The March in NOLA Today

[ibjamn]

I work in Gramercy, LA, 45 minutes away from Nola and couldn't be at the march, but AmyLoves just sent me a text message & said there were THOUSANDS of people down there, marching!!

[bluesgirl]

I check the TP every now and again, and it seems like the turn out has been FANTASTIC. They have to listen and start working on the problems NOW!!!

[steeleye]

We are all marching with you in spirit.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Meade

[tangledupinblue]

Glad amyloves made it. Great to hear!

[Freakwinox]

Absolutely marching in spirit.

[NOLA]

I was in the group that started at the World Trade Center (by Harrah's Casino for those of you unfamiliar with the New Orleans WTC) - I would estimate maybe 2,000 to 3,000 marchers, from all walks of life, from all neighborhoods, representing all races and ages. I thought it was a really great turnout. Tons of home-made signs, etc. There were smaller groups that marched from Mid-City and Central City (the site of much of the drug dealing and many of the violent murders) all designed to converge on City Hall. The WTC group arrived first, and cheered and the other groups arrived. They had a pretty shitty sound system set up so there was no way to hear the speakers from the street, so I didn't stay long after arriving. There was lots of local media coverage along the route, plus Anderson Cooper and the CNN gang were set up near City Hall so hopefully his report tonight will include some of the speakers (and his impression of the march and its potential impact).

Marches and rallys are nice and all, and I am really glad I participated, but I feel like the best we can hope for out of the whole thing is focusing more national attention on the problem, which may eventually lead to more federal funding to help reestablish our police force, police facilities, crime lab, and criminal justice system. I know the Threadhead nation has been active and extremely busy this week with letter writing, pleas for help, etc. (and all the N.O. Threadheads thank you so much for that) but if you could also take time to write your US representative and senators (yet again, for many of you) and ask them to approve funding to help New Orleans get a grip on the crime problem, the city would be so grateful. Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu proposed some steps the feds can take to assist N.O. on the same day Nagin et. al. announced their plan, but it will take some backing to achieve.

Finally, I want to thank you all again for all you have done and continue to do to support New Orleans!

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I was in the group that started at the World Trade Center (by Harrah's Casino for those of you unfamiliar with the New Orleans WTC) - I would estimate maybe 2,000 to 3,000 marchers, from all walks of life, from all neighborhoods, representing all races and ages. I thought it was a really great turnout. Tons of home-made signs, etc. There were smaller groups that marched from Mid-City and Central City (the site of much of the drug dealing and many of the violent murders) all designed to converge on City Hall. The WTC group arrived first, and cheered and the other groups arrived. They had a pretty shitty sound system set up so there was no way to hear the speakers from the street, so I didn't stay long after arriving. There was lots of local media coverage along the route, plus Anderson Cooper and the CNN gang were set up near City Hall so hopefully his report tonight will include some of the speakers (and his impression of the march and its potential impact).

Marches and rallys are nice and all, and I am really glad I participated, but I feel like the best we can hope for out of the whole thing is focusing more national attention on the problem, which may eventually lead to more federal funding to help reestablish our police force, police facilities, crime lab, and criminal justice system. I know the Threadhead nation has been active and extremely busy this week with letter writing, pleas for help, etc. (and all the N.O. Threadheads thank you so much for that) but if you could also take time to write your US representative and senators (yet again, for many of you) and ask them to approve funding to help New Orleans get a grip on the crime problem, the city would be so grateful. Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu proposed some steps the feds can take to assist N.O. on the same day Nagin et. al. announced their plan, but it will take some backing to achieve.

Finally, I want to thank you all again for all you have done and continue to do to support New Orleans!

I saw it from my office on the corner of Poydras and Loyola (we look over City Hall) - unfortunatly i couldn't participate b/c of work conflicts - however, the turn out looked fantastic and we could see all the media coverage (including helicopters) - we have a long way to go, but it was great seeing all those people out there (thanks to everyone who went) - I do have one question - did any city officials (such as city council member or perhaps our MAYOR) take time out of their day to come out of city hall and address the citizens of NOLa who took teh time out of their days to attend?

