Ray nagin is a moron.

[mugsy]

Thanks! I don't know how active I will be...between teaching, working at the store, and coordinating animal transports, my time is a bit stretched, but thanks!

Another thought on New Orleans...the people of N.O. should be the people rebuilding their city rather than spending the money from the government on stupid crap like new luxury cars, DVD players, expensive clothes, etc.

[BOBS DAD]

Mugsy,

I agree with you that there is abuse in almost every program or effort to assist. I don't why that is, but there seem to be con artists and scamsters everywhere. It must be human nature to some - hey, if they can get away with it, why not (must be how they think)? We will never eliminate that element from the equation - even the rich do it. They rationalize it by thinking of it as a victimless endeavor. But should we just eliminate any and all government assistance??? Or should we better manage our resources and programs.

I say the latter! It is vitally important "who" we select or nominate to take these post and oversee these agencies. unfortunately, politicians have for too long (forever and across all political boundaries) seen "this as an opportunity to 'reward' some longtime friend or campaign contributor". It always seems like when major abuse and a genuine lack of supervision in a program is uncovered - the "PERSON MANAGING" it is some "TOTAL INCOMPETENT" - with no credentials and "NO REASON" to be in CHARGE!!!

THEREIN the fault lies!!!

Now for some real tangible evidence of folks helping themselves in this fiasco is the musicians of New Orleans who are coming back (some never left) and rebuilding their homes in a common area. Some say they are "being given" something - but I say they are merely being lent a hand. These people have "NOTHING". Everything they owned was wiped out, destroyed and carried away in the flood waters. They had no "flood insurance". they do not have a penny to their name (many of them). Contrary to popular opinion, they are NOT being "given" money, but rather - being lent it. They can get up to $70,000 (Interest Free) if they choose to rebuild. As part of the deal, they have to contribute 300 hours of manual labor - assisting others who have embarked upon the same path.

I saw a program on them and their efforts. Very modest homes - but new and clean. And I know it was just a program, but they showed many folks working "very hard" with hammers, saws, nailguns, and some just grunt work - helping each other out. For them... I say, "GOOD FOR YOU" I wish them luck!!!

[Lady's Human]

Bob's dad,

Kudos for the ones that are helping themselves and others. I'm glad people are helping those who CANNOT (as opposed to will not) help themselves.

For the ones who can but aren't?

Get off of your !@#(*&( and get to work.

[RICHARD]

Dear Your Honorable Mr. Nagin,

Your stupity overwhelms me.

Here is a clue...


Take a news crew into one of the wards, pick up a hammer, roll up your sleeves and even if it is a photo op, make like you are helping to square away your effed up city.

Instead of showing your gums and teeth, show that you are part of the community....

Don't just show up at a pancake breakfast and pal around with the prez, at least act like you care.


BD,

Every AH that shows up on camera is the tip of the iceberg.

That person is standing on the shoulders of the people who are making things happen......


Blowing a trumpet is either music or knocking a wall down....one musician playing a song helps you forget until the music dies.

Then you are back in reality.


-----------------


Here is a test for everyone.


Get in your car and drive down any street in your neighborhood.

Drive one mile and then think about helping every household you have passed.

When you have helped one household get ready, there are ten more to be assisted.

I am really tired of the government (GWB or not) being blamed for all the problems.

Again,

Silly people!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

If I had a car . . .

[lbaker]

"If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning. I'd hammer in the evening~ alllll over this land.."

[BOBS DAD]

Here is a test

Get in your car and drive down any street in your neighborhood.

Drive one mile and then think about helping every household you have passed.

When you have helped one household get ready, there are ten more to be assisted.

I am really tired of the government (GWB or not) being blamed for all the problems.

Again,

Silly people!

Richard,

I didn't get this far in your post... or just read down far enough - as you often have songs and sayings trailing your main message. But now I see that folks are responding to this part.

But as is often the case, I don't get it??? How about making that drive and having tens of thousands of other drivers who work for you and tremendous financial resources? Do you suppose you could help out more than the original ten?

Obviously, you can't do for them what they won't do for themselves, but maybe you could lend them a hand and help them (low interest or no interest loans) get a start.

[RICHARD]

But as is often the case, I don't get it??? How about making that drive and having tens of thousands of other drivers who work for you and tremendous financial resources? Do you suppose you could help out more than the original ten?

Here, this may help you understand.


What is a metaphor?

It helps me count to metafive.

-----------------

My whole point is that there are too many people for the gov't. to help all at once during a disaster.