 Dear Friends of New Orleans,
I am writing this letter to commemorate the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina hitting New Orleans on August 29, 2005. She was the largest national man made disaster in the history of United States. Her aftermath continues to haunt us to this very day.
I wish that I could tell you that New Orleanians were doing fabulous and we were progressing at lightning speed. Unfortunately, progress is still terribly slow. It seems that much of the monies meant for New Orleans is still tied up in bureaucratic red tape 2 years later. The people of New Orleans still continue to struggle every day to rebuild our beautiful city.
The good news is that we are finally cleaning up the Pre-Katrina corruption that has plagued our city for many years. As the Pre-K corruption investigations continue, I am confident that my city will benefit greatly. Things can only get better at this point and I know they will. It’s not business as usual in New Orleans any longer. And, that is a very good thing indeed!
I would like to invite those that love New Orleans to come and visit us. As I have said before, the French Quarter and Garden District are beautiful as ever. And, New Orleans has more restaurants open than BEFORE Katrina hit! So, please come down and eat some of the best food the world has to offer.
We are a very strong and determined people. Every day we rely on each other to keep going forward with our lives here in New Orleans. My community is closer knit than ever now and I would not have it any other way. Those of us who continue to call New Orleans home are dedicated individuals who believe in our city. We are working every day to see her become the Jewel of the South once more. We all choose our battles in life. And, this battle isn’t easy! But, I know in the end New Orleans will triumph!
Please continue to support New Orleans businesses online. New Orleans small businesses still have a tremendous need for outside support. Encourage friends and family to buy from New Orleans businesses for Holiday 2007. Additionally, please continue to give to New Orleans charities that are working so hard to help those less fortunate in my city. Please visit my “links” page for a listing of local charities that are deserving of your help and local businesses that you may help support.
Listing of online New Orleans to shop:
http://www.gumbopages.com/shopnola.html
Please visit these links to learn more about where New Orleans is 2 years since the levees broke:
Time Magazine
http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20070813,00.html
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/national/nationalspecial/index.html
Times Picayune New Orleans
http://www.nola.com/
REBUILDING New Orleans
http://www.pnola.org/
Much New Orleans Love to All,
Heather Elizabeth
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