[rosetree]

Brenda and I closed the studio and took our employees to the rally. We started at the WTC (same as NOLA). There were a TON of people there!!!! People from all walks of life, all colors, young and old united in a common bond of not taking the violence and apathy of the local government anymore. As we walked up Canal St., it seemed our numbers swelled. As we turned on Poydras St., we stretched for blocks and blocks. As we turned on Perdido St. the park in front of City Hall was filled with protesters. It really was amazing! We pushed our way up to the courtyard where the speakers were (I did not want to walk and then not be able to hear). he plan for the rally was to let citizens speak, and that's what happened. Speakers from different sections of the city spoke their piece. Some "went to church", which was great. The out-pouring of unity was genuine.
At the end of the rally, some people called for the mayor to speak. The organizers said that this was not his rally, but ours. He would have been shouted down anyway. I did see Oliver Thomas, and James Carter near the podium. I also saw Charmaine Neville,and Antionette K-Doe (she didn't have the Ernie statue with her, although that would have been a trip!). Anderson Cooper was there, he was standing right in front of me.
It was a great spectacle to see. The best sign I saw was "Stop Shooting, Start Stripping". A very "New Orleans" moment;) . I do have some photos that I will down load later and post after I get done with work... Just keeping y'all up to date!

[NOLA]

MGBaby, your office must be close to mine - I'm at the corner of Loyola and Girod, connected and next door to the Hyatt...

They just opened a BBQ place on the ground floor of our building this week - if you didn't know about it (and if you like BBQ) the food is pretty good.

[Lostcajun]

I listened to most of the speeches via wwl internet. Very powerful stuff. Hoping and praying that the people go way beyond a march and start of movement of renewal.

[MzJoey]

..i too am sending thoughts, prayers and inspiration to the beautiful city of NOLA...may the future brings ways to heal her broken heart and the big black eye that "the thing" left her with!
Like any grand ole lady, her spririt will prevail...

[Amy Winette]

That's really great you guys and I think it's a step in the right direction!

[glinda]

Thanks for the updates! Almost like being there. Will be watching cnn tonite... Hope the eyes and ears of America turn to New Orleans again.

[rosetree]

Watching the news now... Nagin, Riley, and the whole council WERE at the protest. Nagin held an impromptu press conference 1/2 hr afterwards. He pledged that everything that he does from this day foward will be to make sure that the murders stop. He said that he is re-energized and re-focused after see the mass of people who were protesting. Hopefully something may come from this.
There is a lot more on WWL's internet...

[NOLA]

Let us hope and pray he follows through. Unfortunately that has not been his strong suit in the past...but I prefer to be an optimist so I will keep an open mind.

Thanks again for the good throughts sent our way.

[Corona]

Great attitude NOLA :) Without hope, what do you have really?

Man, my heart swelled when I got the text message from Amy today. It was so exciting to hear so many people come out and stand up for their city. I was very, very proud of the people of New Orleans...but then again, I always am :)

[ibjamn]

WDSU news just said that more than 5,000 were there. Don't forget to watch Anderson Cooper's http://www.nolaforum.com/images/smiles/055.gif 360 on CNN tonight @ 9pm CST. His show is from/about new orleans.

[rosetree]

Ummm, what time would that be for Corona???:p ;) :D

[Amyloves...]

Hi all.....the march seems like a simple thing, but I gotta tell you it was a very powerful experience. I left work for a looong lunch hour and parked a few blocks from City Hall. Our friend Paul who works nearby met me there. As I waited for him on Poydras St., a group of policemen on horseback leading the march slowly came up the street. A bit behind them was this sea of people filling the street. They were carrying a big banner and and signs and beating drums, but very solemnly and walking quietly. Jimmy called right then and I told him, "You wouldn't believe the people who came out..." and I just filled up with tears. I was so scared there would be a lame crowd and I was just overwhelmed....the signs, the faces of all ages and colors, the solemnity, and the number of people blew me away. After they started to pass me, the crowd stretched as far as I could see in both directions. I was so proud. Paul and I jumped in and he was amazed at the turnout too. We made our way to City Hall and the people just poured into the space. It was beautiful cause when the crowd from another march arrived about 10 minutes later everyone already there was whistling, applauding, etc. It was such a display of unity.

