Katrinnaversary Controversy

The guy in the lawnmower commercial on WWL, The Big Ate Seventy, has been sayin' "Summazaponus!" for weeks, and in just 3 more of 'em, it will have been 1 year since Katrina was upon us.

Late last week, growing public outcry squelched some poorly conceived plans by Lord Mayor of the Emeril™ City and some casino officials to mark the date with comedy shows and fireworks. (LINK)

Um, no.

But in a city that loves an argument, there is division on this. Some think only a somber observance respecting those who lost their lives, livelihoods, neighbors and neighborhoods would be appropriate. Others want to celebrate recovery, to the extent it's happening, and rebirth, to the extent it's changing anything.

They both have points, and I think it's clearly inappropriate to hold a comic Standupfest, much less a fireworks display. But I think some acknowledgment of the countless hours - most unheralded - put in by a determined populace to bring their city back is worthy of some formal observance.

Whatcha tinka dat, hanh?

Comments

[Corey]

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about a group of people who thought it was a good idea to re-elect Mayor Nagin...but suffice it all to say that, somber or not, there had better be some cajun food around.

[Murphy]

I think they should blow up the levees. It would allow for the desired fireworks, and give much needed attention to the futile attempt of the corpse of engineers to somehow control Ma Nature.

Then, every comedian in the country will have fodder for years.

[Kevin Donahue]

The only appropriate way to mark the occassion is a N.O. tradition - a funeral march that ends in a jazz festival. Spend the week leading up with a vigil daily and names reading and then rip it with a Hurricane party after the parade.

[TigerGrrL]

With a mayor like Nagin, who needs to HIRE comedians?!?!