Tonight saw "War and Peace," a massive, lavish historical epic based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy. This was staged at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, by the Mariinsky Orchestra and Opera, from St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), Russia. They staged 13 scenes in two acts, under the baton of Director Valery Gergiev. This was a major undertaking for the Kennedy Center, almost like staging an entire Russian festival.
The Russian composter Sergei Prokofiev returned to the Soviet Union in the late 1930's - after a career in the US and Europe - and was pressured by Soviet authorities to write this opera, in the 1940's. But it's pretty good - lyrical, massive in scope, and basically pleasing to listen to. The story is a hodge-podge of romantic story-lines, family soap-operas, wealth & poverty/class issues, and of course, the war with Napoleon. At the time it was performed, it resonated with Soviet citizens who faced the invasion of Nazi Germany.
I attended a lecture earlier in the day which gave basic background on the composer and circumstances of the opera's development. We discussed the plot lines of the first and second half, character development, and the nature of the melodic themes.
The first half was all romance, betrayal, lust, etc. - several story lines based on the lives of four major families. Many characters from the book were developed, but others left untouched. Nice solo vocal performances, and duets between lovers. The scenery was massive - a large parquet floor which rotated like a giant Lazy Susan. Palaces were delineated by drop-down glowing columns, and dachas or country houses were denoted by cabinet door-ways or tiled fireplaces. An article in the Washington Post discussed the challenge of moving the scenery across the Atlantic Ocean in container ships - all for two performances in Washington, DC.
The second half is like a different opera - following the male characters as they enter the Russian Army and fight Napoleon's French invasion force. The Russians have nice green/red uniforms, and the regulars are backed by a large peasant force. The volunteers seem endless which - in addition to the harsh winter - basically wears down Napoleon's forces. However, at a certain point the Russian Army and citizens of Moscow are forced to abandon the city. There are interesting scenes where citizens living in the sewers and tunnels are flushed-out by the French army, and harassed by soldiers. There is also a great effect of the city burning in the distance, and flakes of ash coming down on the stage. (In several snow-storm scenes, there are very realistic flakes of snow coming down outside the dacha or palace in the foreground).
Ball scenes are impressive, with sharply-dressed military officers, beautiful gowns of cream, rose and gold, sparkling with crystals and diamond jewelry. The peasants wear muslin tunics, or scarves and heavy skirts. Nice detail, as is typical with Russian ballet and opera - even down to the wigs! A peasant moving with the Russian Army carried a tree-trunk around, apparently as his weapon of choice. Basically, very good detail, historically accurate, and interesting - despite its length (three and one-quarter hours, plus a 45-minute intermission). Saw several people I knew at the performance, as well as journalist Chris Matthews, and lots of older Washingtonians and Russo-philes! Well worth the time and money.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Olympics / John Mayer
Have to catch up with a few events, over the past weeks. DC battled huge drifts of snow - a record snow-fall (even going back to the late 1800's), with over 2 feet of snow. In addition to all the snow (which we are not used to in this region), the temperatures stayed cold. Thus, huge snow and ice piles were around town for weeks. I was supposed to move to my new apartment - and had to delay the move for 2 weekends, until the sun came out! Fortunately, we did have a sunny weekend in late February and some friends and I were able to move all my boxes and stuff to 1500 Mass. Ave., NW.
The Vancouver Winter Olympics were also a lot of fun to watch. American athletes did surprisingly well in Alpine and Nordic events - beyond the usual figure skating, short-track, and snow-boarding (which they basically invented). Friendly Canadian hosts - and it was great to see Canadian athletes do well also. Their lusty renditions of "O Canada" really brought a lump to my throat! Kim Yu-Na was also achingly beautiful, with her figure-skating - which was almost balletic in its style. Lots of new young figure-skaters, good to give the US and Russia a challenge in that area!
Also, saw a John Mayer concert. Brings to mind the phrase "I see what all the fuss is about." He is a talented singer, guitarist and all-around performer, who is in his prime. His music is beautiful to listen to, even if you're not familiar with the songs. I mostly went to the concert because Michael Franti & Spearhead was the warm-up act: Franti is a funky, hip-hopper out of San Francisco. A big supporter of Iraq Veterans against the War, who were at the concert - got a couple of "shout-outs" from M.F. Good set overall - but I do think his barefoot style is a bit weird (especially in winter). But he gives an energetic performance that really involves the audience: at the end about 50 fans were up on stage with the band!
