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Title: God wants it that way.. Post by stevegeebe on Jan 16th, 2006, 4:54pm Never have I been witness to such a complete disregard for the truth in combination with a load of misplaced indignation. The Mayor of New Orleans, today, in a speech, spoke about a conversation he had with MLK and God. What a racist! Think I'll call in sick for the rest of my life cause even God said that New Orleans belongs to black people. Steve G wwltv.com nola.com wwl.com (radio) |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Ghost on Jan 16th, 2006, 4:57pm Otay so since I am only part black how much do I get? ;;D 8) |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by chewy on Jan 16th, 2006, 6:17pm Mayor: New Orleans to be "chocolate" again 1/16/2006, 1:16 p.m. CT By BRETT MARTEL The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mayor Ray Nagin told a crowd gathered at City Hall for a Martin Luther King Day march that New Orleans will be "chocolate" again. "We ask black people ... It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans — the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," Nagin said Monday. "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans." God help any white guy who calls it a chocolate city. Nagin is a racist moron. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by deltadarlin on Jan 16th, 2006, 6:22pm Whoa, then he better talk to Mr. Farrakhan! This was in the TImes Picayune http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-12/113730965442020.xml Here is the excerpt of his speech Farrakhan chimed in with his own thoughts about an opportunity provided by Katrina. "God, through Katrina, which was God-made and man-made, gave us an opportunity not only to unite the forces in this locale, but . . . to use Katrina and the victims of Katrina as the clarion call to unite a whole people to action," he said. New Orleans cannot be rebuilt until "we are reconstructed," said the Nation of Islam leader, who announced after touring ravaged parts of the city that he planned to produce a DVD to tell the world about the city's plight. In addition to overcoming harm caused by Katrina, African-Americans must overcome damage caused by racism, Farrakhan said, alluding to neighborhoods with a history of racial divides. "There must be a reconstruction of our minds," he said. "New Orleans is a city that reflects the sickness of what white supremacy has done -- a section of town for the Creoles" where the "brown bag test" was applied to skin color. "Can you build on that kind of garbage of self-hatred?" Now, I don't know about anybody else, but New Orleans has been ruled by blacks for many years, black mayors going back years, black representatives, and so on. Pardon the pun, but methinks the pot is calling the kettle black. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Kevin_M on Jan 16th, 2006, 6:51pm Quote:
wait, that don't look so smart, in fact, that's sounds bad even about 150 years old. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by PL259 on Jan 16th, 2006, 6:54pm Whose God? Do I need to take extra clips when I go down? I think I need to find my cave in New Mexico :-/ |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Pinkfloyd on Jan 17th, 2006, 2:09am Wonder why he didn't make that speech the day before Bush was there to promise all those billions from people of all colors? I read Farakan's speech too and it sounds like they think they've finally figured out a way to get reparations. Sad indeed. Sorry Steve....I expect things to get worse before they get better. http://www.nolafugees.com/archive/issue%202/chocolatecity.html Bobw |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by BarbaraD on Jan 17th, 2006, 7:31am MLK had a DREAM - but I don't think that was IT! If I recollect correctly I think MLK said a lot about EQUAL RIGHTS - not BLACK SUPREMECY! I really think a lot of "African-Americans" (how's that for PC) have taken his words WAYYY out of context. Steve, hang in there. The Mayor of N O is an idiot and it shows every time he opens his mouth. There's always the next election. Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by floridian on Jan 17th, 2006, 8:12am Quote:
He sounds too much like Pat Robertson. Hurricanes aren't divine retribution for not arresting gays at Disneyworld, nor for any foreign military (mis)adventures. They are storms. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by deltadarlin on Jan 17th, 2006, 8:33am on 01/16/06 at 16:57:16, Ghost wrote:
Okay, we'll gladly give you the lower ninth and eleventh wards ;;D . on 01/17/06 at 07:31:47, BarbaraD wrote:
