Ok here's the rest of the story. My wife and I were sitting on our porch last night in New Orleans. It was a beautiful evening. Our Christmas lights were blazing, nice cool wind was blowing, and the Quarter was lit like it existed for our own private viewing. So beautiful...

The children from next door were running around playing. They had some friends and relatives over. I counted 14 :) Two little girls started humming Christmas carols. It was pretty nice. That is until this little guy walked by them and said...

"You know what? All I want for Christmas is an AK."

I'm like hold up. Rewind. He said what?! So I asked him, "Hey how old are you?". He goes, "Old enough." One of the other kids said "Shut up. He's 13 mister."

Interesting.

So here I am, sitting on the porch of a very expensive home, sipping a very expensive Riesling, enjoying a pre-Christmas evening with my beautiful wife and the Twilight Zone decides to send a little brain twister.

This is what the youth of our city wants for Christmas? The one time of year that is supposed to be about peace, and love, and giving, and for some... worship? What is going on in our communities? Have we as a society fallen so hard that our little children are running around dreaming of being gangstas instead of doctors, lawyers, bankers, police and fire men? Are you kidding me?

That's a sad state of affairs for New Orleans when the parents are raising their children in such a manner that it is even acceptable for an AK-47 to enter into their thought process. Man, when I was 13 I wanted a lot, but an AK so that I looked "cool" wasn't on the list.

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I apologize for being away so long. Wall Street Blues. When the going gets rough, the people who win have the biggest shoulder pads. I've been concentrating on padding : )

Anyway, I saw an article about the Mayor's vetos. It's pretty upsetting to me. See we have a new DA that's supposed to bring a new caliber of prosecution to our city. How is he supposed to do it with a budget of 600k? It's not possible.

The man is going to be running on a shoestring. But then again maybe that's why our city has a 42% conviction rate on homicides and we are, of course, the murder capital of the country now.

Pretty sad thing for NOLA. Too bad our own mayor couldn't see it for himself.

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We all read about Acorn's "little" voter registration fraud which is under a federal probe right? This is the one where they had people signing up as "Super Freak" and other obviously false names. Did Palin or did she not decry the voter registration fraud as one that is directly tied to Obama?

Oh yes she did!

Read this: Head of Firm Hired by GOP Accused of Fraud. Here's the condensed version... The owner of the firm, Mark Anthony Jacoby, was arrested for using a fake address (one he lived at when he was a child) for registering to vote twice. The first time in 2006, the second time in 2007.

The Secretary of State of California Debra Bown went after him, had him arrested, the end. He was paid between 7.00 and 12.00 per successful registration when registered as a member of the GOP.

McCain's response? The Secretary of State of California is "playing politics". WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT?!

Let me make sure I understand. The esteemed GOP has characterized the breaking of law as "Playing Politics". Why is it that every time this party is caught with their foot in their mouth, it is playing politics? That's right up there with racists spewing stereotypes and then claiming they are just quoting statistics when in fact no research is behind the claim.

It's time this current cycle of plastic and corruption begins to cycle its way out of our lives. On either side of the fence, reject any candidate who covers their own party's or personal mis-deeds as "playing politics". It's an easy way to deflect the blame to another arena. It's like a lie isn't it?

The time for lies and plastic government for the people is over. It's time to demand honest leadership and representation for all of us. It supposed to be for the people by the people. We have government for the people right now. We need the other half. We need to get some more "For The People" injected into government.

I think they have amnesia. The Constitution is over here ---> Read it! <---

GOPblasphemer (October 20th, 2008, 12:24 pm)

I'm voting for Mickey Mouse. One is a socialist. The other panders to the religious right. icky.

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Speaking to the broader issue of levees, bridges, and coastal flood protection... I think we might have a slight problem. Today, Nola.com reports that a 90 year old bridge contributed to the over topping of our levees. This issue also occurred during Katrina. The difference is that no one saw the effects of this particular railroad bridge during Katrina. It was witnessed this time. Today they state the bridge wasn't built for high winds. I dare say this is something which should have came to light during the post-Katrina surveys.

