State of the Union Address Angers New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 1, 2006 -- -- When President Bush briefly mentioned the Gulf Coast region in Tuesday night's State of the Union address, many residents of New Orleans took his words like salt to a wound.
While the city struggles to rebuild and re-create itself, residents believe the federal government has left them behind.
The president's 55-minute speech drove home hard-hitting points on Iran and the war in Iraq, but his 30 seconds dedicated to the devastated Gulf Coast failed to provide any comforts to those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Today residents along now-bustling Magazine Street were incensed. "Last night the proof was in the pudding. He doesn't give a damn about us," said Cindy Galliano "We are American citizens, and he is sending all of his money to Iraq."
Many residents in this usually laissez-faire city tuned in, eagerly hoping for encouraging initiatives and plans to help the region. Nicole Gewinner, visibly angered after the president's speech, felt that New Orleans had been forgotten.
"In a speech after a natural disaster of this magnitude, Bush mentioned other parts of the domestic agenda such as health care and education, but this should be the major point of his domestic agenda," she said.
A Remembered Promise
On September 15, President Bush stood in the heart of the French Quarter and pledged to rebuild New Orleans, whatever it took. Residents were encouraged by his assurances of the city's importance. "There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again." Since then Bush has visited several times but has avoided any contact with residents or any substantive talk of rebuilding plans.
In mid-January he cruised down the mansion-lined St. Charles Avenue before telling a group of wealthy business owners, "It's a heck of a place to bring your family."
Residents looking for answers and leadership were disappointed. His brief visit left Catherine Evans perplexed. "I have no idea why he went to the Garden District; they're fine!" she said.
The president's biggest blow to New Orleans came last week when he turned down the Baker bill, which proposed the government buy out flood-damaged properties from large swaths of homeowners.
The program was seen as a crucial kick-start to rebuilding. When asked about the bill, the president cited the money already allocated to the Gulf region. "I want to remind people in that part of the world, $85 billion is a lot," he said.
The president mentioned the number again in his State of the Union address. "So far, the federal government has committed $85 billion to the people of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. We are removing debris and repairing highways and rebuilding stronger levees. We're providing business loans and housing assistance."
Residents: It's the Thought that Counts
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who was seen last night talking to the president after the speech, was disappointed. "Unfortunately, we didn't get what we were hoping for -- or expecting, but we are going to press on because we need this president to be our champion, not our critic," Landrieu said.
Of the $85 billion, the largest chunk, $6 billion, will go to block grants to buy out homeowners. Almost $3 billion will go to rebuilding the damaged levee system. Another $2.75 billion will help repair the highways. And $441 million has been allocated to the Small Business Association to help revitalize businesses.
Despite the president's promise of funds, residents are more angered by what they consider a lack of attention. "I don't feel the president has fulfilled any kind of commitment to this area," says Eve Steiner. "It makes me very sad."