Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras has come and gone in SE Louisiana.  Seeing people heading out to party wearing hip waders or life jackets that say "New Orleans: Proud to Swim Home"  or "Returnee, not Refugee" shirt just cracks you up while making you a little sad at the same time.  The French Creole/ Cajun culture will endure, but New Orleans is crippled right now.  Daily murders and random shootings along with beauracratic paralysis have hamstrung the community.  People can't rebuild because of red tape to get insurance money, permits, basic services, etc.  And then random crime and violence makes them  wonder if they should stay at all.  Rolling blackouts and the inability for other basic 1st world services (water, gas, mail) to get to you with regularity make it seem like no one cares if yoiu come back.  I don't live in the "affected area" (although I did lose a roof during Katrina, my house is back to "normal"), but I work with people who do and the only ones who aren't giving up are the amazingly stubborn and the ones who cannot afford to.  Normal has also been redefined in Lafeyette, Baton Rouge and other cities in the area as the traffic, crime, and frustration pours out of New Orleans and into our neighborhoods.  Home Security companies and gun shops are doing brisk business as all new construction advertises "gated community coming soon."  Small upside, my house has gained 20% in equity since buying it 2 years ago.

This does of reality is brought to you by Gov. Blanco, Mayor Nagin, The Red Cross, FEMA, Heineken and Sony Flat Panel TVs.  Remember, if you're going to loot, loot the good stuff.