The problem is, the solution for 33+ feet of surge-flood protection isn't going to be a reality until 2011 according to the Army Corp of engineers. We are going to experience 2.5 - 3 full hurricane seasons before this occurs. What happens if we are impacted by a Gustav on steroids? Doesn't look good.

Another large problem is the continued slow down of physical recovery in New Orleans. I personally have reported 3 different structures in danger of imminent collapse. One of these structures is actually located in Algiers Point at 540 Powder Street. If you scroll down in our blog, you'll see the gray house. What is difficult to see in that picture is the roof overhangs the public sidewalk. A LOT of people walk there every day, especially those headed to the levee to walk their dogs, etc. If you look really close, there is an approximately 5ft x 5ft piece of 1/2 plywood hanging from the middle. It is hanging right over the sidewalk. The roof continues to separate. If that thing drops on someone's head, they are going to die. The building next door is in jeopardy because the entire left wall has separated from the building. The roof has collapsed. However, code enforcement hasn't been by.

Does it take someone dying or lying in critical condition for code enforcement to act? I find it hilarious that code enforcement hung violations for satellite dishes all over the neighborhood last week, but sort of "missed" this one. I'm even more amazed that someone wasn't dispatched quickly to inspect and cite this one.

My opinion is that our city government is not moving fast enough to protect the city's infrastructure on any level. Forget singling one person or department out. We need to ask our representatives on city council for help. Maybe they are not aware of these situations. Benefit of the doubt right?

Below you will find the email addresses of all New Orleans City Council Members. I strongly encourage everyone who visits today to take a moment and let your city council representative know about any problems in your neighborhood. Maybe they can get some action going for us. Maybe if they hear of these issues, they will take action. Let them hear your voice.

Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson - President/At Large
Phone: (504) 658-1070
Email: jbclarkson@cityofno.com

Arnie Fielkow - Vice President/At Large
Phone: (504) 658-1060
Email: AFielkow@cityofno.com

Shelley Midura - District A
Phone: (504) 658-1010
Email: SMidura@cityofno.com

Stacy S. Head - District B
Phone: (504) 658 -1020
Email: SHead@cityofno.com

James Carter - District C
Phone: (504) 658-1030
Email: JCarter@cityofno.com

Cynthia Hedge-Morrell - District D
Phone: (504) 658-1040
Email: CHMorrell@cityofno.com

Cynthia Willard-Lewis - District E
Phone: (504) 658-1050
Email: CWLewis@cityofno.com

*information received from: http://www.nocitycouncil.com/theCouncil.asp

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The Times Picayune is full of stories regarding deaths, shootings, robberies, and drugs which plague our city. A common denominator? The crimes are being carried out by children. Today two children, one 17 and one 15 rolled up to a bakery in Uptown in an stolen SUV. The 15 year old was packing a gun, flashed it, and traded shots with a parole officer who was armed. For the youth's trouble, we received a bullet in the guts and the fled.

Police apparently pulled the two out of the SUV a short distance from the crime scene, transported the 15 year old to the hospital and busted the 17 year old for the stolen vehicle.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's Tuesday? Isn't this a school day? Shouldn't both of these kids been in school instead of playing gangsta thug? Where are their parents? How long did they have the car? How many other robberies are they responsible for? How many other crimes are linked to that gun?

The parents should be brought up on the same charges and held as accountable for the failures of their children as they in turn are their own failures as parents. This is what happens when parents allow their homes to be infiltrated with the nefarious sub-culture of the ghetto where thuggery is acceptable.

admin (October 16th, 2008, 08:20 am)

Where was the NOPD? Ah... They were driving a stolen vehicle. According to another news site's story, the car was stolen over a month ago. Yet there it was in the middle of the scene. The NOPD caught them AFTER the fact. Effective policing occurs when a deterrent effect is caused. When you have abandoned police stations, hot cars on the street, thugs loitering instead of going to school, and bullets flying? I think you "might" be able to classify that as a failure of the NOPD.

me (October 15th, 2008, 20:53 pm)

your headline reads: "Where is the NOPD?" what do you mean? law enforcement was there the boys were apprehended (probably by the NOPD). do you mean that its somehow the NOPD's fault that these two thugs went out gang-baning, or...??

cenevels (October 15th, 2008, 12:29 pm)

I said the same thing where was they parent and why was they not in school. It ashame that, our young black male want to be thug and gangsta. It only hurt the black community, and to be honest it's ashame. All, i can do is keep praying for them.

