I read my first convincing argument as to why it is inappropriate to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year. His best point is that folks outside of New Orleans may think we’re back to normal. I still disagree with the commentator, but he has a very good point.
So, let me make this perfectly clear—New Orleans is NOT back to normal. I don’t know how many YEARS that will take, but we’re not even close! Many still need help. There was an apartment fire the other day and it left folks homeless. Not the kind of homeless that apartment fires usually yield. The literally have nowhere to live. They cannot find places to stay because there are none. I think you have the point now.
Second, I know that for many Mardi Gras is a drunken orgy of show me your ____s. But, for most of us, that’s not what Mardi Gras is all about. It’s about holding my daughter’s hand as we trot up to the floats to get cheap stuffed animals. It’s about watching her and Shirley’s eyes light up when they get a 5 cent piece of crap from a stranger! It’s about being with my son as he marches in the rain. It’s about seeing old friends that we’re too busy to visit otherwise. It’s about a thousand other really good things.
I need Mardi Gras. You know why? Guess what I will be doing without for Lent? A job. Some of my closest friends. Lunches and dinners at some of my favorite restaurants. Peace of mind behind government built levees. Neighbors who live in their homes instead of trailers.
BTW—For lunch, I ate a shrimp poboy-dressed. For dinner I ate at Café Roma yesterday. I got the book by Chris Rose. Ate Red Velvet cake and Banana Pudding (made by my girls). I took pictures at a local park too! It was a very good birthday.
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