It is a sad testament to the state of our country when we cannot even help one of our most cherished cities rebuild from a natural disaster. Instead New Orleans is appealing for international aid in hopes of restoring the famous Crescent City. As the two year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches along with the new and expected busy hurricane season, funds from the state and federal government are slow in coming.
From The Sun Herald:
Kenya Smith, director of intergovernmental relations for Mayor Ray Nagin, said city leaders are talking with more than five countries. He wouldn't identify the countries, saying discussions were in the early stages. But he said the city is "very serious" about pursuing foreign help.
"Of course, we would love to have all the resources we need from federal and state partners, but we're comfortable now in having to be creative," Smith said. He did not know if the city would have to overcome any obstacles if it got firm pledges for aid, but "we want to make sure we're leaving no options unexplored."
For months Nagin has complained bureaucracy is choking the flow of much-needed federal aid dollars to New Orleans - slowing the city's recovery. As of June 8, the city said it had received just over half of the $320 million FEMA has obligated for rebuilding city infrastructure and emergency response-related costs. The city has estimated its damage at far more than that - at least $1 billion. And that doesn't include other improvements - such as raised neighborhoods - meant to help build the stronger city promoted by Nagin and his recovery director.
As long as our national government fails to fulfill its moral obligation to help repair the city, there is no reason why anyone would have a problem with New Orleans accepting international aid. Although the countries are still anonymous, the first two that come to my mind would be France and Spain. Both have history with the port city going back centuries, long before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
No matter which country decides to help the rebuilding efforts, its is greatly appreciated by all Americans that love New Orleans, whether they live there or not. This incident should shame the Bush Administration into providing more assistance than they have given or even pledged....but this is George Bush we are talking about, so he probably doesn't even care.
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