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.
Rebuild New Orleans Green
Visit
rebuildgreen.org
Not all of our city was destroyed and not all of us have left New Orleans. Some of us remain in the 20 percent of the city
that was not flooded, and we are anxious to get our neighborhoods functioning again. We desperately need your help right
now for the immense and immediate tasks of relief work and basic clean up.
But we will also need your help in the months ahead when the media spotlight shifts to some other story of the moment.
That’s when there will be a struggle over how to rebuild our devastated city. There will be powerful corporate and
government forces trying to control the rebuilding without popular participation. And there will be community-based
organizations struggling to ensure that social justice and environmental sustainability take a prominent place on the
rebuilding agenda. Help us make sure our community needs for livable, sustainable neighborhoods take precedence over
corporate greed.
The disaster that has struck New Orleans should be turned into an opportunity to REBUILD GREEN. By focusing on green
building technology, renewable energy, mass transit systems, and green community development that empowers local people to
take control of their local resources, the rebuilding of New Orleans can take our city from being a symbol of disaster to
being a prototype sustainable city of the future.
REBUILD GREEN is an effort that has sprung up from the ashes of this once vibrant and beautiful city. We have community
support and talented activists on the ground who are committed to this historic task, but we need your help.
The most immediate need is funding. You can contribute by making on-line donations (through our non-profit sponsor Global
Exchange) or sending checks to GLOBAL EXCHANGE/REBUILD GREEN, Global Exchange - Katrina Assistance, 2017 Mission St. #303,
San Francisco, CA 94110. Global Exchange is a 501c3 organization, and your donations are fully tax-deductible. You can
contact us at 415-310-9783.
Thank you for helping us in our time of need.
With hope,
Malik Rahim
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