While New Orleans and the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina were a hot topic on news outlets at the end of 2005, it’s rarely mentioned anywhere in early 2007. Judging by Mr. President’s State of The Union Address in January 2007 and complete absence of any mention of the Gulf region, the recovery has proceeded as planed (or not planed) and all is well in good old New Orleeens, as locals call it. In other words - “Mission Accomplished!”
I spent five days in New Orleans volunteering with University of Illinois at Chicago Alternative Spring Break program in the middle of December 2006. While there, I found miles and miles of devastation - the 9th Ward and St. Bernard’s Parish looked as if Hurricane Katrina came through just a few weeks ago (probably as did other areas that I did not have a chance to visit). The military patroled the streets in fully camouflaged Humvees and local governments cheated and forced residents out of their land in order to sell it to the highest corporate bidder. Despite all that, those who came back were organizing to protect or get back their property. They were rebuilding and many had to start anew. We were housed at Habitat for Humanity Camp Hope in the 9th Ward under the leadership of director Crystal Wells, and were part of a Christmas celebration and gift distribution. The music, the dancing, the smiles, the humanity were there - the human spirit certainly never left New Orleans. In addition to the residents, people from San Francisco to Boston, and from Corpus Christi to Chicago come to help in whatever way they can in the recovery. If only our leaders were as compassionate as those who they lead...
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