[Winona Online Democracy] Watching the continued tragedy in New Orleans and other coastal cities and trying to visualize the massive reconstruction effort and immediate employment issues that the entire area will be faced with over many years in the future I could not see much hope for those affected.
Seeing the massive amount of buildings destroyed, the massive amount of building materials needed to rebuild and the amount of building materials that are salvageable. I thought of the Habitat for Humanity - Restore project, and the need for the people to have jobs and how one could serve the other. I thought of the federal work conservation programs of the depression year that enabled people to get their feet back on the ground first with a paycheck and second with affordable rebuilding materials. How many 2x4 are reusable but need the nails pulled, how many 8x8x16 inch concrete blocks are unbroken? How many appliances, sinks, tubs, doors, Windows and other materials in the upper floors of buildings can be given a second life? While immediate help is still the priority -- is their a visionary's who can see beyond the nightmare and to provide hope for those who's lives who are forever changed? How can we point and provide them with a grandiose idea that can solve real human needs and provide hope? The people of New Orleans and their region need a problem solver who can rally the sprit not someone to blame, to point a finger at or to make excuses. Who do you think could answer the call and get it done? Paul Double _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
