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Hurricane Katrina Dispatch
Hurricane Katrina -- Your Thoughts, Messages and Stories Blog
by Special Editorial
Thursday September 1, 2005
Hurricane Katrina Dispatch
To Whom It May Concern:
Those of us who did leave the City before the hurricane are scattered
and waiting to return to begin again. Reports of looting, shooting and
fires are distressing; but we hold on to faith that order will be
quickly restored. What is most important is that those housed at the LA.
Superdome not be forced to remain in what is clearly an untenable
situation. Medical attention and supplies, food, clothing and transportation
out of the City must be provided them. Repairs of levees and pumps must
begin now.
Many Americans know New Orleans primarily as a tourist destination, a
playground of tourists and wealthy businessmen. The fact is that this is
one of the greatest cities this country has known. It is unique in the
history of the nation; and through such industries as oil & gas,
shipping and transportation and the growth and spread of jazz and the music
culture that has grown out of it, has provided the backbone for much of
what the rest of the world knows and thinks of as "American." Years ago
we were dubbed "the City that Care Forgot," " Big Easy," "Silver City"
not only because we knew how to enjoy life, but because we were and are an
open-handed and open-hearted people. New Orleanians the world over
intend nothing less than the salvation of our City. Report that.
I, my Mother and my companion left New Orleans on Sunday afternoon,
traveled through Mississippi and Arkansas, and landed eventually in
Shreveport, LA. at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel. My brother remained in the
City and still has land-line telephone service and water. Presently, I
am able to make but not receive calls on my cell phone. We are safe and
anxious to return to our City.
New Orleanians are a people of unimaginable strength and resilience and
New Orleans will be rebuilt as a great city. I am returning to begin
again as soon as possible. Report that. Tell that to the world again and
again.
Brenda Marie Osbey
Poet Laureate, State of Louisiana
