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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U.S. Attorney Letten Probing Possible Corruption in Levee Breaches

Nov. 10, 2005
By Gordon Russell
Staff writer
Source: http://www.nola.com/

Add U.S. Attorney Jim Letten and the FBI to the growing list of authorities investigating the levee breaches that led to widespread flooding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

As opposed to the various panels charged with figuring out what caused the levees to fail, Letten's office has since the week after the storm been looking into possible corruption in levee design, construction, maintenance and oversight. Some appears to exist, he said.

"We are aware of individuals in public situations who have undisclosed conflicts of interest, and we're extremely concerned about those," Letten said, though he declined to name them.

"Our interest is primarily to determine if any federal laws have been violated. We're not in the business of deciding whether something could have been done better. We're investigating what we believe are specific matters, conduct, relationships, that may indicate laws were violated.

"The scope of our interest is very broad," he said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge James Bernazzani said federal agents have received numerous tips about possible malfeasance in the wake of the breaches, and he urged citizens who may know more to call (800) CALL-FBI.

Earlier this week, state Attorney General Charles Foti announced that his office is looking into whether poor construction or design flaws played a role in the multiple levee failures. Meanwhile, Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan said he is trying to determine whether to impanel a grand jury to investigate whether faulty materials were used in the floodwalls.

Letten mentioned the federal investigation into levees at a news conference in which he announced felony charges against nine people who allegedly made fraudulent applications for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.