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On Wednesday, President Bush visited historic Jackson Barracks in New
Orleans to tout the progress of the recovery and congratulate local
leaders for their hard work. Sadly, the praise was misplaced for most
local leaders do not deserve any commendation. The only people who
really deserve praise are the first responders who saved lives, the
generous volunteers who came to the area to rebuild and the hard
working residents who have persevered in spite of the red tape,
corruption and incompetence that have prevented a strenuous recovery.
For example, the state’s Road Home program has been nothing short of a mismanaged disgrace. The program is still not complete and according to a new report, the grants are insufficient. The group Policy Link noted in a report released this week that the average Road Home grant only covers about 30% of the repair costs for hurricane victims. Is it any wonder that many of these people cannot afford to rebuild and return to the area?
To see the problems, all President Bush had to do was look at the neighborhoods surrounding Jackson Barracks. There are miles and miles of dilapidated homes and destroyed streets. The return of residents has been very slow to say the least. In fact, throughout New Orleans, the recovery has been spotty at best. Three years after Katrina, the population of New Orleans is still 200,000 less than it was prior to the storm.
It is clear that former residents are not returning for a variety of reasons. People do not have confidence in the leadership of New Orleans. They are worried about the horrific crime situation which has not improved. The educational environment is still uncertain as dozens of schools remain closed. Hurricane safety is always a major concern since the levee repair is still ongoing and real coastal restoration has not even started.
The economy is weak as the main industry, tourism, has been faltering. For example, the business at the Morial Convention Center has been slow and even major hotels in the downtown New Orleans area have not been reopened.
Along with population, Louisiana is still losing businesses, which is a trend that shows no sign of abating. Last week, Oreck Corporation, a company that started in Louisiana and grew to national prominence here, has decided to leave. With the departure, Louisiana will lose only 60 jobs, but it will be a major loss of prestige as our area will lose another corporate headquarters. This has happened too frequently in the past few years. Why do we keep losing these businesses? Clearly, business taxes are too high feeding a bureaucracy that is too large, but we can’t forget the impact of corruption.
Corruption is always a black eye for our state. Almost everyday, politicians are indicted or convicted of serious crimes. There are ongoing investigations involving scores of local public servants, so corruption is a thriving business in our state. Just recently, the city’s NOAH program which restored homes destroyed by the hurricane has been shutdown and is under federal investigation
Overall, the Gulf Coast has received $126 billion in federal aid, but it is a mystery where all of that money has gone. Certainly much of it has been wasted and stolen.
So, Mr. President, instead of congratulations, there should be outrage that the recovery has been so slow. It is a shame that this area continues to suffer from such poor leadership. Of course, there are many great people in this region, which offers incredible attractions that can be found nowhere else in the world. Still, nothing excuses the debacle that has occurred post-Katrina for it is a disaster that never seems to end. |