The Vancouver Winter Olympics were also a lot of fun to watch. American athletes did surprisingly well in Alpine and Nordic events - beyond the usual figure skating, short-track, and snow-boarding (which they basically invented). Friendly Canadian hosts - and it was great to see Canadian athletes do well also. Their lusty renditions of "O Canada" really brought a lump to my throat! Kim Yu-Na was also achingly beautiful, with her figure-skating - which was almost balletic in its style. Lots of new young figure-skaters, good to give the US and Russia a challenge in that area!
Also, saw a John Mayer concert. Brings to mind the phrase "I see what all the fuss is about." He is a talented singer, guitarist and all-around performer, who is in his prime. His music is beautiful to listen to, even if you're not familiar with the songs. I mostly went to the concert because Michael Franti & Spearhead was the warm-up act: Franti is a funky, hip-hopper out of San Francisco. A big supporter of Iraq Veterans against the War, who were at the concert - got a couple of "shout-outs" from M.F. Good set overall - but I do think his barefoot style is a bit weird (especially in winter). But he gives an energetic performance that really involves the audience: at the end about 50 fans were up on stage with the band!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
"The Most Dangerous Man in America"
The snow is still piled up in DC - but at least its piled at the side of the streets! Streets are generally clear, especially in downtown. Sidewalks generally passable, though one has to climb over mounds of snow at times, just to reach the next sidewalk! Federal Government is gradually reopening, schools should be back next week, etc. Quite an unprecedented amount of snow for this area - it sets an all-time record (going back to the 1800's).
Saw an excellent film last evening, "The Most Dangerous Man in America," about defense analyst-turned-activist Daniel Ellsberg. He was at last evening's screening, along with former Senator Mike Gravel and the filmmaker. They are trying to have the film considered for the Oscars Documentary category - a la Al Gore!
The film is a fascinating look at the life of Daniel Ellsberg, the Rand defense analyst who attended an anti-war rally and was greatly influenced by Randy Kehler, a Vietnam War draft resister. Ellsberg decided to publish the Pentagon Papers, a study of the War in Vietnam, and how to fight the war strategically. He was opposed, of course, by the Nixon Adminstration, which feared the release of war strategy - as well as comments by Nixon and Kissinger regarding possible use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam.
The New York Times -and eventually - Washington Post challenged an order of prior restraint, preventing them from publishing the papers. The US Supreme Court, in what is still a leading precedent on First Amendment law, said that prior restraint of publication must be justified by a higher standard. In other words, the First Amendment must be interpreted broadly, in order to protect the public's right to know.
It was also the Pentagon Papers that led to Pres. Nixon's "dirty tricks" squad, leading eventually to the Watergate break-in and cover-up. It was Nixon and Kissinger's fear of the release of the papers that led them to circumvent the law, in trying to prevent leaks from the National Security Council and White House.
The film features interviews with Ellsberg, Randy Kehler, Anthony Russo (fellow Rand analyst who refused to testify against Ellsberg), the late Howard Zinn, New York Times editors, and others. Very well done - inspires me to refresh myself on this important slice of history.
Saw an excellent film last evening, "The Most Dangerous Man in America," about defense analyst-turned-activist Daniel Ellsberg. He was at last evening's screening, along with former Senator Mike Gravel and the filmmaker. They are trying to have the film considered for the Oscars Documentary category - a la Al Gore!
The film is a fascinating look at the life of Daniel Ellsberg, the Rand defense analyst who attended an anti-war rally and was greatly influenced by Randy Kehler, a Vietnam War draft resister. Ellsberg decided to publish the Pentagon Papers, a study of the War in Vietnam, and how to fight the war strategically. He was opposed, of course, by the Nixon Adminstration, which feared the release of war strategy - as well as comments by Nixon and Kissinger regarding possible use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam.
