I live in Metairie, the suburb immediately West of New Orleans and the infamous 17th St. canal.
It is a strange Mardi Gras this year. Normally the celebration is deeply embedded within the soul of the city, but this year is different. The season is shorter than usual and is taking place against a backdrop of destruction that you have to see to understand (TV pictures don't really do it justice).
Remaining residents are glad for the opportunity to forget about Katrina for a few hours, but the whole thing just feels wrong. No matter how you try, you can't quite forget the massive destruction and long uphill road ahead, with an uncertain destination.
Locally the Federal response to Katrina is considered a joke. The concensus is that if we want help we'll have to do it ourselves with the help of private charities and assistance. FEMA stands for "Fixed Everything, My A**". Prsident Bush's September speech from Jackson Square pledging a historically massive Gulf Coast reconstruction effort is a joke.
The local music scene is showing signs of life again. Many local clubs are back in business (including Snug Harbor, my favorite) and a lot of local musicians have returned. New Orleans music has always been a strange gumbo, and Katrina's stirring of the pot may well produce something new.
Personally I was fortunate. My house is raised, and sustained only minor damage. But 10 miles East of me across the 17th St canal lies a total destruction zone that runs for 20 miles. I have too many friends and associates who lost everything. The future is still very uncertain.
It is a strange Mardi Gras this year. Normally the celebration is deeply embedded within the soul of the city, but this year is different. The season is shorter than usual and is taking place against a backdrop of destruction that you have to see to understand (TV pictures don't really do it justice).
Remaining residents are glad for the opportunity to forget about Katrina for a few hours, but the whole thing just feels wrong. No matter how you try, you can't quite forget the massive destruction and long uphill road ahead, with an uncertain destination.
Locally the Federal response to Katrina is considered a joke. The concensus is that if we want help we'll have to do it ourselves with the help of private charities and assistance. FEMA stands for "Fixed Everything, My A**". Prsident Bush's September speech from Jackson Square pledging a historically massive Gulf Coast reconstruction effort is a joke.
The local music scene is showing signs of life again. Many local clubs are back in business (including Snug Harbor, my favorite) and a lot of local musicians have returned. New Orleans music has always been a strange gumbo, and Katrina's stirring of the pot may well produce something new.
Personally I was fortunate. My house is raised, and sustained only minor damage. But 10 miles East of me across the 17th St canal lies a total destruction zone that runs for 20 miles. I have too many friends and associates who lost everything. The future is still very uncertain.