The sound system situation was not good and we couldn't hear who was speaking. Eventually we made our way more to the front and could hear some of what was said. I didn't know the mayor and others were even there till I got in my car. I had to head back to the office while it was still going on. The guy on the radio who was also present said that the mayor looked like it had affected him. He said that some of the people called for him to speak and he began to approach the podium. Then some of the leaders basically said no, this isn't time for him to speak, and they did not want him to "hijack" the podium. The reporter said that Nagin then backed away and walked back into City Hall without speaking to the reporters who were trying to ask him questions. When he had his press conference a little bit later, I thought he looked a whole lot less confident than the other day.

The news report tonight said the police estimated over 5,000 people were there. I am so glad I was one of them. And I have to tell you, this might sound crazy, but I could absolutely feel that you all were there in spirit. The support of all of you means more than you could know.

[Amy Winette]

Awesome report Amy! :)

[Corona]

roflmao....brat!!! It's 10:00 my time....I just add one :)

[Corona]

oh man, you just made me cry Amy! What a beautiful experience. Thanks so much for the text message...I WAS there in spirit and was sooo proud of all y'all!

[ScoopJohnD]

Great post Amy. And you too Mark. I have a huge smile on my face reading them. Like Amy said a march seems like a simple thing but it isn't. It is much, much more, it shows the leaders you care, it shows the world you care, and most important it brings home what makes a city, which is good people of all races, all religions all colors, all incomes and it makes them feel that despite the differences they are not alone. That the desire and the right to feel safe and protected in your home town knows no boundaries.

I'm proud, and happy and I believe the message has been delivered. Now keep reminding them.

[Amyloves...]

AYE AYE CAP'N SCOOP!!

By the way....lots of good signs today...one I thought was really powerful was a huuuuuge SOS flag scrawled it red paint so it looked like blood. Simple, but moving.

My favorite funny one poking at our C. Ray Nagin......

C. Ray
Not lately!!

[swag]

Marches and rallys are nice and all, and I am really glad I participated, but I feel like the best we can hope for out of the whole thing is focusing more national attention on the problem

NPR was talking about it during drive time this evening.

[ScoopJohnD]

Captain ?!?!?........I'm barely third mate on the poop deck! Nevertheless I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I'm proud you all and your city.

This calls for a toast at the bar!

[ScoopJohnD]

And hey, I don't have cable so I hope someone tells those us who don't see it, what Anderson Cooper show was like tonight.

[Rossvegas]

Great report Amy, and good work representing!

I just saw the story on the NBC Nightly News (west coast feed) and you could see Nagin standing right behind the podium the whole time. I gotta give him a little credit - some/most of the speakers were (rightfully) saying that the mayor should resign, be removed, etc. and the dude stood there and took his lumps like a man. (I could be wrong, but I think that if George W were to find himself in a similar situation, I'm pretty sure his handlers would have hustled him out of there pretty quickly.) It doesn't make him any less culpable, but it was nice to see him facing the an emotional crowd like that head on.

"Head on, apply directly to the forehead! Head on, apply directly to the forehead!"

Ooops, sorry about that...

[Rossvegas]

The sign I liked best said: "Silence is violence". Perfect.

[Rossvegas]

The Anderson Cooper thing was great. Sad, but great. Unfortunately, the whole interview with Nagin left me with the burning desire to grab him by his tailored lapels and scream "whatthefuckiswrongwithyouman????"

I firmly believe that Ray was re-elected primarily based on his passionate post-K rant ("now get off your asses and DO something!!!!) and now I see NONE of that passion. None. In my opinion, a real mayor would be running that office like a war room: daily briefings from all levels of police and emergency services, daily briefings with all levels of goverment and daily briefings with community leaders. This buffoon just seems to shrug and say "don't worry, we're on it."

Unless Nagin gets recalled, I honestly can't imagine any substantive change taking place for the next three years. He just doesn't seem to have any leadership skills at all any more...

[peteup]

Ahhh...people of New Orleans, y'all stood so tall today. I've been followin' this at work all today. Could ye ever know how privileged I'm gonna feel to be among you in less than three months time? Yes....!

[ozzie]

Yep, I've never been in a march... never had reason to. Man, I wish I could have walked with y'all today.

Peteup, I am so excited for you to be coming to NOLA. Every time I read one of your posts I get a sense of how deeply you are going to fall in love with her.

.

[Corona]

The Anderson Cooper thing was great. Sad, but great. Unfortunately, the whole interview with Nagin left me with the burning desire to grab him by his tailored lapels and scream "whatthefuckiswrongwithyouman????"