The New York Times -and eventually - Washington Post challenged an order of prior restraint, preventing them from publishing the papers. The US Supreme Court, in what is still a leading precedent on First Amendment law, said that prior restraint of publication must be justified by a higher standard. In other words, the First Amendment must be interpreted broadly, in order to protect the public's right to know.
It was also the Pentagon Papers that led to Pres. Nixon's "dirty tricks" squad, leading eventually to the Watergate break-in and cover-up. It was Nixon and Kissinger's fear of the release of the papers that led them to circumvent the law, in trying to prevent leaks from the National Security Council and White House.
The film features interviews with Ellsberg, Randy Kehler, Anthony Russo (fellow Rand analyst who refused to testify against Ellsberg), the late Howard Zinn, New York Times editors, and others. Very well done - inspires me to refresh myself on this important slice of history.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A couple of notes on recent posts:
2010 SNOWSTORMS: This is now officially, the snowiest winter of all time! Since records began to be kept in the late 1800's, this was approaching a record-setting winter - but it has now exceeded snow-fall for any previous winter.
The local TV stations in DC remain on the air throughout the day, during these storms. I wonder why they do this (preempting soap operas, game- and talk-shows). First, I think they do it to promote public safety: if people are getting a non-stop, "virtual tour" of the region, they have less need to go out and explore on their own. It is a forum for conveying important information, such as safety points (clear roofs; clear exhaust outlets; clear the area around fire hydrants;etc.). Watchers are also kept up to date on possible transportation options (metro trains, buses, commuter trains), in case they do need to go out. It also keeps everyone generally pacified, and informed, during the storm.
I also think the local TV stations can get away with this type of blanket coverage, these days, because there are many more cable options for viewing. In other words, when people get tired of hearing about the regional snow-storm (and seeing live stand-up comments from reporters), they can switch to WGN, Nickelodeon, the CW, or other cable options to get some varied fare. The availability of DVD's and Netflix, also provides more options.
THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS' BIG VICTORY: A follow-up to my New Orleans post: During the New Orleans Saints victory parade, on Tuesday, Feb. 9, over 20 Krewes donated their "lead" or signature float, to help carry players and staff. These crews are normally quite competitive, so for them to combine their signature floats (the float usually used to carry the King, Queen, or Grand Marshal for that parade) in one parade, is quite unprecedented. The lead float was Bacchus (grapes, fruits): that held quarterback Drew Brees, backups Chase Daniel and Mark Brunell, and the Offensive Linemen. The Rex float (a giant smiling Jester) held the wide receivers. Another was Caesar, a red float with large gold Roman centurions at the front. The float carrying Head Coach Sean Payton and his family (and the Lombardi Trophy itself!) appeared to be a large red railroad train, with giant gold wheels.
The Owner Tom Benson and his family were on a colorful float featuring large fleur-de-lix emblems, which changed hues throughout the parade. Beautiful! As each float arrived at the City Hall viewing stand, they were greeted by outgoing Mayor Ray Nagin (who was Mayor during Hurricane Katrina), Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, and a host of Congressman, borough presidents, Mayors from around the state, etc. Governor Bobby Jindal was of course there: he emphasized building New Orleans "better than before" (a code-name for charter schools; high-tech jobs; and eliminating most public housing projects). We will see if he clashes with newly-elected Mayor Mitch Landrieu (Sen. Mary's little brother) who comes from a more traditional "big-money" Democrat perspective.
Should be an interesting time in the Big Easy - especially now that they have more confidence back!
2010 SNOWSTORMS: This is now officially, the snowiest winter of all time! Since records began to be kept in the late 1800's, this was approaching a record-setting winter - but it has now exceeded snow-fall for any previous winter.
The local TV stations in DC remain on the air throughout the day, during these storms. I wonder why they do this (preempting soap operas, game- and talk-shows). First, I think they do it to promote public safety: if people are getting a non-stop, "virtual tour" of the region, they have less need to go out and explore on their own. It is a forum for conveying important information, such as safety points (clear roofs; clear exhaust outlets; clear the area around fire hydrants;etc.). Watchers are also kept up to date on possible transportation options (metro trains, buses, commuter trains), in case they do need to go out. It also keeps everyone generally pacified, and informed, during the storm.
