Visit to Katrina victims shows suffering persists

I've returned from another short pleasure trip to New Orleans. I have been going down twice a year for a few years now after having lived west of the city in a town called Bueche, La. While there, we ventured into New Orleans on weekends, pre-hurricane Katrina.

I had moved back north before Katrina devastated the area. On this recent trip, we had an opportunity to talk with a few people who are still doing battle with the government and insurance companies concerning their claims for moneys to pay for their destroyed homes and properties.

A woman told us that she has been denied money to rebuild her home because it was deemed only half destroyed, officials determined that half of the house was still habitable. So her family now lives in one undamaged room. She rides the cable car to work everyday, she said she works hard every day, but is sure she will never be able to rebuild on her own on her wages.

Many of the displaced people who lost homes and apartments were staying in the hotel we stayed at on Canal Street. We talked with one gentleman who has been at that hotel since Katrina, and he is seeing no assistance other than that he is able to stay there at the hotel.

I've talked to people like these folks on every trip I take to New Orleans. I come home after every visit thinking I should have no complaints about the everyday trivial obstacles I deal with.

.....

I will continue to visit New Orleans, for its people, music, food and its many southern splendors. The people are gracious and hospitable.

New Orleans is coming back, slowly in the neighborhoods, but more quickly in the tourist areas of the city. The French Quarter is colorful and fun and unlike other neighborhoods anywhere. I would encourage that destination to any adventurous travelers.

And finally, I faithfully remain appalled at the manner in which Bush, and Washington in general has handled, or rather, mishandled, the needs of the citizens of New Orleans.

I think they have squandered opportunities over and over again to do something good for this devastated great southern American city.

So for this, and for many, many more reasons, "Good-bye Mr. Bush. I will be very happy to see you go."

Michael Capalare
Pourtsmouth, NH

YOU read this week by SNHU Intern: Nick Miller