I firmly believe that Ray was re-elected primarily based on his passionate post-K rant ("now get off your asses and DO something!!!!) and now I see NONE of that passion. None. In my opinion, a real mayor would be running that office like a war room: daily briefings from all levels of police and emergency services, daily briefings with all levels of goverment and daily briefings with community leaders. This buffoon just seems to shrug and say "don't worry, we're on it."

Unless Nagin gets recalled, I honestly can't imagine any substantive change taking place for the next three years. He just doesn't seem to have any leadership skills at all any more...
Nagin is burnt out...and needs to GET OUT before anymore time is wasted...

[peteup]

Yep, I've never been in a march... never had reason to. Man, I wish I could have walked with y'all today.

Peteup, I am so excited for you to be coming to NOLA. Every time I read one of your posts I get a sense of how deeply you are going to fall in love with her.

.

Yeah...I'm a l'il bit excited too. My 84 yo mum introduced me to Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington 40 years + ago and she's so dead envious I'm goin' to nyorlins I feel a bit guilty I'm not bringin' her!! But I couldna keep up wi' her! Hehehe...she'll be there in spirit.

[VWGal]

I only saw the footage of the march that was included in Anderson Cooper's 360 last night...man, that was a powerful display of moral outrage. Good for all of you who went there and stood up for the right to live in safety. Anderson's report was an excellent overview of the many aspects of what ails our beloved city, I loved the interview with the elderly gentleman of 83 years in the 9th Ward, who survived the Second World War and Korea, and if he can do that, he can survive Katrina! The New Orleans spirit warms my heart!

But I have to confess that I don't feel placated as I would like to be by yesterday's events. They were powerful for sure, and I hope they drove a cold chill into the spine of every official who has the power to take action such that they do something visible to resolve even one of the pressing issues. And so we watch and wait. Thanks to everyone on this board who lives in New Orleans for returning and keeping the faith for the city and for us who cannot be there to help in person.

[rosetree]

Maybe a change is going to start... I've got to be optimistic, last week was such a "downer", I can't go for many more of those...
From today's T/P..



Community policing expert hired to evaluate NOPD

By Laura Maggi
Staff writer

Former Houston Mayor and Police Chief Lee Brown will begin shortly evaluating the New Orleans Police Department and offering a plan on how to improve relationships between police and residents living in crime-ridden neighborhoods.

At a news conference Friday, the day after an unprecedented rally on the steps of City Hall where thousands called on leaders to rid New Orleans of violent crime, Brown said that he will begin a 3 1/2 month assessment of the NOPD immediately. Both Brown and NOPD Superintendent Warren Riley characterized Brown’s role as a partnership.

Brown is a nationally-known leader in “community policing,” a strategy designed to reduce and prevent crime by increasing cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and the people and neighborhoods they serve.

“To be successful in dealing with issues of public safety, it takes everyone — the police, the elements of the city criminal justice system and, most important, the people,” Brown said.

Brown said it will take 6 months to create and implement his plan which consists of various stages:

-- Analysis of NOPD issues establish core mission
-- Analysis of performance criteria
-- Dissect accountability issues and internal process for citizen complaints
-- Have chief and staff go on retreat and discuss Brown's findings
-- Create plan of action, a "roadmap" to implement community policing
-- Put in place a monitoring device

Brown said his review of the department will look at how officers interact with the community, and will evaluate inspections, audits and how the department investigates citizens complaints about police officers. Brown’s consulting company, Brown Group International, will then craft a “plan of action,” he said.

Several groups — Baptist Community Ministries, the New Orleans Business Council, the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau — have stepped up to pay for the consulting work.

Mayor Ray Nagin, who attended the news conference, heralded Brown’s capabilities. Brown previously worked as the “drug czar” during the Clinton administration and was police commissioner of both Atlanta and New York City.

[VWGal]

Rosstree, I like the sound of this. I think outside help is indicated...

[VWGal]

Oops, Rosetree, not Rosstree. Must be some subliminal thought about Ross dancing on that other thread...

[Rossvegas]

RT, I just read that article myself a few minutes ago and my first impression was: "sounds like a really circle jerk to me."