Elections are a joke in New Orleans. New Orleans has the highest population of dead voters in the world. Add that to the fact that all those busses that didn't get the refugees out would have been put into action if there was a election and all those poor Democrats needed to get to the polls. OF course, noone knows when the elections will be held in New Orleans/Orleans Parish. Funny, Florida held a mjor presidential election within months of being battered by hurricanes. Lake Charles, LA has held two elections since Rita. Oh, but I forget, the voter base in New Orelans (mainly those poor democrats) is spread around the country and if they can't get them back, the Dems might just lose possesion of the majority vote, gasp! To put another spin on things, here's a quote from Nagin~'This morning Forgotston.com caught up with Mayor Ray Nagin as he deplaned the flight from his home in Dallas. Nagin had a brief stop-over in New Orleans before heading to Washington, D.C. to complain about his having to grovel before Congress. Mayor Nagin offered a candid response to yesterday’s three shootings in the city at a second line parade intended to show unity and support for the city’s rebuilding. “The shootings at the parade are just another indication of our return to normalcy in the city. On the positive side nobody was killed. Which is more evidence of the excellent work being done by the NOPD to rid the city of the marksmen.” As the mayor was getting on his flight to D.C. he turned and said: “Come on home, we’re the safest city in America.” [smiley=crackup.gif] |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by zwibbs/Scott on Jan 17th, 2006, 8:52am God is indeed mad at New Orleans residents. God is upset that he made people that do not realize that their city is below sea-level. God is upset that the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor have to be the two stupidest people he ever created. God is mad that people created horror stories about what happened in the superdome. And God is now really pissed that they used the day of the greatness of MLK to discuss such crap !I was in New Orleans five years ago and I was not impressed at all--as a matter of fact it was filthy . I think the people deserve better --next time they should find the right candidate for the mayor's office.And the Governor should be unemployed. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by maffumatt on Jan 17th, 2006, 8:56am New Orleans is perhaps the only city in America that has to put up billboards reminding people "thou shall not kill". I worked there in the late 90s for 10 months. It was a dangerous place. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Kevin_M on Jan 17th, 2006, 9:42am Thanks for the link Bobw. I see what he's trying to say but it's... ignorant. Forget the Dutch technology of levees and dams, here's a better plan. ::) excerpts: “New Orleans is a Chocolate City,” Nagin declared... The statement echoed similar comments Nagin had made to California Rep. Maxine Waters (D) during recent Congressional hearings. While most observers thought he was speaking metaphorically about the ethnic and racial makeup of the city’s residents, Nagin, it was revealed, was speaking in broader, more literal terms. “If we turn New Orleans into a world of pure imagination,” Nagin continued, “there’s no telling what we can accomplish.” Nagin was asked how the Chocolate City could protect flood prone areas from future storms. “We’re talking caramel levees to withstand a category five. You know, the kind they put around apples and sell on the street at Mardi Gras. That shit’ll break your teeth. It sure as hell can take a storm surge.What part of pure imagination don’t you understand?” ...Recalling a conversation he had with Jamaican leaders about the Amsterdam model for flood protection, Nagin added, “They made a damn good point. You can talk all you want about their [the Dutch’s] sophisticated dams, but you can’t underestimate the gingerbread houses.” Among the projects Nagin said are slated to make the dream a reality are affordable homes fortified with peanut brittle and raised eight to ten feet by peppermint stick pillars. Addressing the issue of storm surge, Nagin advocated filling the Industrial Canal with fudge. “Y’all know chocolate is thicker than water.” “Not only will we produce and sell candy, we’re going to have all kinds of transportation devices in there,” Nagin said. “Forget boats and buses next time. We’re talking about elevators that go sideways and diagonal, high pressure tubes. And while environmental restrictions prevent us from being able to supply enough fizzy water for every resident to float on out of here in an emergency, my friends in the telecommunications industry tell me we’re not far from human miniaturization through television waves. You want to talk evacuation plans? Imagine fitting an entire residential zip code into a carry-on bag?” Nagin was asked if he would be bringing in director Tim Burton to consult on the construction of the Chocolate Factory. [b]“Fuck, no. I said Chocolate City” Nagin replied. “I’m headed to Chicago tomorrow to talk to R. Kelly. George Clinton is already on board.” When asked about the feasibility of the plan, and whether he could garner support at the state and federal level, Nagin again reiterated a claim he made to Congress. “I’m protected by the truth.” ----------------------------------- R. Kelly Chocolate Factory Artist / Band: R. Kelly Record Label: Jive Records Release Date: February 18, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Review: Try as you might, it's impossible to ignore the allegations of child pornography brought against R&B crooner R. Kelly while listening to his latest album. But even if you can set that aside, you're still exposed to his sappy plea for forgiveness ("Heaven I Need a Hug" ). Hey, who's being punished here, anyway? Reportedly toned down from an earlier collection of songs (once titled Loveland), R. Kelly fires up the Chocolate Factory's assembly line and cranks out one satin soul love song after the next. Attempting to steer clear of the nasty stuff, these cuts are all about cooing and whatnot--"Dream Girl," "You Made Me Love You" and "Step in the Name of Love"--rather than more salacious past offerings (see "Feelin' on Yo Booty" ). Declawed and hesitant, it's hard to get excited about this piece of funkless confection. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Ghost on Jan 17th, 2006, 9:47am on 01/17/06 at 08:33:11, deltadarlin wrote:
Shoot I was hoping for beach front property. [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] ;;D ;) |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by stevegeebe on Jan 17th, 2006, 11:37am Hang on Ghost..the way things are going I will soon be living on the Gulf coast. The Lower 9 is beach front property. The shit storm is really kicking on the forums at nola.com. The chance that NO would spring back better is fading fast. Ignorance is leading the way...as expected. Steve G |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Edna on Jan 17th, 2006, 4:10pm :( :( disgust at such remarks is all I can muster at this time EDNA |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by alienspacebabe on Jan 17th, 2006, 6:34pm on 01/17/06 at 08:33:11, deltadarlin wrote:
huh? if the city is uninhabitable, he should at least be living in that state - last time I checked, Dallas wasn't part of Louisiana |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by chewy on Jan 17th, 2006, 6:56pm Nagin is backpaddling like an Olympian now. How do you make chocolate? By mixing dark chocolate with white milk. Thats what I meant. Nice try Nagin. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Woobie on Jan 17th, 2006, 9:26pm >:( WTF? >:( |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Jonny on Jan 17th, 2006, 9:34pm on 01/17/06 at 18:56:48, chewy wrote:
I posted the day after the hurricane nagins comments 'Im not one of those crack addicts looking for a Jones' Or something like that.......How is this guy still there? |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Charlie on Jan 18th, 2006, 12:45am I actually heard part of some apologies tonight. One of the strange things is that when I scan AM, I can usually pick up New Orleans. Always have. Must be at least 1,500 miles. It always was a powerful station. Charlie |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by zwibbs/Scott on Jan 18th, 2006, 1:45am I posted the day after the hurricane nagins comments 'Im not one of those crack addicts looking for a Jones' Or something like that.......How is this guy still there? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hey Jonny----He is still there like Marion Barry keeps on getting elected in Washington DC !?!?!?!?--When you're in AZ go to Vincent's Restaurant---or Cafe Terra Cotta--Scottsdale. The town they named after me !!!!!!!! Scott/NYC |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by deltadarlin on Jan 18th, 2006, 8:26am on 01/17/06 at 21:34:31, Jonny wrote:
Because dead people vote for him! nagin may just have cut his own throat this time around though. If the Federal government goes ahead and forces elections in New Orleans, it could be a death knell for some of the good ol' boys. In the Times Picayune today We've survived crazy politicians before Wednesday, January 18, 2006 James Gill Louisiana survived Earl Long's trip to the nuthouse, so maybe New Orleans can survive Mayor Ray Nagin's apparent descent into lunacy. But Long managed to put his eccentric episodes behind him and remained a political force, going on to win a congressional election just before he died. Nagin may not be so lucky. It will be hard to recover from his Martin Luther King Day tirade, because it was not just insane. It was stupid. The mayoralty is there for any credible candidate who wants it, because Nagin just threw away the white vote that got him into office in the first place. The sooner we reschedule the election, the better, because we aren't going to accelerate the Katrina recovery so long as the whole world knows the man in charge down here not only chats with King but is also a confidant of the Almighty. To judge from Nagin's account of their conversation, King's death seems to have robbed him of his celebrated eloquence. King could hardly get a word in edgewise, as Nagin droned on about the post-storm chaos in the Superdome, feuding black politicians, the white cops who barred refugees from crossing the river into Jefferson Parish and Sunday's second-line shootout. All King could say, whenever Nagin paused for breath, was he didn't like it, although he did perk up a little at the end and advise black