Governor Blanco’s Letter
Regarding Joint Economic Task Force on Louisiana Economic Recovery

September 5, 2005

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush,

I write to ask you to work with me in developing a long term plan for the rebuilding of the Louisiana economy. I specifically ask that you join me in appointing a combined federal, state, local, private business and philanthropic council to support the economic revitalization of Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. We should and must jointly make a commitment to rebuild infrastructure, address environmental damage, and to restore the cultural fabric of the impacted region of our state in order to re-establish Louisiana as a global leader in energy production, shipping, tourism and technology industries. Our citizens, our most valuable asset, have been forced to take shelter across the country, but Louisiana will not fully recover until those displaced by this storm can rejoin their communities. To accomplish the goal of rebuilding Louisiana, there are four prerequisites to an effective rebuilding effort: Restoring and enhancing infrastructural integrity of the impacted areas. We must rebuild and enhance our communities, while at the same time preserve the cultural uniqueness of our state. First and foremost among the infrastructure improvements are the levees. Restoring and enhancing the levee system and assuring its structural safety and permanence are essential to any economic restoration. We can not expect businesses and individuals to invest in a city that could be catastrophically flooded during another hurricane. Nor can one expect that anyone will insure these kinds of investments, or make loans against them, if they cannot be secured from the risk of flooding. A major effort to secure the levee system is a precondition to any of these other goals. Federal funding would be the appropriate source for funding this endeavor. Preserving the unique culture of Louisiana. Louisiana is unique among the 50 state in its origins, influences and traditions. People travel from across the globe to experience all that Louisiana has to offer.

Generations of Americans have made the pilgrimage to taste the cuisine and experience the flavor of Louisiana. But most of all our sons and daughters are what really make Louisiana special. We must insure that we provide our citizens with prompt opportunity to return to their home state. Restoring America’s Wetland and committing to a thorough environmental cleanup. Long known as the Sportsman’s Paradise, Louisiana has a proud tradition of environmental and conservation heritage.

Environmental cleanup must be a top priority in order to enable renewed investment in tourism. A unified effort must be made between federal, state and local government agencies to restore the integrity of Louisiana’s environmental image. Once again, it would seem appropriate that the majority of funding for this initiative come from federal sources. Reestablishing Louisiana’s medical services. Restoring, reinvigorating and supporting our medical community are paramount. We must continue the commitment to our people that I believe is necessary and have worked hard to achieve. I will not be deterred in my commitment to strengthening our healthcare system. We must restore the facilities, the technology and the intellectual capital to provide Louisianans with the high-quality health care they deserve. These four goals must serve as the foundation for our state’s economic recovery. In addition, we must pay special attention to four specific segments of Louisiana’s economy: Tourism Rebuilding our tourism and related convention business will involve more than just restoring damaged assets. It will require rebuilding public trust in Louisiana. We must work to re-establish the hospitable atmosphere tourists and conventioneers have traditionally found in Louisiana. An economic revitalization campaign must not only work to restore the physical assets, but also aim to restore the customs and traditions that make Louisiana special. Energy Energy will have its own dynamic, because the energy business generally locates where the energy assets are – in this case, the Gulf of Mexico. A major aspect of any economic recovery plan must focus on restoring and repairing the offshore and onshore assets that are so vital to this region’s economy. A potential risk to the area is that the onshore assets will migrate to other locations because of the hurricane and the disruption it has caused. Any recovery program must try to prevent this because, once lost, those assets will be hard to get back. Transportation and Ports To restore the port and related shipping, the federal government or others must restore damaged infrastructure, both for the port itself and for the transportation mechanisms that support the port. Those would include rail, road and barge systems, as well as warehouses and other logistic assets that are essential to a functioning port. A recovery plan must address these precious assets. Manufacturing The underpinning of all successful economies, manufacturing serves to produce a wide variety of consumables whether for the military, government, or private citizens. Manufacturing provides quality, good-paying jobs for our people, as well as the stability drives growth in other industries. Louisiana has a proud manufacturing history, and it is important that it maintain its place in our economy in the future.

Technology In addition to the specific sectors mentioned above, a vibrant and healthy business community requires technological investment and innovation. We must maintain a healthy traditional service economy, encourage strong financial institutions and support the service companies that provide the economic foundation for our state. It is integral that we remain at the forefront of innovation by cultivating emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, and fostering the efficient and effective use of information technology to best serve the citizens of Louisiana. An example of this is Louisiana’s burgeoning film and digital media industry. Mr. President, I ask that this issue be treated as a national priority and ask you to work with me to appoint a council to oversee these efforts. I thank you again for your commitment to the people of Louisiana during our time of need, and will continue to work tirelessly alongside you to respond in the wake of this disaster.

Sincerely,
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Governor
State of Louisiana
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Time For A New City Of New Orleans

The Aftermath Report™
Commentary by Dr. T. McGuinness
DeadlyStorms.com & TropicalStorms.us
September 10th, 2005

We are nearly two weeks into the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina. God help those who lost so much!

Where we were, and where we are now? So much change in so short a time. Once there was a thriving hedonistic metropolis called New Orleans, that had survived storm after storm for hundreds of years. Now it is a festering soup of organic and industrial pollutants, toxic for any that venture into it. It is not a city now, but a decaying collection of submerged homes, flooded streets, and looted businesses. The grandeure that once was New Orleans is gone. Will it ever be what it once was? God, I hope not! Let's demand something far better!