I'm not suggesting that it was a bad idea to grab this guy - he has a great pedigree - but when I see a 6 month timetable that includes the establishment of a core mission (WTF? Doesn't the NOPD already have a 'core mission'?) and the planning of a 'retreat'....well, I guess i was hoping for a little more.

Personally, I think they should have just hired the guy and said "fix it". Instead, is sounds like they've said "take a look around, write some reports, tell us your thoughts and we'll see where this goes in 6 months." They really didn't give him any power or authority to change anything, so what's going to change? If he happens to report to Nagin and Riley that the NOPD is corrupt and horribly mismanaged, will they act on it or is this just an attempt to cover their asses?

I'm sorry to sound so cynical, but the city doesn't need another consultant right now... It needs a saviour.

[rosetree]

Please, I'm just trying to be a little optimistic...Once you lose hope, you've lost everything:(

[NOLA]

Funny, the locals seem more optimistic than most of the rest of the posters. Maybe we don't have a choice - if we lose our optimism, what's left? Leave town, I guess.

I think Brown's challenge is just one element of the changes that are needed (and that I believe are going to come). Brown is here to teach our department how to use "community policing" to our advantage. Like improving schools and working to eliminate poverty and teenage motherhood and absentee fathers, this will take some time to have an effect. Some of the other initiatives are designed to have a more immediate impact. Seeing all those faces from all different walks of life in the march yesterday really drove home to me the notion that it is a pretty narrow segment of our population that is causing all this chaos. If checkpoints and cameras and other near-term strategies can get a bunch of these creeps off the streets (and keeping them locked up is the real challenge), we will see some improvement.

[Rossvegas]

I hear ya guys, and I'm sorry if my post sounded overly negative. I KNOW you need to retain some hope, and I pray that Dr. Brown and the rest of the initiatives have an immediate effect...I really do.

Keep the faith!

[NOLA]

I know you do Ross. I do too.

[Amy Winette]

I feel very optomistic guys! I'm really amazed by the response already with the march -- people locally and nationally are taking note. I'm glad you're keeping the faith locals, me too!

[ScoopJohnD]

I'm feeling optomistic myself. First the march, which if you read some of my earlier posts (rants?) you know I thought to be incredilbly important to show everyone your anger and disgust and to show that all different groups in your city were concerned. Then the mayor and chief FINALLY saying things with specifics, and now the hiring of Dr. Brown. And although he is only a consultant I think he actually weilds MUCH more power than you think Ross. Nagin and the city went to HIM, THEY invitied his recommendations and expertise so if what Dr. Brown recommends is ignored, Nagin and crew are REALLY going to look like horse's asses. And I want to hope that they are not that stupid and pigheaded.

[ibjamn]

http://network.bestfriends.org/hurricane/news/931.html (for picture)

Best Friends Hurricane Relief
Where There's Life There's Hope

January 7, 2006 : 12:00 AM
“Mister Francis, I have something to share with you.” It was St. Francis co-founder and operations manager, Heidi Krupp, and I could tell from her tone that whatever it was she wanted to share with me, I wasn’t going to like it. She opened the hatchback on an SUV and a choking but familiar stench emerged that I knew to be sick, dirty, mangy dog, but I couldn’t see a dog anywhere, just a big cardboard box.

“Have a look at this,” she said pulling back a couple of flaps of cardboard, “four feral puppies.” It was hard to distinguish one end from another as they were all burrowed in fear in each other’s coats. In a better life they would have been playful, fluffy and fat with smiling faces and rich thick coats. Once you managed to untangle them with your eyes what emerged was a sad pile of sores, fleas, angry rashes and stuck eyes.

The young woman who brought them to Heidi intervened in the standard police solution to such as these when she stopped an officer from shooting them…just a cruder version of the big city solution…and loaded them off to St. Francis. They are Katrina pups…sick, mangy, frightened and just about to be too feral to save. These, at about 8 weeks will be fine and have been taken into our puppy care system. I’ll keep you posted on their progress.

