Rebuilding

When the citizens of Warsaw failed in their sixty-three day uprising against the Nazis, the Nazis completely and summarily destroyed the old town of Warsaw. Completely and utterly destroyed it.

The Soviet Red Army were camped out in the hills above Warsaw, watching the whole thing. Once the Nazis were finished, the Red Army came in to “liberate” the Poles.

The citizens of Warsaw were fighters. They were going to rebuild the old town, and they weren’t going to make it some “new urbanist” jungle. They wanted to rebuild it the way it was. So, based upon pictures of the old town, they rebuilt Warsaw exactly as it was, brick by brick, even using the old bricks when possible.

Also in WWII, the British destroyed the city of Dresden with firestorm bombing. The citizens of Dresden have rebuilt most of their city to pre-war specs, even during the period of communist rule. Of course, the communists razed many of the churches and buildings, and built many bland socialist modern structures.

But today, much of old Dresden still looks like old Dresden, thanks to the will of the people.

After Hiroshima was targeted by Little Boy, over 90% of their buildings were damaged or destroyed. They, too, have rebuilt.

In 1906, an earthquake of degree 7.8 hit San Francisco. Over 75% of the population was left homeless, and over 80% of the city was destroyed through the earthquake and subsequent fires. Led by the governor of California, the rebuilding was swift, and basically completed in 8 years.

In 1871, a fire burned for 3 days, destroying several square miles of Chicago. It was almost instantly rebuilt. The Palmer House hotel, a block from where I work, burned to the ground 13 days after their grand opening. The owners immediately secured a loan, and rebuilt in a lot across the street.

So we’ve got Warsaw, Dresden, Hiroshima, Chicago and San Francisco, all rebuilt bigger and better, usually preserving the flavor of the original, pre-disaster architecture.

As I've said before, what's the difference between Hiroshima and Louisiana?

Japan rebuilt Hiroshima.

So why do so many insist that New Orleans should be abandoned?

My guess is sheer greed, ignorance, and stupidity. These naysayers do not realize the power of the port, refineries, and seafood industry; let alone the food, music, architecture and culture. This is "the largest port system in the world by bulk tonnage".

We will rebuild, even if we do it all by ourselves. No yankee insurance companies, no federal assistance, nothing.

Never, EVER underestimate the indominable spirit of the people of New Orleans.

The Saints are coming, and we are them.

Sinn Fein.

Comments

[bigshot]

Great post. I think naysayers who say there's no point in rebuilding New Orleans say that not because they really believe it, but because it is an easy way to excuse themselves for not engaging in or contributing to the rebuilding effort. Rebuilding New Orleans will take time and lots of money, and it is worth it. Well worth it. But for those that don't want to partake in the rebuilding, I wish they would just go away and stop making excuses for their own selfishness.

[MAD]

I am always stunned by this "do-not-rebuild" N.O. sentiment. Congress spent more on the "Big Dig" in Boston than it will ever spend to restore the LA. wetlands; more to restore the Florida Everglades than it will spend to re-build the levee system around N. O. There is something inexplicable and far more sinister to this attitude than we dare to believe.

[Donnie McDaniel]

I have said since the storms, that we should shut off the pipelines and watch them scream like a school yard girl with a skinned knee!

Then ask the rest of the country if we have their undivided attention now. Just too bad that our leaders here don't have the balls to do it.

[Marco]

Give it to 'em and blockade the port already! A standoff with the Guard will make prime time.

[doctorj]

There is only one reason they should rebuild New Orleans. WE ARE AMERICANS! I don't think we have to say anything else. That being said, it is great to know we hold leverage to use in our defense. Who would have ever thought 16 months later we would STILL be having to argue for our right to exist? When did things become so warped in this country?

[Sophmom]

It's bullshit and they're the same idiot assholes who put the criminals in power in Washington, and made this financial and international mess.

Way back in the beginning of the aftermath, George Will suggested on "This Week" that NOLA shouldn't be rebuilt and Donna Brazille just laughed out loud, saying, "I know those people and they'll rebuild it with their own hands if they have to."

As for SFO, I could be wrong about this, but I recall that it was not only rebuilt but to original specs, which explains why it looks like an old city when in fact most of it is newer than Atlanta (which was also burned to the ground not so long ago).

Peace.

[judyb54]

Once again, you've outdone yourself! Thank you

[Mr. Clio]

Yeah.
You.
Rite.

P.S. The only reason I don't bid on the black helmet on ebay is because you said you're already doing it. If you get it, at least let me touch it.

[karen boudreaux]

I live out of state for the time being. The most posed question I get is, Why would you go back home? and Why would they rebuild what will surely be destoyed again?

My answer is imagine your home being detroyed, would you rebuild.

I get silence and I walk off with a grin