folks to quit worrying about white racism and focus on themselves. As luck would have it, that's exactly what Nagin thinks. Whether Nagin actually has audiences with God is not clear. Probably not, because God appears to spend pretty much all of his time talking to the likes of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. Nagin is certainly clued up on the subject of divine intention, however. He must have it right, for what he told us Monday gibes with earlier reports from the Bible thumpers. Everyone familiar with God assures us that he is a very grumpy God indeed, sending calamities our way in punishment for our sins. The problem with God's retribution, however, is that his aim isn't very good. God may very well be opposed to abortion, gay rights and the American Civil Liberties Union, but when Robertson and Falwell reported that 9/11 was the wages of those sins, it seemed a bit misdirected. But God has not mellowed since, at least according to Nagin, who believes that the violent hurricane season was a sign of heavenly displeasure with American policy in Iraq and with "black America," which he wishes would take better care of itself. I don't talk to God myself, but, if he reads The Times-Picayune, I ask that he reconsider his policies. If he is mad that WMD evidence was falsified, let him visit pestilence on Dick Cheney's hang-out in Wyoming or rain frogs on the presidential ranch in Texas. Flooding the 9th Ward just doesn't seem to get the point across. And if he is really displeased with black America, Old Metairie and Lakeview were most inappropriate targets. God should know that because, according to Nagin, he has a lively interest in the demographics of New Orleans, which he has decreed shall be "majority African-American." Nagin agrees with God. He maintains that this must be a "chocolate" city, and he doesn't care what "people are saying Uptown or wherever." That hasn't gone down too well Uptown or wherever else white voters warmed to Nagin in his first campaign. Nagin did have a reasonable point to make -- that the city cannot flourish without an adequate work force and we all need black folks to return -- but he made it sound like racist-rabble rousing and a slur on white residents. Nagin has come across as racist before, particularly in his slurs on "Mexicans" working here after the storm, but that did not amount to political suicide. Whatever the racial composition of the city when the election does roll round, it is a given that it won't be as black as it used to be. It is unlikely that Nagin is truly off his rocker or that he really resents the presence of white voters. But that's the impression he gave. Surely King could have advised him it was crazy to do so. Here's the link to another article about Nagin- http://www.ringsidepolitics.com/index.php?pageID=168 |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by TxBasslady on Jan 18th, 2006, 10:17am Yep, I think he committed political suicide. Clearly he doesn't have a brain...and devine intervention is not his savior. New Orleans is not good enough for his family. They live in Dallas.....good grief! At the present time, he and his family are not even residents of the City that he claims to be rebuilding. I wonder where his $$ is coming from? He can afford to fly back and forth between Dallas and N.O......but they claim the City is broke. This entire situation is sickening enough as it is....he has made it worse. He loves the spotlight....but he should remember that even though the levi breaks flooded his City, ( and that is disastrous), the hurricane hit Mississippi. Poor folks in Mississippi have taken a back seat. They're busy helping each other recover....while Nagin continues to add fuel to the fire. Let the folks in N.O. recover....get busy getting the $$ that was earmarked for repairs and restructure...Nagin needs to shut his mouth and spend his energy getting the people of N.O. (whether black or white) what they need to return home. Widespread damage....and very little is being done to fix it. Nagin put his foot in his mouth.....he got shoe polish on his face. Such as 'tis......... Jean |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by deltadarlin on Jan 18th, 2006, 2:37pm You know, I had a friend of mine who lived in Lake Charles, LA and rode Rita out since he couldn't evacuate his wife. Everyone seems to forget that not JUST New Orleans, but the whole Louisiana Gulf Coast got hit. Lake Charles flooded and the damage was tremendous. Rayne was flooded. Grand Isle was nearly completely destroyed by katrina (if I'm not mistaken, several towns south of New Orleans, Buras for one, no longer even exist). Those areas that haven't recieved all the media attention are chugging merrily along and rebuilding without all the hooha and bullshit generated by the media. Several of these towns have received NO help whatsoever, but , lo and behold are continuing to rebuild and, gasp, even get their people back. Somebody needs to waste a bullet on nagin. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by maffumatt on Jan 18th, 2006, 3:58pm two words to remember..............Mayor Barry................ |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by Jonny on Jan 18th, 2006, 4:03pm on 01/18/06 at 15:58:59, maffumatt wrote:
Two more....Ted Kennedy How the fuck does he keep getting elected? |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by stevegeebe on Jan 18th, 2006, 7:31pm Hey Jonny..send that wind bag down here and have him do something useful...like pushing the storms back out to sea. Thanks for the responses to this thread. Last night I wrote something about this city and I wished I would have posted it. I had a few, and the harder I tried to explain what it's like to grow up in this place the more I realized I was unable to explain it. It was beyond my poor skills. This place is a gem. And I know someday, in the future, it will be gone. It's going to happen. We are losing land here real bad folks. Too bad it's not looked upon like the Everglades. It's sad. I'm certain that what she provided to this country will be talked about with a degree of sadness when it's no longer here. It's the quality of the light. Steve G |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by TomM on Jan 18th, 2006, 8:47pm on 01/16/06 at 16:57:16, Ghost wrote:
What part? Shit...I put that in writing. TomM |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by PL259 on Jan 18th, 2006, 10:17pm With the current marsh loss New Orleans will be a "coastal city" within 40 years or much less. The state has asked for assistance countless times on this issue. They have worked hard to prevent it. However we are a poor state overall. Costal erosion is one of the few things they did do some good at, although we haven't put enuff of our own money into it, the Feds never did much. Knowing they could lose one of the largest sea ports that also feeds the Mississippi river traffic. Which in turn brings back coal, most of the midwestern grain and produce for foriegn trade. The economic disaster will not be for Louisiana. It will be for America. I don't really like this place, but each time I come here I see the normal ugly, then you look and you "see" the myth, legend, history, and yes in many cases kindness and caring from greater New Orleans residents. There are no good answers, many good questions. I ain't the one to ask or answer any of them, hell they wouldn't listen to me anyway. Think I will wander down to the lounge and see if Fats is still there, he was there earlier. PL259/ Downtown New Orleans |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by deltadarlin on Jan 19th, 2006, 2:44pm http://www.imnotchocolate.com/index.html ;;D From The Times Picayune The impact of New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin's controversial comments on Martin Luther King Day landed squarely on the shoulders of local tourism officials Wednesday, one day after the mayor and his staff launched a major damage control effort to temper the firestorm. As pundits and talk-show hosts parodied Nagin coast to coast, tourism officials tried to soothe angry, disillusioned clients while political observers weighed the potential impact in Washington. Whether the damage caused to the city and mayor was a temporary setback or a critical blow remains to be seen, business, civic and political leaders said. Nagin repeatedly apologized Tuesday to anyone offended by his remarks, which critics say offended just about everyone. Stephen Perry, president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Tourism Bureau, said his office received a handful of cancellations from clients who had booked or were considering events in the city. Others, he said, deluged his staff with irate e-mails and phone calls. Perry said he and his staff are working to reverse the cancellations. "In tourism, perception is the driver," Perry said. Nagin's remarks "have caused a considerable amount of unrest and concern among our national business customers and ripples of anxiety among our leisure community." Since Nagin's prediction that post-Katrina New Orleans would be a "chocolate city at the end of the day" -- meaning once again majority African-American -- and his claim that last summer's devastating hurricanes were the result of God's will, late-night talk-show hosts and political pundits have lampooned him on TV and in newspaper columns. Cartoons and images of Nagin in a Willy Wonka outfit have circulated on political Web sites and Internet Weblogs. "Willy Nagin" and "Mr. Goodbar" T-shirts and bumper stickers have sprouted online. "This was damaging locally and nationally, and at a time when New Orleans is desperately in need of assistance and partnership," Perry said. "It was embarrassing to a lot of people here to be the subject of national jokes." 'We can turn this around' Calling it an "all-hands-on-deck" crisis, Perry said his staff has conducted meetings around the clock since Nagin's comments Monday. To minimize the fallout, staffers have launched a proactive strike using Nagin's apology in e-mails, letters and phone conversations. Perry said officials from the mayor's office have offered to help the effort. "We honestly believe we can turn this around with a couple of weeks of very intense marketing," Perry said. "The main worry is that this could have a ripple effect through our customer base. It's left people bewildered about the city and its direction. |
