EERIE ECHOES

Watching The Gangs of New York last night, at the end when Leo DiCaprio looks at the city as it burns from the Draft Riots and speaks a kind of epitaph: "And no matter what they did to build this city up again, for the rest of time, it will be like no-one even knew we was ever here."

I couldn't help turning to The Sage and asking, "Do you think the poor of New Orleans, who have lived there for generations and are now spread about in unfamiliar locations all over the country, are thinking the same thing?"

Some regard the reconstruction of New Orleans as a social and political experiment. Who will represent the evacuees in the decision-making? Who will be their voice? Isn't it THEIR city? Again, will only the wealthiest citizens, the top 1% or so, be consulted?