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Let's leave the crime, lack of economic recovery, and our own Mayor alone today. Let's talk... politics. Uh oh! Ok ok ok... WAIT! Before we draw sides, let me clarify my position. I do not walk and vote by party lines. Though I'm registered as an Independent, I personally vote for whatever candidate makes sense and has a plan. If not, it's protest vote time. I think I've inadvertently tried to push Al Gore into every position from Mayor to President lol!

To me, what is most disturbing in politics is the way politicians across the board change their positions constantly to match either the public's demand or their party's line. Principles don't change. People change. If someone is that wishy washy (like Charlie Brown), how can I count on them to vote the way I want them to vote while they are in office? Isn't that what they are supposed to do?

Bill Jefferson is a great example of corruption. I don't care what anyone says, there is no legitimate person walking the face of the earth who is a Senator or Congressman who packs their freezer with 90k in cash wrapped in tin foil shoved into food boxes. Why the American people have not thrown him out of his office is beyond me. This issue goes way beyond innocent before being proven guilty. To me, this issue is one of public trust and safety. The honorable thing to do would be to step aside and retain the seat for your party. However, doing the right thing is apparently not in the code of honor that Jefferson follows. Holding onto power is the only thing he does know. I have a suspicion this entire situation will bury his entire family's legacy in the mud.

Treasurer Kennedy is another that is a source of gut wrenching laughter. He ran in 2004 as a Democrat, yet today supports Bush's policies which have tanked our country's wealth, foreign influence, and wiped out the middle class. He believes in the socialization of our national banking system. He believes that we are justified in what we are doing with the Iraq war. He also believes the 700 billion dollar bailout was the correct thing to do.

Governor Palin... God how do you start? Ok... close your eyes (after you are done reading this) and imagine Palin and Putin at a round table meeting. They are going to figure out how to lessen the animosity between our two countries to reduce the risk of Cold War II. Putin: "If we look back at the circumstances that occurred between our two countries from 1957 - 1999, you will have to understand that while Russia was in a state of constant transition and turmoil, our goal from the beginning has been x. If you don't respect us, fear us." Palin: "Well you know Vlad, I think we need to be friends. Very close friends. We can do a lot for each other. You know, when I was a soccer mom, sometimes people got jealous of me too. I betcha if we put our heads together, we can find a solution."

WOOOOOOT?!

Joe Lieberman is a shining example of a Democrat on a loose toilet seat. He can sit, but never sit still. He can spew, but his aim will always be flawed. And in an emergency situation where he has to let it all hang out, he's going to make a mess. He makes John Kerry look stable.

What happened to an America who cherished their leaders AND their right to vote? What happened to Americans who respected their leaders because they did the right thing for the right reason? What happened to the Americans who used to lead with truth, integrity, and the American Way? Where are those people? Did I wake up in the Twilight Zone 100 years before my time or am I just asking for too much? Tell me.

It's not about competence any longer. It's not about our best interests. It's not about education, the economy, foreign relations, GNP, or health care. It's all about polls.

I have an idea. Everyone pick up the phone today and call your Senators and Congress Persons. Tell them you want them to sponsor a bill that goes like this:

• If any elected official knowingly misleads the American People, a Congressman, and/or a Senator in order to be a) elected or b) to pass a bill into law, then they shall be guilty of the offense of Elected Official Fraud by Deception; a felony in the 2nd degree.

Now if you can find that person who has the "swangin' danglies" to put that one forward? They will have my vote for life and I'll treat whoever was responsible for it to a 7 Course Meal and Wine Paring at Stellas regardless of your political affiliation.

All I'm looking for is honesty in politics. Is that too much?

cenevels (October 15th, 2008, 12:33 pm)

To be honest with you, we don't need her and most of all not for what she stand for. She a Republican and the Republican are the one who have us in all this mess. Now, Bush and Cheney are really a mess. They was born with Silver Spoon in there mouth. so they don't have to work hard like the working class people. So you can have Sarah Palin and her Pregnant daughter. Cause if she was Black you would look at it differently.