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Title: Re: God wants it that way.. Post by deltadarlin on Jan 19th, 2006, 2:46pm part deux "The irony is that the tourism industry and all of those that love to come to our city love the multiracial culture and character of New Orleans. That literally is the core of our business." Opinions among the Washington political class were mixed on how the fallout might affect the view of New Orleans. While no one thought Nagin helped the city's cause, most thought the mayor's comment wouldn't be something lawmakers would hold against a community in desperate need of help. Former Sen. John Breaux, D-La., said he didn't think Nagin's comments would cause lasting damage to the state's effort to get federal hurricane-relief money. He said politicians in Washington aren't likely to hold the incident against Nagin because they sometimes find themselves in hot water for verbal gaffes. Breaux said he viewed the comments in the context they occurred: Nagin trying to reassure displaced black New Orleanians that they are welcome and wanted back in the city. "You are talking to an all-black group on Martin Luther King Day," Breaux said. "I can see how you could say something like that to bring up the spirits of people who were down." Breaux compared it with Republican Sen. Trent Lott's rhetorical misstep in 2002 when he praised then-Sen. Strom Thurmond's long career, which included a 1948 run for president as a member of the segregationist Dixiecrat Party. Lott, of Mississippi, apologized but was forced to give up his position as Senate majority leader. As far as lasting damage to Lott's reputation, Breaux noted that with ethical questions hanging over the current Republican leadership in Washington, Lott is mounting a political comeback. 'Everyone is welcome here' Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., agreed that Nagin's comments would not have a lasting effect. He brushed it off with a quip: "There is dark chocolate and there is white chocolate." But Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said the nationally broadcast comments hurt Louisiana's reputation at a time when lawmakers in Washington already are skeptical of the state's leadership. Part of that view stems from a $250 billion wish-list bill submitted to Congress in September by Vitter and his Democratic counterpart, Sen. Mary Landrieu. "We heard questions even before this," Vitter said. "People want assurances that there is leadership here so that federal resources don't get squandered." Washington political analyst Charlie Cook, a Shreveport native, said the negative perception of Louisiana politicians inside the Beltway is real. "A lot of people in Washington see Louisiana as a banana republic and New Orleans as a kind of zoo," Cook said. "The mayor's not helping the city when he says things like that. It just reinforces that negative stereotype and really does hurt your cause." Tulane University President Scott Cowen, whom Nagin handpicked to oversee the Bring New Orleans Back Commission's education subcommittee, said he hoped the mayor's apology on Tuesday would soften the blow in Washington. "Unfortunately, the damage has already been done," said Cowen, when asked whether Nagin's remarks would hurt the city's ability to bring in financing. "And it needed to be repaired. The only thing that will repair that is action. "The community needs to come together and bridge this racial divide, and the mayor needs to lead that charge to show the nation that everyone is welcome here regardless of race, class or gender." 'A lot to make up for' Cowen has worked closely with Nagin for the past three months and said he doesn't think the mayor's remarks were racially motivated. "But," Cowen added, "he has a lot to make up for. All of us in leadership positions are under terrible pressure and stress right now, and my suspicion is the mayor got caught up in the moment and the setting on Martin Luther King Day. That said, it's no excuse." Others think the controversy will dissipate and have little long-term effect. "I don't hear a lot of people crying foul in my business," said Jay Cicero, president of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. "I'm not expecting it to be something that will have a long-lasting effect on our ability to market the city for major sports events. I don't think it's going to have an impact." Ben Johnson, the president of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, agreed. "I think he had a Katrina moment," Johnson said. "If you look at his whole speech, it was clear he was trying to encourage the community to work together. It's one blip on the radar screen." Damn, makes me proud to be a former Mississipian. And now for a bit of comic relief, read this http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1137567686272460.xml |
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