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.
Jackson Made a Mess Here
- April 05, 2008
- New Orleans, LA
- Editorial: The Times-Picayune
I am baffled by your
April 2 editorial about the resignation of HUD Secretary Jackson and the destruction of New Orleans' public housing. The Times-Picayune fails to make the connection between Jackson's corruption and the terrible loss of affordable housing in our city.
Public housing, while imperfect, provided much-needed affordable housing. Most of the units sustained minimal storm damage. The real damage to the units was a result of years of neglect by Housing Authority of New Orleans and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Rather than renovate these historic structures after Katrina, Jackson decided to demolish and replace them with so-called mixed-income communities.
It is clear, however, that Jackson's interests were not those of public housing residents or other New Orleans citizens. Rather, he was interested in benefiting his friends, who will make massive profits from New Orleans public housing redevelopment by getting cheap land to build substandard housing.
The Picayune should have been more critical of the fact that Jackson is under investigation by the FBI over New Orleans public housing redevelopment contracts. How can you turn a blind eye when Jackson and his cronies profit off of disaster, to New Orleans' detriment?
Seth Weingart
New Orleans
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