GoPalin (October 14th, 2008, 13:04 pm)

Well can you prove evolution is fact? Are you trying to say she is like Roberto Gonzalez? He was a exception to the rules I think.

andreajean (October 14th, 2008, 10:05 am)

are you kidding me? the woman doesnt believe in evolution, sex education or environmental conservation!!!! she is EXACTLY the type of person our country DOES NOT need. She fired multiple senior members of Alaska's government and replaced them with friends who weren't qualified... sound like someone else we know?

GoPalin (October 14th, 2008, 08:06 am)

I don't understand why people are so mean to Sara Palin. She is smart but made some mistakes. I think she might be a good change for our country. I'm willing to give her a try.

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Today there was a 'joyful' announcement made that there will be what the organizers hope to be a biennial art festival, one of the largest in the world. NOLA.com describes this event as something not contained within one facility, but spread out from Uptown to the Lower 9th Ward. Transportation will be provided. The art exhibit will not be restricted to one or two or three galleries... no. It will be everywhere, sprayed on buildings, sidewalks, in addition to a few administration preferred museums.

Ok wait one second. Let me make sure that I understand. Downtown's commercial occupancy rate is less than 50%. Mayor Ray Nagin declined a grant to the World Trade Center downtown which would have brought businesses to our city. But they can endorse another tourist based issue which brings people into Central City and ends in the 9th Ward?

The Mayor does live out of town, right? Maybe he's like George Bush who stated years ago that he doesn't bother to read the newspapers in the morning. He just relies upon his advisers to keep him up to date? Whatever the case may be, it must be lost on this city's administration that people are dying in the streets in Central City and the 9th Ward. He thinks an artist is going to be any safer? He thinks the tourists are going to be safe down there?

I find it hilarious that anyone would move to pull more tourists into infrastructure which is failing at best. We have more police than before Katrina. We have less people by 1/3 than before Katrina. Yet our town isn't safe. We have one of the highest murder rates in the country!

We have one of the lowest rent bases in the country from both a commercial and residential perspective, yet our vacancy levels in the CBD and downtown are less than 50%! However, our city has money and time to spend on art instead of rebuilding. Lovely.

In the picture caption of this article you will find a home which has literally crumbled to pieces forcing the tenants out and an eyesore to begin. Here are 2 more:

The Bank

The Green House

coverfire (October 15th, 2008, 10:53 am)

Look, Nagin is fiddling while Rome burns. And the organizers of this art fair have deluded themselves into thinking the way to get things rolling again is to sponsor events such as this in depressed parts of town. It won't work, people...

admin (October 12th, 2008, 10:36 am)

This is not a 'feel good' blog. This is reality. Reality is: a) if you don't have a police force that can keep people from being shot daily, you have no business bringing people into a war zone. b) if you don't have businesses in town to support the labor force of the city, you don't focus on art, you focus on jobs. c) reality sucks. this blog is about what is wrong with our city, not what is right. You are entitled to your opinion, and I mine. Whining? No. Speaking out. If you can't see the viability in my points, let me direct you to our crime rates. And need I remind you that what is forgotten today was a slum yesterday anyway? The revitalization of our city will not occur with art fairs. It will occur with economic development in already established areas. Why? Companies employ people. People pay their bills and put money back into the community. That's why. Economics Abc. When what was working before is broken now, should be fixed first. Only then can you focus on the reconstruction of what was decaying and rotting and broken before the storm. If you can't find a job to support your mortgage payment in your new 9th Ward McMansion, does it do any good to draw attention to it? Uh... no.

scotty (October 12th, 2008, 10:16 am)

why do you go to so much effort to be so negative? can't you see this is a big ambitious event created by a private citizen to benefit the entire city? this event was not created by the city government and is not funded by the city. dan cameron is giving us a huge gift. it is great that this event will take place all over the city. it would not work in the sterile environs of the convention center. it is time that visitors see the whole city and this event will bring energy and money to parts of the city that are forgotten. stop whining and help with the recovery!

