Regrowth/rebirth. 18 1/2 months later. How is it going? |
They call it rebuilding. A multi-million dollar relief package is stamped, "regrowth" by a diamond ring clad hand. Passed around with smiles and back pats, a speech about commitment is made right in the middle of Jackson Square, which stayed high and dry in the face of flooding and looting and the hell bent, terrible state that befell a once beautiful, decadent city. On Saturday the business owners, and barkeeps along Bourbon Street, who only lost power, and customers, and didn't risk drowning in their own homes and stores, get to come back and see how long it will take before they can unlock iron and steel gates turn the lights on, and welcome your money into their hands. The relief package is stamped, "regrowth". Everyone professes a commitment to stay the course and not forget, bring this beautiful city back to it's questionable previous magnificence. Off the Elysian Fields exit, next to the B.P. truck stop, dreams and services are on hold. The Deacon at the Lutheran church has to tear down what God hath built. With sledge hammer he attacks sodden sheet rock and ruined siding. Eyes turned upward he cries. "Lord is this rebuilding?" And the walls came crumbling down. |