C. Ray Nagin, Mayor of New Orleans, has done it again. He said – and I am not making this up – that the phenomenal murder rate in New Orleans can be a good thing. Really. Let’s hear what 'ol C. Ray had to say:
"Do I worry about it? Somewhat. It's not good for us, but it also keeps the New Orleans brand out there, and it keeps people thinking about our needs and what we need to bring this community back. So it is kind of a two-edged sword.”
Wow. He only worries “somewhat” about the uncontrolled killing in the City? That’s a comfort. Last time I heard, he was blaming it all on rap videos. And what exactly is the “New Orleans brand”, anyway? These days it seems to be, "New Orleans: Proud to put a cap in your ass". I do not know weather to call him incompetent or delusional; but since C. Ray seems to think a majority of Louisianaians might want to call him Governor, I’m going with both.
Remember that the majority of those dying are mostly poor, young, minority males with low educational backgrounds who have turned to drugs and crime in order to survive. Had a white elected official said what C. Ray did about the current situation, Jesse Jackson and/or Al Sharpton would have been down here faster than you can say "photo-op". So why does Mayor C. Ray get a pass?
Also on the subject of effective City governance, New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas has been has been indicted on corruption charges. It appears he will plead guilty.
And they still wonder why the Feds don’t trust 'em with a nickel. At the rate things are going folks, you’d better get land in Ascension Parish and Livingston Parish while you can.
UPDATE: Oliver Thomas has resigned after pleading guilty.
