33. "Friends Don’t Let Friends ..."

I posted the following opinion on CNN.com in answer to the question, "What do you think needs to be done concerning rebuilding New Orleans?":

"Because of its location, New Orleans will be hit by another hurricane. If the people insist on living in that spot, then it must be made safe for human habitation. Fill in the 'bowl' in which the city is located and build the location up so it is the high ground -- with safety bunkers and tunnels underneath for all utility and emergency needs. Then build on top of that high ground with hurricane safe building codes and materials and drainage. If no one wants to live in a New Orleans like that, then turn it into a memorial park/greenway -- and tell the people to go find a place where they won't put their’s and thousands of emergency workers' lives in jeopardy, as well as their children's, and put our national debt in the toilet for the next several generations.

Sentimental value, history, tradition and memories are important -- but not more important than lost lives. How much loss is enough? -- before we finally call a halt to it? It does no one a kindness to allow them to continue as they have been -- especially when “as they have been” as been proven to be inadequate in front of the whole world. I’m a longtime believer in “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” I’m also a firm believer in “if your going to do something do it right -- the first time.” Well it’s too late for “the first time” -- that’s water under the bridge and over the levee. Now is the time to call for change before more are lost. Let’s do it right this time -- or not at all."

I am as certain that my opinion will offend -- if not outrage -- many people, as I am that my advise will not be followed. Many of the excuses will be those of the heart, for which I deeply empathize, but the actual reasons will be those of power and the pocket book. How much more heartbreak will be necessary before those who hold the purse strings finally "get it" or before we citizens make them get it.

Just as "friends don't let friends drive drunk," friends don't let friends stand in front of an oncoming train -- in fact, there are laws against it. Tell me. What's the difference between sitting in front of an oncoming train or an oncoming category four or five hurricane that's barreling at you? -- other than the fact that, these days, the hurricane usually gives us more time to run (unless you get caught in traffic). The results are the same. Dead is dead. Gone is gone.

Since I wrote the above opinion, the Army Corp of Engineers started rebuilding the broken levees in New Orleans -- to the strength they were *before* Hurricane Katrina. They said it would take an Act of Congress to get stronger levees built in New Orleans. I cringe whenever I hear the politicos talk about letting the people move back in there. I guess they think it makes them sound caring and supportive of the people. Where I come from that’s called a lot of things, including abuse or felonious neglect and grounds for loosing your rights. But smart, wise or responsible wouldn’t be on that list, let alone integrity. Huh. I guess no one thought about that or if they did, they’re betting they won’t get called on it -- betting with other people’s lives.

I also found a website written by energy professionals that know a lot more about New Orleans, the Mississippi River and the whole delta area than I do. For a well laid out, clearly explained article with maps click over to this site and find out why none of the rebuilding plans, including mine, will work for long -- if at all.

So, why am I posting such an entry in my blog? Because it’s a subject very much on my heart and mind and until I post it I can’t “let it go.” I wrote awhile back about writers taking the opportunity to be as positive an influence as possible. Sometimes, part of uplifting is presenting truths that are difficult to hear, because they require us to change and adjust our comfort zones to accommodate those changes. It’s part of growing up and taking care of our loved ones and neighbors. I believe that writers can help lead the way for our culture to realize, accept and do just that. Through our articles, essays and stories we can show and even lead the way, so that it's not quite so hard to do.

Take care, Y'all,
Write On!
~ Nanette

© Nanette Y. Francis, 2005. All Rights Reserved.