I also think the local TV stations can get away with this type of blanket coverage, these days, because there are many more cable options for viewing. In other words, when people get tired of hearing about the regional snow-storm (and seeing live stand-up comments from reporters), they can switch to WGN, Nickelodeon, the CW, or other cable options to get some varied fare. The availability of DVD's and Netflix, also provides more options.
THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS' BIG VICTORY: A follow-up to my New Orleans post: During the New Orleans Saints victory parade, on Tuesday, Feb. 9, over 20 Krewes donated their "lead" or signature float, to help carry players and staff. These crews are normally quite competitive, so for them to combine their signature floats (the float usually used to carry the King, Queen, or Grand Marshal for that parade) in one parade, is quite unprecedented. The lead float was Bacchus (grapes, fruits): that held quarterback Drew Brees, backups Chase Daniel and Mark Brunell, and the Offensive Linemen. The Rex float (a giant smiling Jester) held the wide receivers. Another was Caesar, a red float with large gold Roman centurions at the front. The float carrying Head Coach Sean Payton and his family (and the Lombardi Trophy itself!) appeared to be a large red railroad train, with giant gold wheels.
The Owner Tom Benson and his family were on a colorful float featuring large fleur-de-lix emblems, which changed hues throughout the parade. Beautiful! As each float arrived at the City Hall viewing stand, they were greeted by outgoing Mayor Ray Nagin (who was Mayor during Hurricane Katrina), Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, and a host of Congressman, borough presidents, Mayors from around the state, etc. Governor Bobby Jindal was of course there: he emphasized building New Orleans "better than before" (a code-name for charter schools; high-tech jobs; and eliminating most public housing projects). We will see if he clashes with newly-elected Mayor Mitch Landrieu (Sen. Mary's little brother) who comes from a more traditional "big-money" Democrat perspective.
Should be an interesting time in the Big Easy - especially now that they have more confidence back!
Another Snow Day!
The snow is blowing today - real blizzard conditions, which are treacherous to go out in. This is our second major snowstorm in a week - and that comes on the heels of earlier snows this winter. DC will exceed its accumulated snowfall for any winter, going all the way back to the late 1800's! People with 4-wheel drive vehicles still go out, hopefully to help ferry doctors and medical personnel to hospitals. The DC National Guard has been activated for today's storm - because side-streets are still unplowed and rescue personnel cannot get into many neighborhoods.
Just yesterday (Tuesday) we had a break from the snow, and there were buses, taxis and vehicles on the road. Not today! It will be interesting to see if the Federal Government and courts open up tomorrow. Schools will probably remain closed, even in DC, if it is difficult to get around.
We are being hit with a combination of storms coming from the West; today's Nor'easter; and apparently, the warming effects of El Nino. It's a perfect storm. As of 2 p.m., we keep being told that DC is almost "out of the woods" - yet the snow continues to fall and there are frequent gusts. Another foot of fresh snow is on the ground now, on top of the 2 feet that remained after last weekend's snowfall. What an experience!
Just yesterday (Tuesday) we had a break from the snow, and there were buses, taxis and vehicles on the road. Not today! It will be interesting to see if the Federal Government and courts open up tomorrow. Schools will probably remain closed, even in DC, if it is difficult to get around.
We are being hit with a combination of storms coming from the West; today's Nor'easter; and apparently, the warming effects of El Nino. It's a perfect storm. As of 2 p.m., we keep being told that DC is almost "out of the woods" - yet the snow continues to fall and there are frequent gusts. Another foot of fresh snow is on the ground now, on top of the 2 feet that remained after last weekend's snowfall. What an experience!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Saints go Marching In!
During one of several DC snow days, I am watching the New Orleans Saints take their "victory march" through the streets of New Orleans! What a meaningful day - for them and for the entire city and Gulf Coast region. I have visited New Orleans several times in earlier years - way back in 1980 I experienced Mardi Gras, when our father was working in the area. Then returned in December 1981 for my wedding, which was held at a Methodist church in suburban Slidell, followed by a reception dinner and a carriage ride through the French Quarter!
