THE HEIR BECOMES MAYOR

Well, after serving two years in the State Senate and having been previously defeated by Bill Jefferson in a run for Congress, Marc Morial was able to gain the seat of Mayor with a defeat of Donald Mintz. Yes he was successful in gaining a new Chief of Police, who reduced crime, together with additonal hotels, and a increase in tourism but he failed to gain other forms of businesses in this city as slowly but surely the business sector of this city lost more and more ground. In addition, he surpassed his father in arrogance and it would later be shown how family members, particularly his maternal line, would profit during his tenure. Now there were many other rumors about his personal life, but rumors are what they remain to this day. Single during most of his terms in office, he eventually married. However, the only mark he left on the city that remains to this day is tourism, which is and should not be the only foundation of this city. Morial rarely returns to the city of his birth and one wonders why. Well he may be the head of the National Urban League but his legacy to the city of New Orleans remains the question of corruption during his tenure as mayor. Did he use the shovel (not a broom) to bring in more corruption or to remove the corruption. The rumors on this issue continues with the exception of some indictments that have come forward. Time will tell. Time will tell.

THE DISCUSSION OF MAYORS OF NEW ORLEANS CONTINUES.

Sidney Barthelemy would succeed his rival Dutch Morial. Bathelemy had a varied background from an aspirant priest, a stevedore, involvement and employment in several positions, even head of the Department of Welfare under Landrieu. However, what is notable is his joining of COUP, Community Organization for Urban Politics. It was this organization's power that placed Barthelemy in the Mayor's office only after his nemisis Dutch Morial had been there first. Barthelemy may have been the first American of African ancestry to be in the senate since reconstruction, but Dutch Morial oudid him in mutliple ways. As a successor to Morial he place COUP supporters along with many other cronies in many positions in City Hall. Once again the major emphasis in the city began that of tourism and various tourist attractions, including the Aquarium. His major blunder was the granting of the Mayor's Scholarship to Tulane to his son, who attended Brother Martin (not his father's alma mater, St. Augustine). The last time I saw this man in public was when he was shopping for a Christmas tree. He looked like a lost child and frankly as mayor of this city he was lost also. The city's decline continued during his tenure as mayor. The city was lost by then but the total decline would still be in the future, the leadership of Marc Morial and his gang. Dutch had died before he could run for mayor against Barthlemey but one would have hoped that he had seen his wrongs and would come back to bring this city back to its feet. However, death had intervened and his son was and is no Ernest "Dutch" Morial.

RACE AND THE CITIZENS OF NEW ORLEANS

This morning RW called my attention to an article on the Bayou Buzz website; http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Government/Race_Relations_In_New_Orleans_Post_Katrina__Your_Thoughts__8666.asp

After reading that article she responded. I agree with that response and decided, with her permission to post it here for others to see.

It is been a long time in coming but this discussion is essential. Unfortunately the hatred that exists has been fomented by some in an attempt to gain positions or to gain recognition. This should not be for gain of any sort but for the improvement of our city. It is time for New Orleans to regenerate into a city of unity and serve as an example to all. It can work, if the people put aside their ancestries, their wealth, their status, their personal well being and ambitions and consider the needs of all citizens. It is something that we have been calling for over the years and even more so since Katrina. History will speak that the cause comes from people of all ancestries. It is unfortunate that some of the more influential people and organizations and religions have caused some of the hurt that we see today. May this city move forward. May we recognize the cause of the distress that exists today and may we create what we have called a nouvelle New Orleans, a city of harmony and a city united for a better future for all.

AN INTERRUPTION TO THE ISSUE OF MAYORS

I interrupt my discussion on the history of the mayor's of this city to discuss a pertinent issue - the continuing deaths of young people in the city of New Orleans. Again this morning I read the story of a 15 year old being shot. This continuing issue becomes even more distressing on this date - the day on which Christians begin what they refer to as Holy Week. With due respect to people of other faiths and also with respect to the belief of Christians everywhere, I wish to draw a parallel to the deaths we read about to that of Christ. What was the basic cause for the death of Christ - jealousy, hatred, discrimination of people of his time. What is the foundation of the deaths of young men and women in this city? The same basic factors. I am not drawing a parallel between the deceased in this city and Christ himself but a parallel between the causes. As we begin this Holy Week, all Christians in this city should ask themselves the basic question - are we like the silent people of over two thousand years ago who allowed those fundamental factors to cause the death of Christ? Will we continue to allow jealousy, hatred, discrimination, and yes self-hatred to perpetuate the deaths that continue to dominate the news of this city? Will we, and I include people of all faiths in this call, join together to stop the deaths in this city by seeking to show respect to all, concern for all, and a recognition of equality of all. It is with this in mind, that we all should approach the future for the sake of the citizens and particularly the young men and women of this city.