal leveewall broke.