I visited New Orleans for a National School Boards Assn convention in the mid-1990's. On each of these visits, the good food, beautiful river views, and chickory coffee at the Cafe Du Monde were treats! Finally, Hurricane Katrina hit. I was out in Portland, OR, that August of 2005, getting ready to fly back to DC. My mother (who has since died after a 12-year battle with breast cancer) said that they were evacuating the city - finally, as it was already Sunday and the storm was due that night. The hurricane would be bigger than originally expected. When I flew across the country on Monday, Aug. 29, we went through some buffeting winds - I imagined that these were the remnants of Katrina, moving across the midwest.
Then we heard the city had flooded - that fires were breaking out - saw the images of people being lifted off roof-tops by the Coast Guard helicopter pilots. Heard Rev. Jesse Jackson say: "these are not refugees: they are American citizens who have been abandoned by their government!" On Weds-Thursday, saw network television reporters (Bob Woodward, Anderson Cooper) go to the Morial Convention Center (where I had attended the school board convention years earlier) and see people simply stranded there. No food, water, medical care. An unsafe situation: the City said that the convention center was not an "official" shelter, unlike the Superdome. (The Superdome itself was not much better.) Doctors attempting to care for patients at Charity Hospital, said that conditions were "worse than Third World medicine." Finally, on Friday morning, the 82nd Airborne Division swept in - established field hospitals, started running IV's and dispensing basic care. (This was probably in violation of the posse comitatus law, which says that active-duty military may not be used in domestic emergency operations - but this situation was beyond the considerations of the law.)
We also heard of large trucks sent by Wal-Mart - filled with water - which were turned back by an incompetent FEMA. In June-July 2006, less than one year after Katrina, I went to New Orleans for a 10-day work trip with my church (Foundry United Methodist). We worked in two groups, to renovate a home in Kenner and put up dry-wall at a home on Franklin Ave. in the 8th Ward. Keep in mind that houses were still undergoing the initial "gutting" during this summer - thousands of college students and activists had come to the city during the spring and summer of 2006, to gut homes, rebuild community centers and schools, and try to spark the resurgence of neighborhoods. Many took the semester off of school to devote to the city. I spent 3 days with Common Ground Relief, one of the most active of these groups - with them I got the "opportunity" to get up at 6 a.m. for a gutting project: we had to start early, because by 3 p.m. the heat was too bad to continue. Everyone slept on bunks at St. Mary's School in the Lower Ninth Ward; ate from a communal kitchen; and met caring folks from all over the country. The gutting process was amazing - throwing out food, appliances, kitchen magnets, everything from the first floor - all the way down to the posts and studs. The second floor, by contrast, was unscathed - carpeting, clothing and furniture was left as it was before the storm! Incredible.
Since then, I've come to know New Orleans evacuees in DC - they were among the 300 or so, brought to DC by then-mayor Anthony Williams. He set up cots, city services and hospitality in the DC Armory. In about a month, a number of the evacuees were given apartments at the Capitol Park Apartments in Southwest Washington. I connected with several of this group at Christmas time, as people working with them asked churches to welcome them for Christmas Eve services. I brought Isaiah Hickerson, Jeffery Davis, and 4 others to Foundry Methodist Church.
As I have a legal services background, I started monthly meetings in the Capitol Park Community Room, to try to connect them with services, but also just to provide hospitality and friendship. I and others from my church brought Popeyes chicken, organized Mardi Gras and Katrina parties, and Christmas gift-cards. About two-thirds of the original group either returned to New Orleans or moved on to other permanent housing in the DC area. About 20 applied for housing vouchers (Section 8) from the DC Housing Authority - but only a handful qualified. (We heard that there was resentment from DC residents, who had been on waiting lists for 5 years or more, to receive these vouchers.) New Orleans evacuees who were senior citizens or disabled, received vouchers under those HUD programs. Others were placed into public housing units - either as single adults or as families with children.
