Gilda Reed was selected to be the 2008 Bayoubuzz Louisiana Woman Of The Year.Here is a video interview of a New Orleans-area woman, who ran for Congress, who teaches at the University of New Orleans, and who is a social activist, mother, wife, grandmother and who fights for the causes she believes in, hoping to make a difference.Bayoubuzz.com readers nominated her and chose her over heavy and very respectable competition.
Gilda Reed is one heck of a fighter.She was also nominated for and voted by the Bayoubuzz audience to be the 2008 Bayoubuzz “Louisiana Woman of the Year” months ago.As part of the award, although belated, it is our honor to showcase her in a Bayoubuzz video interview.
Perhaps fighter is not the only word that best describes her.She is also a strong political activist who cares about people, issues and life, in general.
She ran for U.S. Congress against Steve Scalise.It is possible that she could have beaten the current Congressman except she was competing for votes within possibly the most conservative district in America.The 1st Congressional District, formerly represented by Louisiana Bobby Jindal, is not a district for democrats, which she is.
Still, despite that defeat, she continues to remain committed to many causes for which she believes.Whether it is helping fighter-fighters, teachers, women, or her family, she is there.
Perhaps, her (slightly dated) Facebook page describes her best:
“Married for 40 years to my soulmate; mother of 7 including 2 adopted children with disabilities; grandmother of 11 including 2 adopted multi-ethic girls from Belize; university instructor of thousands; polio survivor; Katrina survivor.
Teach 6 different Psychology courses on campus and online. Hundreds taught in 4 to 8 classes per semester.”
Also, according to Facebook, her favorite quotation is:
"God, grant me the
Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and
Wisdom to know the difference."
Anyone who meets Gilda Reed knows she has courage to stand up for what she believes in if she feels she can make a difference.
And, judging from the ratings from her own students, she is surely making a significant contribution to their lives as those students consistently have given her high marks on a web site where students rate the teachers.
It is an honor to award and feature Gilda Reed the Bayoubuzz “Louisiana Woman of The Year” for 2008.
Now, please watch the interview so you can learn more about a woman who has survived polio and is standing strong and tall for those issues she believes are important even in a venue that looks at the world differently.Still, despite any possible differences in political views, few would not identify with and respect her true grit and gift for caring for a world she strives to improve.
Where is David Quidd and other prominent Democrats who read and blog on this web site?... Gilda Reed was recently elected Co-Chair of the Democratic Party in Jefferson Parish.... that was "after" she was voted their "Trailblazer of the Year," and now "Woman of the Year" too. (and, yes, the competition was very stiff).... She's a tireless hard-worker for the Democratic Party - you'd think that politicians like Quidd, who comment frequently on this blog, would have the decency to drop a line or two of congratulations. Written by KjunLady
on 7/5/2009
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If anyone doubts the need for separation of church ad state, take a close look at those countries which practice Sharia law. A good place to start is "Muslims Against Sharia" - Google ach tee tee pee (sorry, I know I am so very immature, but I like doing this) semi-colon double forward slash trey double yew dot reformislam.org/ Written by kpf
on 6/21/2009
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Wonderful!!! I can think of no one more deserving, no one epitomizing better the qualities of womanhood. She is bright, dynamic, a true leader with a generous loving heart! Congrats to Gilda!
Written by Bonnie A.