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NOPD is reporting another shooting which occurred in the Iberville "Housing Complex". A 37 year old tourist was shot in the head during an alleged drug deal. NOLA.com is reporting that people were outside listening to loud music. When questioned, residents who live within sight of the crime scene claim to have not heard any shots.

For those of you who are do not live in New Orleans, the Iberville Project is located just on the other side of the French Quarter. It is a nasty cesspool of drugs, gangs, filled with people who are deaf, dumb, and blind to the law. Iberville was an armpit before Katrina, and has been reopened with no additional security, cameras, or enforcement to contain the nefarious activities which regularly occur there. When you come to the Quarter? DO NOT go past Bourbon Street in the direction of Rampart.

"If it's so bad, why did they reopen it?" you ask. Ah! Good question! It was our Mayor's grand idea to rebuild New Orleans as the chocolate city. If you remember those grand words, see the grand action. The city bowed to 'civil rights' pressure who asserted that people HAD A RIGHT to occupy this menace to public safety. Well... be careful what you ask for.

Once again, this shooting is an indication of the lack of thought, policy, and policing of which our city is a victim. Before Katrina, a spot light was thrown upon those who forgot the projects and government assistance was supposed to be temporary. Instead, these people feel they are entitled to do nothing, collect a check, and raise hell. "It's ok as long as you get yours" is the prevailing attitude in these slums.

Today, we are dealing with the laziness of both this city's administration as well as those of days gone by. Our city government has consistently failed to enact controls and ordinances which would stop this cycle of violence and constant bleeding of public funds by those who are able but don't care to provide for themselves.

To prohibit this type of death and countless other crimes which plague these neighborhoods, solid policing is necessary and extremely overdue. I would propose the following:

1. 10 foot sharp topped iron fenced perimeter.
2. Access by ID only with the proper home address.
3. 24/7 Guard Duty manned by the NOPD to monitor all inbound and outbound traffic.
4. Secured cameras on every hallway, building entrance, courtyard, perimeter, and gate monitored by NOPD 24/7.

This is government owned property. What a man does in his own house is his business. What a man does on public land? It's the public's business.

Do you want to see the activity stop in the projects? Put a spot light on it. Roaches hate that.

tommydee (October 21st, 2008, 18:34 pm)

nolahippie: Sorry I took so long getting back to you. Been real busy but not too busy to go to the Aints game Sunday in London :) I kinda had a feeling you were talking about The Pernt. About 20 years ago, me and my girlfriend at the time were looking for a house to buy. We scoured the city for just the right area and became dead set on AP. We had put a few unsuccessful offers on some places (and yeah I know all the good parts) when a bank REO came on the market uptown. It was a great house and a greater deal so we jumped on it. The neighborhood was a lot like AP except that some of the neighbors, particularly the ones across the street who owned the biggest house by far and had the nicest cars but didn't lose their no-class roots, made it a little less cohesive. A good example: girlfriend was a teacher and a student at her school lived with grandma a couple houses down cuz momma was in jail. Grandma wasn't doing so well so girlfriend took her to school and back every day. The payback we got was unbelievable. Not lavish as they were obviously not of high means, but extremely heartfelt and mostly very yummy :) That's what I wanna come home to. Gotta run. Later.

wooooot (October 15th, 2008, 16:32 pm)

cenevels: I don't understand why you automatically assume the person you are slamming is talking about ALL black people. I believe he is referring to the minority of the black population who actually lives in Iberville. Certainly not everyone who is black lives there, right? :)

cenevels (October 15th, 2008, 12:47 pm)

You talking about breeding fast we are now dog or any kind of Animal that breed fast. If your'll stop ---ing each other and having abortion and have sex with other woman outside of your marry and making babies and claiming they are not your. So, if you would to stop and think before you write it best. WE ARE NOT ANIMAL

cenevels (October 15th, 2008, 12:43 pm)