Hi Everyone
I had the humbling experience to take care of these little babies with Mom Carrie while I was in Tylertown for a week. I was so moved by their struggle to survive, even when they seemed in so much pain. Watching little Eiyore cower in the corner in fear and pain brought me to tears. Being in Tylertown was something that I will remember the rest of my life, I can't belive that there exists such a wonderful organization as this, they cared for every animal, no matter what was wrong with them. They are certainly angels, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work beside them. I took home Bella and Eiyore, and they are doing wonderful. I can't belive they are the same sad little babies that I met last week. They are finally acting like puppies, a testamant to the people of Best Friends who belive that every furry little life is worth all that they can give it. The babies are being spoiled rotten here in Massachusetts and send all their love to everyone at Tylertown

These are the stories of our animals, but are we much different? We are beaten down and sad. But we manage, somehow to rise up and fight for our city! Where there is LIFE there is HOPE! And we will move ahead, through the sludge, through the trash, through the negativity and through the violence.

New Orleans WILL survive, make no mistake, we have been through plague, disease and flood, yet we survive. And we survive thanks to the support we receive from our brothers and sisters who love our city.

Thank You.

[ScoopJohnD]

That just about says it all, Jenn.

[ibjamn]

Thanks, Scoop! :)

[ozzie]

I know lots of us have saved from the needle (or God forbid a gun) much loved critters in our homes. It's a powerful analogy for how a little love, care, respect and a CHANCE is all a body or community needs to thrive.

[ibjamn]

You're so right, Ozzie, and many thanks!

[VWGal]

That's a great story Jenn, and while the picture of that poor pup was heartbreaking, it was uplifting to read the comments about the pups and their rescuers on the link. I can just picture those fur balls lolling around the yard and enjoying the life of O'Riley. The story is a great analogy for New Orleans -- even the most desperate of situations is capable of being turned around. If the people of the great city of New Orleans are not giving up hope, we won't either.

[Corona]

http://network.bestfriends.org/hurricane/news/931.html (for picture)

Best Friends Hurricane Relief
Where There's Life There's Hope

January 7, 2006 : 12:00 AM
“Mister Francis, I have something to share with you.” It was St. Francis co-founder and operations manager, Heidi Krupp, and I could tell from her tone that whatever it was she wanted to share with me, I wasn’t going to like it. She opened the hatchback on an SUV and a choking but familiar stench emerged that I knew to be sick, dirty, mangy dog, but I couldn’t see a dog anywhere, just a big cardboard box.

“Have a look at this,” she said pulling back a couple of flaps of cardboard, “four feral puppies.” It was hard to distinguish one end from another as they were all burrowed in fear in each other’s coats. In a better life they would have been playful, fluffy and fat with smiling faces and rich thick coats. Once you managed to untangle them with your eyes what emerged was a sad pile of sores, fleas, angry rashes and stuck eyes.

The young woman who brought them to Heidi intervened in the standard police solution to such as these when she stopped an officer from shooting them…just a cruder version of the big city solution…and loaded them off to St. Francis. They are Katrina pups…sick, mangy, frightened and just about to be too feral to save. These, at about 8 weeks will be fine and have been taken into our puppy care system. I’ll keep you posted on their progress.

Hi Everyone
I had the humbling experience to take care of these little babies with Mom Carrie while I was in Tylertown for a week. I was so moved by their struggle to survive, even when they seemed in so much pain. Watching little Eiyore cower in the corner in fear and pain brought me to tears. Being in Tylertown was something that I will remember the rest of my life, I can't belive that there exists such a wonderful organization as this, they cared for every animal, no matter what was wrong with them. They are certainly angels, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work beside them. I took home Bella and Eiyore, and they are doing wonderful. I can't belive they are the same sad little babies that I met last week. They are finally acting like puppies, a testamant to the people of Best Friends who belive that every furry little life is worth all that they can give it. The babies are being spoiled rotten here in Massachusetts and send all their love to everyone at Tylertown

These are the stories of our animals, but are we much different? We are beaten down and sad. But we manage, somehow to rise up and fight for our city! Where there is LIFE there is HOPE! And we will move ahead, through the sludge, through the trash, through the negativity and through the violence.

New Orleans WILL survive, make no mistake, we have been through plague, disease and flood, yet we survive. And we survive thanks to the support we receive from our brothers and sisters who love our city.

Thank You.
bawling now.....beautiful.

[Corona]

bawling now.....beautiful.
btw, this story made me compare katrina teens to the puppies....the feral puppies made me think of our teen thugs living wherever they can find in the city, surviving in gangs, no parents around, selling drugs and shooting guns. I think there's still hope for some of them too...I hope with all this change a comin' some better youth services will be in place in the city...