Mayor C. Ray Nagin

Mayor’s Office

1300 Perdido, Room 2E04

New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone: (504) 658-4900

Fax:     (504) 658-4938

 

To Mayor Ray Nagin,                                                              February 7, 2006

 

I am faxing you a Reuter’s article where it states that you are looking to other nations for help since Bush has all but forgotten your city.

 

This article cites: “says he may seek international assistance because U.S. aid has not been sufficient to get the city back on its feet.”

 

I have to say that I was livid when I read this (Feb. 6th) AP article citing: “The Bush administration offered no new aid for Hurricane Katrina victims in the budget it released Monday, instead putting modest amounts of money into preparedness and response plans for future disasters.”

 

As I read: “The Bush administration has pledged billions of dollars to Katrina victims but five months after the storm, New Orleans remains largely in ruins.” As reported by Reuters and your response: "We need your undivided attention over the next six months," You then go onto state:  "We need backup. We need for you to make the words that you spoke in Jackson Square a reality." Clearly, Mayor Nagin, Bush forgot about you already through his newly released budget.

 

In the aftermath of Katrina I worked the phones demanding that aid be accepted coming from Venezuela where Bush said NO to this compassionate aid package which included:

 

Two mobile hospitals with a capacity of 150 people each at a time; ten water purification stations; eight electric generators, each with a capacity of 850 kilowatts; 20 tons of drinking water; 50 tons of canned food; and 5,000 blankets. The offer will be made available in immediate fashion, should the Government of the United States choose to accept it, through the CITGO Corporation.

 

Given the fact where tensions have risen between Venezuela and the United States just recently that has not stopped President Hugo Chavez from helping out the poor in this country when it comes to their oil needs.  I even covered one delivery in the Bronx as a columnist for VHeadline.com which is a Venezuelan news site.  Those recipients praised President Chavez for his compassionate help.

 

So, perhaps on behalf of your constituents, I would suggest asking President Hugo Chavez since he came to our aid, but that aid was denied.  We are always wondering where others are when we need their help, well he heard our plea and we told President Chavez: “NO!”

 

Just think of what message that would send Bush after he has so heinously turned his back on your city.

 

Sincerely,

Mary MacElveen

Columnist for VHeadline.com

 

Reuters: Mayor: New Orleans Will Seek Aid From Other Nations

 

Associated Press: No New Katrina Aid in Bush Budget