What really was New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina? A decrepitd, corruptt, inept city that rejoiced in its own lawlessness! Yes there was an amazing and wonderful history! Yes there was culture! Yes it was the cradle of popular music. Those things should be kept and retained, but what about the "city"?

First, let's separate the city government, from the city culture, from the city physically:

The city government showed its true color with Katrina. It completely failed to protect and support its citizens - this is the legacy of decades of corrupt government. The city government allowed and maintained: the highest murder rate in the country, the poorest schools, much higher than average unemployment, and the list goes on and on. After the storm, its police which are so good at busting drunks during Marti Gras, seemed to completely ignore the pleas for help from the needy. And to reward them, the Mayor wanted to take them to Vegas for a week - when they hadn't even secured the city YET! Let's have an end to this farce. Urge the governor to revoke the city charter for New Orleans, and allow a fresh municipality to emerge in its place when there is a populace again.

The city culture was also a problem. There was such a contrast between the city maintained poor, and the wealth of business and tourism. It seemed impossible to bridge it, yet Katrina did this for us. Now there is no city, and its inhabitants have been dispersed to the four corners of America. Now they will become part of America, and all have a new start. We wish them well, and hope they take advantage of this new opportunity to leave poverty behind in the horror of New Orleans.

The city physically needs a new vision. This is not just replacing a half dozen buildings, as is being done in New York. This is replacing an entire city! Let's keep what was best and historic about New Orleans, and rethink the rest. After all, almost every home in New Orleans must be demolished and removed. Currently, the residential areas are mostly toxic dumps. Let's be realistic about this, it will be years until they can be habitable again.

We still don't know how many died in the city, but one fact is obvious - the city itself is dead too.

Let's take Bourbon Street and other historic districts and turn them into National Historic Parks - removed from any municipality. Retain the so-called business district, ports, and what little industry may remain, and re-envision New Orleans as a shining example of a NEW CITY. However, recognize that it is still a region below sea level, and as such we need to be realistic about the risk.

We need to understand that only by chance did Camille miss doing the same thing back in 1969. What if Ivan had followed Katrina's path? While this level of flooding and damage has not happened in recent times, it can happen again next year! How dare we even consider putting more lives at risk, under a municipality so corrupt as the present? The entire city government must go! And GO NOW! Then, better minds can plan for the city's future, and protections that make sense and work!

Tell the governor that you want the city government gone! Send her an email!

Please donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

TMc

Stop The Nonsense!

The Aftermath Report™
Commentary by Dr. T. McGuinness
DeadlyStorms.com & TropicalStorms.us
September 5, 2005

We are all stunned by the impact of Katrina on the Gulf States, especially on New Orleans. Our hearts go out to the countless lives lost, and their families, and all the survivors of this storm. As a survivor of 9 hurricanes, including Andrew, I do understand.

However, let me take a moment to put things in perspective. I am also mad as hell!
As a people, we have seen the worst of our citizens and local government in the Aftermath of this storm! We all have seem misery in past storms, and people pulled together to get through. Certainly many did with this storm also, but countless thugs used it as their personal holiday from the law. Make no mistake, we will remember, and one by one find those responsible.

Now let's talk about responsibility. Each person who remained in New Orleans, who was physically able to evacuate, and didn't, is PERSONALLY responsible for themselves and risked their own lives. There is plenty of blame to pass around, but start with yourself - collectively you blew it! Next time, you won't - we live and learn. I did! I stayed in my home during Hurricane Andrew with my family. Fortunately, we were far enough inland not to face the risk of Storm Surge. But, as we now know, Andrew was far worse than predicted, just like Katrina. I personally will never stay in the face of a Cat 4 or higher storm again.

So who is to blame for the unbelievable catastrophe in New Orleans? THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS AND ITS MAYOR! The City government IS responsible for its citizens. It was responsible for knowing and evacuating its hospitals. nursing homes, and going street by street to get the people out. It knew, better than any the risks that it faced. Louisiana is a poor state compared to most others, and its state government leaves much to be desired, but the City is the center of economic growth for the state. It should have done far better! Its performance is nothing but criminal.

Clearly, the City is a failure. It is directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of its citizens. It is my sincere hope that its Mayor will face appropriate State & Federal sanctions (criminal) for this tragedy. Maybe there is a chance to clean house in one of the most corrupt cities in America. Maybe it is time to pull the cities charter and unincorporate it. Turn the Bourbon Street area into a National Park, and the rest of the city administered by a new City or the State.

In the aftermath of the storm, we have witnessed inefficiency to be sure, but no matter how many "war games" or plans are made, the reality is always different. It takes time to move. Frankly, I applaud the actions of the Federal Government overall, and President Bush specifically. Though, regrettably the current director of FEMA is proving to be less than competent in his job, they are generally doing the right things. When Andrew hit, then as now, it took the country by surprise, and it took five full days to marshal response in force. I would remind all that it only took four days with New Orleans. Granted it was not perfect, and was held back by state AND local governments, but it was there. We live and learn.

With most Hurricanes, they are relatively small geographically - Andrew devastated two counties in Florida, and one in Louisiana. Katrina devastated THREE STATES! Let's keep things in perspective. The response had nothing to do with our War on Terror, Iraq, or anything else, except the logistics to turning on the largest relief operation in our country's history.

This is the largest hit in our country's history, so let's drop all of the racial tactics. It debases us all. Let's be honest enough to recognize the stupidity of those that voluntarily remained, and faced the truth of Katrina, and the incompetence of the local government that failed to protect its citizens. Point your ire where it is deserved, while you keep your eyes on the horizon - this storms season is barely half over!

TMc