on 6/20/2009
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The riots in Iran.......'tis very sad......gotta watch FOX on a Saturday to get the latest (argh)... shocking video... (the suffering and pillage)...This is a first: telecommunications broadcasting from the heart of the revolution... The internet- a power they cannot control. Written by KjunLady
on 6/20/2009
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On a much more somber note, the citizens of Iran marching in protest are now enduring assault by water cannons and tear gas; police are firing into crowds and there is an unconfirmed report of helicopters pouring boiling water on protesters. Today the slogan is no longer "Where is my vote?" but "Marg bar diktator!" ~ "Death to the dictator." A few nights past, on video, lone voices spoke with loud determination from rooftops, one at a time, the words "Allah Akbar", God is great, drifted out into the silence of night. Rebellious voices sharing solidarity with one another. I am not of their faith, but now when I hear Allah Akbar, I hear their hunger for freedom, I hear their voice of bravery. Allah Akbar. Written by Gabriella
on 6/20/2009
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ROFL.. KPF!!!!..... Go for it! I'm sure Stevie would like a personal zydeco lesson and a trip to Rock n Bowl. Written by KjunLady
on 6/20/2009
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Helping others through government requires that the private sector is ever growing and can support the growth of both the population and government. If government restricts the growth of private enterprise they will starve themselves of the funds to "help others." I am not nearly as selfless as I should be, but I am not selfish to the point of not helping others, or simply saying a few kind words to a stranger. I do believe in committing "random acts of kindness" - cus "it's good fa ya." I believe that those who desire "big government" should be front and center on waste and fraud in government. If they are not, then how "kind hearted and selfless" they are is immaterial. Mrs. Reed's sister has told me how wonderful a person Gilda is. I do not doubt her word on that. There are exceptional people in this world, of all colors, creeds, political beliefs, etc. We are lucky to have them in our mist. But enough about that nonsense, do you know the "Babe of babes" - Stevie Nicks - is in town. Do you think... well ... do you think ... I have a chance? Written by kpf, hope springs eternal
on 6/20/2009
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Gilda's passion for Universal Healthcare goes much deeper than politics. During the chaos of the Katrina aftermath, her youngest child, a young adult under 20, was stricken with a debilitating disease. The resulting nightmare involved ambulances from Parish to Parish, spinal taps, revolving hospital beds to rotate the patient's paralyzed body; finally onto New Orleans hospitals, when electricity and skeletal staff was restored.... Gilda stayed vigilant at her frightened daughter's side, all the while fighting "the system."... The system that bumped her child to back burners- because of no healthcare insurance... Who knew?.. Young adults are supposed to be STRONG and HEALTHY, but sometimes horrible things happen... Presently our children our BEING DROPPED from the healthcare rolls, once Mom and Dad have paid all that money to educate them..... Grrr.... Oh yes, I'm also passionate about Universal Healthcare .... And- I see, I'm not alone... We are part of the fastest growing group of uninsured in America. (somebody else can provide the stats:)...... God bless you, Gilda...... (and...You go, Girl, go!)
Written by KjunLady
on 6/20/2009
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kpf, I would not wish to follow the British, as they have government involved in their healthcare every step of the way, socialized medicine, if you will. With single-payer insurance you have private medical providers; our "premiums" would be paid to one fund, instead of 1000s of insurance companies. Just as we all, as a community, fund our police, our fire fighters and our public schools. Hmm, "Short of splitting the country in two (sounds good to me)," maybe, as a country, we should give that serious thought and have a national vote. In the meantime, can we not share in the appreciation of a woman who has devoted her life to others? As Lana said below, though her "political views are different than Dr. Reed's, her determination and absolute dedication to help others, makes one feel that they should do the same." I, for one, fall short in my "dedication to help others," how about you? Written by Gabriella
on 6/20/2009
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If anyone deserves this accolade, it's Gilda. How on earth does she put 40 hours into every 24 hour day??? I'm in awe of her passion, her knowledge, her fighting spirit, and her professionalism, among other qualities. CONGRATULATIONS, GILDA!!!!!!!!
Written by Judy H.