Thepoint who are you calling an Animal, I work since, i was 16years old and never lived off welfare are in the Project. I worked 2 jobs and was in the U.S. Army for 10 years raised 3 beautiful Children and they have good job and support there self and there children. Well my Daughter and her Husband have 2 kids my son are not marry yet. And my Grandkids are 12 years old and 9 months old. So you know what for you to call some one an animal you better check yourself. Cause everybody that is Black is not an animal believe me there are some White Staying in the Project and those home that was build after Katrina.

grumpnocker (October 15th, 2008, 08:25 am)

You're right, because sadly they seem to be able to breed faster than they're killing themselves... I for one am sick of paying for this shit. I can't wait till this political erection is over so we can back to the same crap not getting fixed by an indifferent government. I say let it all burn, the ghettos, Wall St, all of it...

nolahippie (October 14th, 2008, 15:35 pm)

Who would hire them? Let's think about the implications of the proposed scenario: There would be no choice. Homeless or get a job. It would bring about the necessity to get an education. It would bring about the necessity to speak clearly without street slang. It would bring about the necessity to have to conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner. It would force people to develop a mutual respect for one another. It would bring about a feeling of self respect and self worth for those who feel worthless. That being said is not the end result worth the very difficult road that would need to be traveled to get there? So my thing is... anyone could hire them. Companies could give free vocational training and internships (like ours does), etc. It's not beyond the realm of reason.

Merrymg (October 14th, 2008, 11:06 am)

Who in their right mind is going to hire them.. That is the real problem. Sure, I agree take the benefits away and get a job.. No one should be entitled to checks just because they are poor. It is not an excuse. (My husband and myself were poor but we worked hard and did not spend money. I did our laundry in the bathtub with a scrub board, hung the clothes out to dry for 5 years. No child until we could afford one.. We did become successful but it was hard work with very long hours.)

nolahippie (October 12th, 2008, 10:03 am)

tommydee: Hey! This one isn't mine, but it does belong to a friend of mine who is even more pissed off at the degradation of this city than I am. (If that's even possible) I promised to plug him whenever I write on NOLA.com's forums. They kicked him off too. Neighborhood? Algiers Point (Make sure you are on the correct side of Opelousas If you see Teche, you are in the wrong spot. THAT place is a pit.). Anyway, I went walking with him and took the pictures for the article that is going up this morning. We ran into at least 1/2 dozen different people, all of which one of us knew by first name. A funny thing happened last night that really endeared me once again to my neighbors. We had a new family move into a double next door and they have small children. My wife and I introduced ourselves to them and their children, started a dialog and let them know, this is a neighborhood. We take it seriously. If you need ANYTHING, you knock on our door. They said to do the same. At about 9pm our doorbell rang. That's unusual. My friends always call before they come and it was too late for the post man right? So I open it up and there is the next door neighbor's child. He is 13. Mother went out for milk. He was coming home from a friend's house and their wires got crossed. He didn't want to be outside without an adult so he wanted to know if he could hang out until his mother got back. No problem! "Here's a Dasani. How was your day?" 10 minutes later his mother rolled up, handed him a cell phone and told him to never turn it off. I actually meant a lot that he came to us. Feels good. That's what a neighborhood is all about. It's not a race factor here. It's a human factor. Make sense?

tommydee (October 12th, 2008, 09:31 am)

Is this your site nolahippie? If so I've got a question. You may remember my moniker from days gone by on the nola blogs, but some racist idiot (I won't say which race :>) did not like what I said and got me removed from under the existing email address and then every other one until I ran out. At any rate, that's why I haven't asked my question on nola. Just after Gustav you talked about the neighborhood you lived in - not just racially mixed (you cna get that anywhere in nola) but how y'all helped each other out after the storm. I'm currently living in the UK but am considering returning to my beloved Nawlins. Yours is the type of neighborhood I would love to come home to. Where about do you live? Thanks, Tom

thepoint (October 12th, 2008, 08:04 am)

Agreed. The only way to get rid of them is to cut their benefits, close down the free housing, and force these animals to get their own jobs and support themselves.

taxpayer2 (October 12th, 2008, 06:31 am)

governments should not run slums. They should shut them down and drive the trash into the open to be arrested. The murder rate in NOLA is proof that they are self destructing but not fast enough.

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