Considerations about future of New Orleans
Re “A New New Orleans,” Current, Sept. 4
Joel Kotkin’s piece is breathtaking in its ignorance. He says the wrong approach is to re-create New Orleans as a phony “Cajun Disneyland.” It is now apparent that the French Quarter and Garden District escaped with minimal damage. These areas can and should be refurbished with no loss of authenticity.
Kotkin recommends the city emulate the “ugly” prosperity of Houston. Houston’s successes have hinged on access to surrounding rural land into which it has expanded. New Orleans is encircled by water and swamps. Where does Kotkin propose to erect this second Houston? On the floor of Lake Pontchartrain? All will be lost if officials forge ahead in willful disregard of the unique particularities of the place.
WRIGHT RIX
Los Angeles
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All of the articles in Sunday’s Current highlighting the history, plight and future of New Orleans were a direct hit. This nation has turned a blind eye to local poverty, regional politics and the endless federal mandates naked of essential funding and compassion. Now we are forced to see the inequality laid bare -- in the eyes of the “least among us,” those huddled masses left behind.
VALEO SCHULTZ
Los Angeles
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