Lost?

Did we lose New Orleans?

But to my country I want to say this: During this crisis you failed us. You looked down on us; you dismissed our victims; you dismissed us. You want our Jazz Fest, you want our Mardi Gras, you want our cooking and our music. Then when you saw us in real trouble, when you saw a tiny minority preying on the weak among us, you called us "Sin City," and turned your backs.

Well, we are a lot more than all that. And though we may seem the most exotic, the most atmospheric and, at times, the most downtrodden part of this land, we are still part of it. We are Americans. We are you.

I talked to a native who escaped. She said Mardi Gras will happen next year. It's going to be a big party. That's just the way they are. The costume theme will be hurricane damage. people will wear fucked up houses on their heads and trash they found on their lawns. People will dress as Bush and FEMA's Brown -- this is where I suggested effigies on ropes, and she said that was a fine idea.

And they'll drink and parade on the filthy streets, because that's just what they will do. I said I'd hope to be there, but then felt guilty. That should be kept as the natives' party. No tourists allowed.

That reminds me of another idea. We go to all the frat boys with the richest families and tell them no more Girls Gone Wild, no more boobie flashing, no more public drinking in a massive street party, unless they get mommy and daddy to donate all to helping the people survive, then to helping the people rebuild.