Assorted Babble by Suzie
It's difficult, Suzie. I mean, I do admire a "survival" spirit. I admire people who get on with their lives and don't wallow around in self-pity, but I don't know if that is what this is. I'm thinking this is just a way to draw in tourists, and that it's a bit callous in light of the fact so many people have lost their lives, and others everything they own. So, like you, I have mixed emotions too.
Truly, I feel it's too early though. It's sort of like throwing a huge parade through the streets of NYC right after 9/11.
I just thought of something... NYC did not cancel their Thanksgiving parade because of 9/11! Sheesh! Also New Orleans has held this celebration right through WWII, so I guess I just argued my previous comment. (Told you I had mixed emotions!)
Actually, I don't live in New Orleans so I suppose I can safely say it's none of my business. Or "to each their own." I think this subject confused me! 
I can see both sides of the debate. A story I heard on the news this afternoon though disturbed me considerably. The law enforcement officials are worried about the welfare of the tourists who come to the Mardi Gras. It seems they are worried about the desperate citizens who may see those money-flashing visitors as "ATMs." They are out right predicting muggings, robbery and possible deaths at the hands of some of the angry and desperate New Orleans residents.
...I sure hope their fears are unfounded.
I suppose they have to get back to normal sometime ... whatever normal is in that area...
I have mixed emotions on the idea of tourist heading down there. I have heard some of the envormental techs that have been working down there through the corps. I am not sure they, the local gov. should have more people exposed to the problems down there. At one point around Thanksgiving the Corp had to pull envirmental workers out because of illnesses of unknown contaminants.
Besides the crime rate which may or may not rise.
I wish them well and hope for the best for them.
Gayle: You really got me thinking...will have to ponder on this more since your two comments. Thanks!!
Mike: I heard that too, but had forgotten about it until you mentioned it.
ABF: It is going to be a long time before getting back to normal with such devastation. I'm from that area all along the Coastline, know the areas that were flooded and I have sit on those leevies before having a picnic. I really do not know if it will ever be normal again.
Patty: Some say it is contaminated, but some have said that it is not as they had reported earlier. I would not have my favorite oysters or crawfish from there that is for sure...for a long time. It is difficult for me not to think of it all be contaminated to some degree esp after the dead floating everywhere.
Appreciate everyone's input...still my emotions are mixed...just wish I could feel good about the celebrations going on with a full heart.
A lot of us that work in the enviromental field was offered nice money to go down there and help do accessments. My stance was thanks no thanks. A cousin went down with her man and ended up sick for several months.
They were pulled out of areas a couple of times. Its better I hope. They are still there and still have some problems. N.O was the worst areas of contanments, from what I understood. Like I said haven't talked to the techs lately don't know the scoop now. I hope the M.G. goes well for all. They need the money and the lighter mood.
Suzie, can't comment too much about Marti Gras in N.O.L.A, having seen the destruction etc. over there I think much of it is hype, i.e. the parades etc. over blown. As Far as local, G.S. and O.B. it's as you remember it only bigger and better, the only thing missing is you. The parade still starts at PaPa Rocco's and ends wherever.G.S. misses you as does P.D. "please mister throw me some beads"
P.
Wow!! That is very cool that you used to be so involved in MG. I have never been. I'm learning a lot about NO since the tragedy.
I'm with you on having mixed feelings about the celebration. I can see both sides.
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