I saw through the eyes of these new friends, everything they had lost. They were forcibly evacuated from N.O. 5 or 6 days after the storm, often by force. The city was being evacuated, and they were taken to the airport and told they had to leave. Once up in the air, they were told they were going to "Dulles" - "Dallas"! they said. No, Dulles. Most had never been to Washington, DC. The apartments they lived in - many for the full 4 years of the rental subsidy - were in the shadow of the US Capitol and Washington Monument. They saw the new Nationals baseball stadium being built, and experienced the ups and downs of the Washington economy. Most had trouble getting any steady work: one worked as a union electrician; another worked steadily in hospitality/hotels. But most were unable to "make it," beyond living in the FEMA-subsidized apartment, and receiving food stamps and Medicaid. Most did not connect well with DC, which has a more businesslike model than New Orleans.
I did see how little they brought with them: one had retrieved a few photographs and valuable papers. All received basic furniture, linens, clothing and housewares, once they arrived. They received gift-cards from the Red Cross, a shopping trip to Wal Mart courtesy of Redskin Lavar Arrington, and furniture from area churches. But most arrived having lost everything they owned, in the floor.
Many of these people remain dear friends - including some who returned to New Orleans only in mid-2009, after all FEMA/HUD subsidies were ended. They are all die-hard Saints fans, and identify with the Saints and Hornets as symbols of the city's resurgence. Keep in mind that both franchises were in danger of being relocated from New Orleans. The NFL and Sugar Bowl Committee ensured that the Lousiana Superdome was rebuilt, so that the Saints and college bowl games would return. The Hornets split time between Oklahoma City (which now has the relocated Seattle Sonics franchise) and San Antonio. However, both teams are back now - many with scintillating stars of great character - Drew Brees, Sean Payton, Chris Paul.
The excitement and pride of the Saints' Super Bowl victory - especially given their history of losing seasons - makes this accomplishment even more momentous for the City. One commentator said that this victory has "awakened us to our own recovery" - in other words, New Orleans IS rebuilding, with a new charter school system, high-tech jobs which attract young people, a revitalized hospitality and tourism industry. Many neighborhoods still lie in ruins or not rebuilt: many homeowners and others who "paid their dues" are hurt and disappointed by the slowness and unresponsiveness of government. But many areas have been rebuilt and they say that 80% of the population has returned. The Saints have returned - and with them the hopes, dreams and aspirations of an entire region.
I visited New Orleans for a National School Boards Assn convention in the mid-1990's. On each of these visits, the good food, beautiful river views, and chickory coffee at the Cafe Du Monde were treats! Finally, Hurricane Katrina hit. I was out in Portland, OR, that August of 2005, getting ready to fly back to DC. My mother (who has since died after a 12-year battle with breast cancer) said that they were evacuating the city - finally, as it was already Sunday and the storm was due that night. The hurricane would be bigger than originally expected. When I flew across the country on Monday, Aug. 29, we went through some buffeting winds - I imagined that these were the remnants of Katrina, moving across the midwest.
Then we heard the city had flooded - that fires were breaking out - saw the images of people being lifted off roof-tops by the Coast Guard helicopter pilots. Heard Rev. Jesse Jackson say: "these are not refugees: they are American citizens who have been abandoned by their government!" On Weds-Thursday, saw network television reporters (Bob Woodward, Anderson Cooper) go to the Morial Convention Center (where I had attended the school board convention years earlier) and see people simply stranded there. No food, water, medical care. An unsafe situation: the City said that the convention center was not an "official" shelter, unlike the Superdome. (The Superdome itself was not much better.) Doctors attempting to care for patients at Charity Hospital, said that conditions were "worse than Third World medicine." Finally, on Friday morning, the 82nd Airborne Division swept in - established field hospitals, started running IV's and dispensing basic care. (This was probably in violation of the posse comitatus law, which says that active-duty military may not be used in domestic emergency operations - but this situation was beyond the considerations of the law.)
We also heard of large trucks sent by Wal-Mart - filled with water - which were turned back by an incompetent FEMA. In June-July 2006, less than one year after Katrina, I went to New Orleans for a 10-day work trip with my church (Foundry United Methodist). We worked in two groups, to renovate a home in Kenner and put up dry-wall at a home on Franklin Ave. in the 8th Ward. Keep in mind that houses were still undergoing the initial "gutting" during this summer - thousands of college students and activists had come to the city during the spring and summer of 2006, to gut homes, rebuild community centers and schools, and try to spark the resurgence of neighborhoods. Many took the semester off of school to devote to the city. I spent 3 days with Common Ground Relief, one of the most active of these groups - with them I got the "opportunity" to get up at 6 a.m. for a gutting project: we had to start early, because by 3 p.m. the heat was too bad to continue. Everyone slept on bunks at St. Mary's School in the Lower Ninth Ward; ate from a communal kitchen; and met caring folks from all over the country. The gutting process was amazing - throwing out food, appliances, kitchen magnets, everything from the first floor - all the way down to the posts and studs. The second floor, by contrast, was unscathed - carpeting, clothing and furniture was left as it was before the storm! Incredible.
