Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom. Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.

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From Recycling to Hurricanes

May 23, 2007

Re: "Let's raise a big stink on recycling," Metro, May 21.

A major hurricane, exacerbated by climate change, triggered a disastrous flood in an old port city that was eagerly consuming the leftover profits of a ravenous oil industry.

The industry was feeding the nation cheap oil so that Southerners too could run their air conditioners at 55 degrees all summer and not think about the pipelines and canals eroding the marshes that used to protect the city from hurricanes.

After the flood, everyone threw everything into landfills -- often located dangerously near the delicate marshes -- and bought new air conditioners and other things, which consumed more energy and heated up the climate even quicker.

Better still, the leaders of the old city mandated giant garbage cans, encouraging everyone to throw away a couple hundred gallons of stuff every week.

There was no option for recycling anything that might, in fact, reduce the energy use that would begin to alleviate the global warming that generates bigger hurricanes that, without the marshes, the old city cannot survive.

I don't think I get it.

Barbara C. Ewell

New Orleans