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.