Since then, I've come to know New Orleans evacuees in DC - they were among the 300 or so, brought to DC by then-mayor Anthony Williams. He set up cots, city services and hospitality in the DC Armory. In about a month, a number of the evacuees were given apartments at the Capitol Park Apartments in Southwest Washington. I connected with several of this group at Christmas time, as people working with them asked churches to welcome them for Christmas Eve services. I brought Isaiah Hickerson, Jeffery Davis, and 4 others to Foundry Methodist Church.
As I have a legal services background, I started monthly meetings in the Capitol Park Community Room, to try to connect them with services, but also just to provide hospitality and friendship. I and others from my church brought Popeyes chicken, organized Mardi Gras and Katrina parties, and Christmas gift-cards. About two-thirds of the original group either returned to New Orleans or moved on to other permanent housing in the DC area. About 20 applied for housing vouchers (Section 8) from the DC Housing Authority - but only a handful qualified. (We heard that there was resentment from DC residents, who had been on waiting lists for 5 years or more, to receive these vouchers.) New Orleans evacuees who were senior citizens or disabled, received vouchers under those HUD programs. Others were placed into public housing units - either as single adults or as families with children.
I saw through the eyes of these new friends, everything they had lost. They were forcibly evacuated from N.O. 5 or 6 days after the storm, often by force. The city was being evacuated, and they were taken to the airport and told they had to leave. Once up in the air, they were told they were going to "Dulles" - "Dallas"! they said. No, Dulles. Most had never been to Washington, DC. The apartments they lived in - many for the full 4 years of the rental subsidy - were in the shadow of the US Capitol and Washington Monument. They saw the new Nationals baseball stadium being built, and experienced the ups and downs of the Washington economy. Most had trouble getting any steady work: one worked as a union electrician; another worked steadily in hospitality/hotels. But most were unable to "make it," beyond living in the FEMA-subsidized apartment, and receiving food stamps and Medicaid. Most did not connect well with DC, which has a more businesslike model than New Orleans.
I did see how little they brought with them: one had retrieved a few photographs and valuable papers. All received basic furniture, linens, clothing and housewares, once they arrived. They received gift-cards from the Red Cross, a shopping trip to Wal Mart courtesy of Redskin Lavar Arrington, and furniture from area churches. But most arrived having lost everything they owned, in the floor.
Many of these people remain dear friends - including some who returned to New Orleans only in mid-2009, after all FEMA/HUD subsidies were ended. They are all die-hard Saints fans, and identify with the Saints and Hornets as symbols of the city's resurgence. Keep in mind that both franchises were in danger of being relocated from New Orleans. The NFL and Sugar Bowl Committee ensured that the Lousiana Superdome was rebuilt, so that the Saints and college bowl games would return. The Hornets split time between Oklahoma City (which now has the relocated Seattle Sonics franchise) and San Antonio. However, both teams are back now - many with scintillating stars of great character - Drew Brees, Sean Payton, Chris Paul.
The excitement and pride of the Saints' Super Bowl victory - especially given their history of losing seasons - makes this accomplishment even more momentous for the City. One commentator said that this victory has "awakened us to our own recovery" - in other words, New Orleans IS rebuilding, with a new charter school system, high-tech jobs which attract young people, a revitalized hospitality and tourism industry. Many neighborhoods still lie in ruins or not rebuilt: many homeowners and others who "paid their dues" are hurt and disappointed by the slowness and unresponsiveness of government. But many areas have been rebuilt and they say that 80% of the population has returned. The Saints have returned - and with them the hopes, dreams and aspirations of an entire region.
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