forgotston.com

The damning story in today’s Marketwatch and the local reaction reminds me of this quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.

The best way to fix our state’s and our city’s image is to take action. Rationalization, excuses and political rhetoric only serves to make those who live in LA feel better about their own failures to demand better from our public officials. They do nothing to improve the state’s and the city’s image in the eyes of those outside of the state. Perhaps, if it wasn’t for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it would be okay to continue to deceive ourselves. But at a time when we are trying to recover, we need the help of everyone in the U.S.

First, we citizens need to demand more of our public officials. Then those public officials need to accomplish something rather than merely talking about plans of actions. Action speaks for itself. The fact that it is necessary to continue to defend the state and city is proof, in and of itself, that we haven’t changed or haven’t changed enough.

Let’s devote all our energies to fixing things and none to press conferences, press releases and political rhetoric. To that end, fellow “Internet Kook” and columnist for the Shreveport Times, Emily Metzgar offers some excellent New Year’s Resolutions. See them here.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 8:22 am

New Orleans is famous for a lot of things. Unfortunately, it is infamous for its collective denial, wishful thinking and messenger shooting. At the risk of being shot once again, it is necessary to point out another elephant sitting in the living room of the city which seems to have gone unseen or if not unseen, denied.

On August 29, Lake Pontchartrain reclaimed 80% of the city of New Orleans. Many were relieved that the entire city was not flooded. We didn’t know how close we came.

Below are pictures taken on the Mississippi River Levees near Algiers. Note the debris line at the TOP of the levee. Note the barge that almost came into the Algiers. Had the winds been a few miles an hour stronger or had they continued for a while longer the absolute worse would have happened.

What is the Orleans Levee Board and the Corps of Engineers recommendations to keep this from happening in the future?

Okay, take your best shot at this messenger, but please aim under the elephant in the living room.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 7:33 am

The latest casualty as a result of an anti-business environment in LA is found here. The plant was lured by some paltry financial incentives. That is another indication of how uncompetitive is LA. Until our politicians stop focusing on maintaining the status quo of government while ignoring the private sector, the out-migration of jobs will continue unabated.

For those who do not know, the company which is head quartered in Metairie is owned by LA native-son, Al Copeland.

Drastic times require drastic measures

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there is only one way for LA to become competitive. We must eliminate business taxes (and fees) and all business regulations not required by the Federal Government. Only then will the recovery of LA’s private sector begin.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 10:20 am