I would like to point out a quick fact. Em, of course I am not taking a point to you, and it might sound that way at first, but hear me out: you said "Joli's charity organization"...now trust me, I know you meant NOTHING bad in saying this....it's just a description, no harm done, but I wanted to make a point to people about why the organization that one of our members works with and for was chosen...why a charity in New Orleans was chosen.
Of course the VR meet-up will be hosted there thanks to Allgenres exhaustive efforts. This is a city that not only needs the tourism, it deserves our love. New Orleans holds a place in United States culture unlike any other; there is NOTHING anywhere like NOLA. And don't believe the bureau of tourism hype. Although New Orleans is open for the business of the world, she is not healed. New Orleans was open for business in some places a week after Katrina not because it was the safest thing to do, but because that is the spirit of the city. That is the soul of people that love the city.
There are some neighborhoods that are still only occupied by single residents. There are many neighborhoods where the makeshift codes to identify home searches are still clearly visible on the outsides of the buildings. You may not see these things on a tourist visit to the city, but this is a city that is still wounded, but is too proud to admit it hurts.
Families lost everything. Many still have nothing. God forbid we had saved the lives of over 2000 people by supplying busses to the inner city poor that were not able to leave NOLA when we knew 5 days beforehand that it was going to hit that city. God forbid we had pressured our government to give those parishes money when we knew 15 YEARS beforehand that those levees were likely to break unless they were t-barred.
WE KNEW. Yes, the way the government handled the situation was appalling and horrid. But at the end of the day Americans need to start taking some responsibility for their own. We the people ARE the government. WE failed New Orleans. If you have any voice at all I urge to to write your elected officials. It IS your problem. And if you have never donated to a charity before and are inclined to do so, I submit that although there are many worthy causes, this certainly is one that should catch your attention. I also know that Joli, Imagesinwords, Soulshroude or several other of our NOLA residents will be happy to direct you to other charitable agencies in the area if you would like to expand your giving efforts. I invite you to look at the Coven of Chateau Orleans here on VR for some background and insight into this unique and amazing American city.
