Four hundred and thirty one days have passed since Katrina wreaked havoc on the gulf coast. I’m lucky enough to have friends on the ground in New Orleans fighting to save their city - otherwise, I might not know about dire conditions that continue there.
Election day marks the 435th day since Katrina hit. This is what the White House would like you to believe New Orleans looks like:
Image caption reads: President George W. Bush stands with Fredy Omar outside his newly built home Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, in the Musicians’ Village, where the President and Mrs. Bush hosted an outdoor luncheon for approximately 50 Habitat for Humanity volunteers in appreciation of their work at the 9th Ward home site. White House photo by Eric Draper
The reality on the ground is something entirely different:
The note I received with these images reads:
Sue,
I thought you might want to see these pics I took on Wed. This is a school not too far away from us that is sitting… untouched since Katrina. Every room is open, so we just walked in and started shooting. The squirrels and rats have taken over and are running rampant throughout the school. I wasn’t fast enough to get a shot though. There is also a huge water leak in some pipes that is gushing water… and feeding the rodents.
I’m not sure what the rest of the country is hearing about New Orleans. I have a feeling that you are being misled about the progress here. There are many schools, buildings and homes that are in this condition. Entire neighborhoods are abandoned. Just thought you should know. Please pass these on. Thanks
You can see the whole shameful set of Katrina images here.
When I vote next Tuesday, this is one of the things I’ll be thinking about. How about you? What will you be thinking about when you vote?