on 6/20/2009
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Medical care is often denied in government run systems - to "control" costs. Costs are taken into account - even by government. An article on this from the BBC: "Google" news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3223333.stm ________ There are other stories google "denied medical care england" - to read about a few of them. Government has "bean counters" as well, it seems. If we are going to do healthcare reform correctly we need to be honest about the costs (and the need for tort reform), the effect this will have on innovation ("profit" and "risk" are the greatest drivers for innovation, not "good intentions"). You trust government - I trust free markets. Short of splitting the country in two (sounds good to me) we will simply hope for different outcomes. Universal Healthcare may or may not be better than what we have now. I may sound like a broken record, but (as always and with anything) the "Devil's in the details." Many Democrats will welcome a system that provides better care for the poor, even if it results in more costs and poorer care for the middle class, while the rich (that includes members of congress) are immune from the new system and are still free to "buy" any medical care they want. If that is what is proposed, I hope it fails. If they "do it right" - then I wish them luck. Written by kpf
on 6/20/2009
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kpf, it's a known fact for-profit health insurance companies deny coverage for pre-existing conditions; there is less profit when covering those known to need medical care. Insurance companies have an obvious list for denied coverage; those with cancer, AIDS/HIV, quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, amongst others. You can also be denied coverage for diabetes, use of anti-clotting drug, hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, severe acne, women with irregular periods, and body mass too great or too thin. There are folks who simply cannot buy coverage. And you say, kpf, they are "Better to at least have the option of going bankrupt"? How about the option of affordable healthcare for every American citizen? A vast number of Americans filing bankruptcy had health insurance, should they feel "better" that a bean-counter denied payment for medical services rendered? Everyone "will pay more to insure those now uninsured"? Currently, under our for-profit health insurance system, there is a cost-shift from the uninsured to the insured. Each individual in Louisiana with health insurance is paying about $320 more per year to cover those without insurance; each family in Louisiana is paying around $900 more to cover those without. Around 87 million Americans, 1 in 3, did not have health insurance for at least part of 2007 to 2008. With the rise in unemployment, approximately 14,000 Americans lost their health insurance each day in December 2008 and January 2009. With loss of employment, with loss of their health insurance, they are "Better to at least have the option of going bankrupt"? Indeed, kpf, "as a cost cutting measure - having some bureaucrat determine someone is too old or the treatment is too expensive and basically deny medical treatment. This happens." You are absolutely correct, it happens regularly with our for-profit health insurance system. With single-payer decisions are medically based, not profit based. My mother had health insurance; her insurance company denied payment for medical treatment deemed necessary by the UCLA Medical Center. She is but one story of the many lives affected by bean-counter decision making. Less money spent, more profit. Americans have the ingenuity to solve this, to provide affordable healthcare for all. Thus far, we remain true to the path of least resistance; we remain mired in healthcare-for-profit. Written by Gabriella
on 6/20/2009
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While I agree with Gilda Reed's concerns about the elderly having to choose between medicine or food and the possibility of medical treatment bankrupting people, we need to not follow the many European nations where government Universal Healthcare often means - as a cost cutting measure - having some bureaucrat determine someone is too old or the treatment is too expensive and basically deny medical treatment. This happens. Better to at least have the option of going bankrupt and obtain the needed care for yourself or your loved ones. Also the cost of universal healthcare should be spoken of realistically – everyone will pay more to insure those now uninsured and provide catastrophic care for all of us, not just “the rich.” Also, much of the expense in medicine is physicians providing treatment as a “CYA” measure to prevent a malpractice suit. We need tort reform as we should not either have less coverage or more expense simply to enrich the trail lawyers. As with anything, the “Devil's in the details." Universal Healthcare done correctly will mean getting the doctors involved, which President Obama seems to not be doing; that’s not “doing it right”, IMHO. In any case, congratulations Mrs. Reed, I’m sure your family is proud of you. Written by kpf
on 6/19/2009
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Wow - Not too many women like that nowadays. Although, my political views are different than Dr. Reed's, her determination and absolute dedication to help others, makes one feel that they should do the same. The world is a better place with the fearless David & Goliath actions of Dr. Reed. Don't give up, you are an inspiraton for all! Written by Lana Konrad
on 6/19/2009
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Congratulations Gilda Reed! Congratulations BayouBuzz for offering the means for your readers to recognize the efforts of women in your community. The bar has been set extremely high for future winners. Steve you are absolutely correct, "despite any possible differences in political views, few would not identify with and respect her true grit and gift for caring for a world she strives to improve." Gilda is a woman of utmost honor and integrity; her strong moral compass, her determination to fight for her belief that all people matter ~ shines well on Louisiana. It was my honor, my pleasure, my joy to assist Gilda as a volunteer member of her campaign staff. Though I live in California, trust in the word of a candidate, in a person, knows no state boundary. BayouBuzz and Louisiana are truly blessed to have Gilda voted as your Woman of the Year. Written by Gabriella
on 6/19/2009
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