September 03, 2005

Final Leg of Evacuation

Dear Friends,

I am finally leaving Greenville, MS to head to the Chicago area for next few (several?) weeks. I will be able to reestablish a more robust Internet and email presence once I am there. Before I leave, I want to thank all of my dear friends who have opened up their homes and their hearts to me and two beloved octogenerian dogs, Rocky and Vito.

Thank you Matt, Julia, Jayne, Jimmy, and Jenny in Galveston, TX, who accepted my call at 1 AM Sunday morning and without hesitation invited me to evacuate there.

Thank you Stanley and Andy who took me in in Greenville.

And thank you to my family in the Chicago area who will keep me for as long as necessary (I am sure my dad would love to keep me up there forever).

I am blessed.

I know that many people lost everything: homes, pets, priceless memories, loved ones. Keep hope.

God bless and keep those who did not make it.

Here is my line in the sand: in a shorter time than anyone can imagine now, New Orleans will be back. It won't ever be what it was. Parts of it will take years to rebound.

But if you want to be a part of the biggest party the world has ever seen, make your reservations for Mardi Gras 2006 now. We will be crying rivers of joy as the floats go by. The French Quarter will be a 21st century frontier town of unimaginable excitement.

I simply will not yield to the forces of nihilism that we currently see on TV. The snipers, arsonists, and looters who feel a fleeting sense of power today will be washed away tomorrow like so many leaves in the gutter. Rock doesn't stand a chance against water.

Let us all pray for and thank the humanitarian and security personnel who are descending upon New Orleans like the angels they are. Mistakes have been made, and more will be made. We are human. Thank you all.

There is only one more thing to say:

Les Bon Temps Roulez

Posted by nopundit at September 3, 2005 10:52 AM
Comments

As the old Punk Rock saying goes, "Dont let the bastards grind you down" I dont think anyone from N.O. or La. subscribes to this whole line of crap about scrapping New Orleans, and I think you're right; Les Bon Temps Roulez!! God Bless New Orleans!!

Posted by: steve at September 5, 2005 08:17 AM

I first came across your blog today. I noticed you evacuated to Galveston. Too bad you weren't still here; I'd buy you a drink...a stiff drink. ;-)

Just want to mention a petition that was started to save the animlas. Please sign it if you feel so inclined. Thanks and best wishes to you! Glad you're safe & sound.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/840979272

Posted by: Heidi in Galveston at September 7, 2005 03:52 AM

I beg you to allow the victims of the hurricane to rescue their beloved pets..WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY!!!!

Posted by: susangrant at September 8, 2005 04:44 PM

sorry for the lower case, my shift key is kaput. i wanted to thank you for all the past support, and extend an offer of assistance, should you find yourself in hampton, sc - that's about an hour from hilton head.

good luck in the future - keep blogging.

Posted by: linda f at September 24, 2005 09:11 AM

Wow! That must be pretty kool and scarey at the same time to see that. For Eric, good luck bro. We are all here for you when you get back.

Posted by: DJFatTy at September 26, 2005 09:59 AM

Dear survivor of hurricane Katrina, I just want to tell you that whatever hell you have been through it could be worse. The only reason I can say this is I have been there. It's not in the U.S. mind you but it is close. In this place most do not have homes to leave or shoes on their feet. In this hell the only concern you have is were your next meal will come from. Were if an American drank the water they would die! This hell on earth is called Honduras. I can guarentee whatever you are going through is nothing. I can say this only because I have seen it with my own two eyes. The most amazing thing is they are happy. So do as the Hondurans and be glad.

Posted by: honduras at September 26, 2005 10:30 AM