Although well intended, is Anderson Cooper of CNN and other national media programs really keeping things honest on the issue of New Orleans crime?Or, do they have a vendetta against Mayor Nagin and City leaders which is hurting the city more than it is helping?
On Monday night on his 360 program, Cooper again pointed out that New Orleans is the “crime capital of the world”.He interviewed a New York Judge working on a grant and looking at the New Orleans judicial system from the ground up.
“No leadership” the Judge constantly said implying that the city leaders cannot shoot straight.
Of course, there was the praise for the federal prosecutor, Jim Letten, but the actual target of negativity was clearly Mayor Nagin and Chief Warren Riley.
Unfortunately, there was only slight mention about federal money that has not yet hit the streets that has been in the works for months and was part of the Iraq War funding bill.You remember, that was the money President Bush initially vetoed without specifically proposing specific “stand alone legislation” that would not have linked New Orleans to Iraq.Nor was there any discussion about the efforts being made by the city to shake loose some state funding for crime prevention and for protection.
Without doubt, New Orleans and the City leaders must define a short-term plan about how the City should look and feel.But, to constantly imply that the city is clueless without mentioning the hesitation of the federal government and state government to do their fair share is just insane.
Today, I drove from Alabama to New Orleans for the first time since returning from “Katrina evacuation land” which I escaped almost two ears ago.From Interstate 10 going west, other than seeing a sign that said a Mississippi state park exit was not available, one could not see any signs of hurricane damage from that major Interstate.However, the I-10 ride from SlidellLouisiana to the New Orleans Central Business District was horrific. Jazzland is a jazz funeral without the music.The apartments and homes that lined the interstate in East New Orleans were boarded or still in total decay and destruction.There was mile after mile despair.I would guess downtown Baghdad would look like the Taj Mahal compared to this region.
On a related note, interestingly, on Saturday evening as I walked to my car in the CBD, two men from North Louisiana who were looking for their hotel came up to me and asked me--where is the violence?They said they felt New Orleans was perceived to be the “wild wild west” with mayhem on every street.They said that is the national and state reputation, a city full of shooting, blood, and death.I am sure those two guys made it back to their hotel in one piece.I checked.There were no reports of violence at that time in that location. I also made it to my destination without an incident.There were no murders.
I realize this goes against conventional wisdom, but many people including myself safer in New Orleans than I have felt in decades.I am not saying the CBD could compare to the majesty of Chicago Miracle Mile or any other major city.That would be a real miracle.Yet, I admit, I would not walk down East New Orleans alone or even in a group.Then, there are major pockets in every major city where you would not find me taking a stroll.
But, moving to the positive, thankfully, the convention business is very brisk this fall.New Orleans just completed very successful Cajun, seafood and tomato fairs this weekend.Thousands of people were out in the streets taking in the fun.And, yes, it was flawless and crime free as the dozens of other events held in the city since the Big One.
However, unfortunately, this weekend, New Orleans did experience a killing. This one, a likely suicide--which activity of hopelessness appears to have become a frequent event since Katrina.In fact, while noting, let’s not forget that the non-crime death rate has also risen since August 29, 2005.Then, who’s counting.
Yes, New Orleans might be the murder capital of the world.But, I would bet it is also the “suicide capital of the world”.In fact, there would be nothing that the police could have done to have prevented the latest in what appears to be an incredible rash of individuals taking their own lives since the storm.Ironically, this victim appears to have been a cop blamed for violent behavior against a hapless person which event received national attention on Anderson Cooper’s show and almost all media.
New Orleans might be the crime capital of the world and the suicide capital of the world.It is a city begging for mental health care providers as its citizens bounce from rejected SBA loans, to cramped FEMA trailers, to foreclosures, to Road Witless, to unavailable housing and jobs.
So, while shedding the negative spotlight has its moments and many of us are grateful that the nationals are trying to keep us honest, just remember that so many in the Big Easy are fighting the Big Obstacles.And, it is not just the city leaders who have no clue.Honest.
Patriot Warrior your right! I had an opportunity to go to each of those countries you listed Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Bangladesh, as well as India, Egypt, and through South America and If Americans could see the poor there, they would come back here and tell our poor the truth YOUR NOT POOR! you have more than many! Now true they poor in relation to those around them but they are not truly "poor" Poor here is an excuse to get money from the government.
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 6/15/2007
"Ole Jarhead" - Thanks Brother (very much). We all have paid the price! People like A.. Hole Anthony, and those like him, make my blood boil. They are the "true enemies" of this great country. I'll try and contain myself, but it's very difficult when we are being "run down" by people that call themselves Americans. Those people should live in Nigeria, Somalia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, for about one (1) week. They would come back whimpering, crying, and begging for our forgiveness! PATRIOT WARRIOR".
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 6/13/2007
And another thing, A.. Hole Anthony, why don't you criticize LBJ, and the democrats of the 1960's that started the give-a-way programs to the blacks (in return for their votes), including paying black women for having babies. The more babies that they "pumped out", the more money they received, and paid for "ribs" and "dope". You don't think so?, I lived in the 1960's, and witnessed it personally. So did a lot of other people - it was common knowledge. Those programs continue up to today - check it out. Blacks "pump out" babies, we pay for the costs, and you blame the "Europeans"! God help you. Oh, that's right, your God is the ACLU, and the NAACP. If they can't help you (which I'm sure they can't), I would recommend that you seek psychiatric care. Suggestion - Dr. Richard Martin, New Orleans. I understand that he is very good. In the interim, if you continue your pathetic tirades on this message board, be advised, that we will "return the fire"! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 6/13/2007
Patriot Warrior, I am going to give you back your own advice, FOR GODS SAKES MAN BREATHE.. I to am a combat vet, Beruit (83), Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Somalia. I want to be calm, and use something that Liberals can't use, FACTS and LOGIC! faced with the light of the truth of Facts and Logic they (Liberals) tend to scurry back into the Darkness. I salute you my Brother, you are truly one of my heroes. And for you haters out there, I don't know if patriot Warrior is a light green, a medium green, or a dark green Marine, all that matters is that he is a MARINE and that makes him one of MY HEROES! UHHHHH RAH SEMPER FI MAC (I was an 0351 then a 6125, a 6023 and a 6118)
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 6/13/2007
To: A.. Hole Anthony - "Ole Jarhead" is a U. S. Marine, and so I am I. I take your insults personal, A.. Hole! You don't know what in the F..K you are talking about. Where were you born - about 6" under the Fisher Housing Projects sewage drain? Your mouth drips of filthy scum - typical liberal democrat! Before the "Great Storm", an average of $7,140.57 was allocated to the school children of "New Nigeria". Check it out - on record in Baton Rouge. Not much has changed since then , because the democrats are still running everything, including schools, into the muck of "KATRINA". The democrats running that department, either stole, or wasted most of it. That's a lot of "terlit tissue". Take your unfounded wrath out on those that deserve it- the democratic party politicians of "New Nigeria", and the State of Louisiana. "Ole Jarhead is a little more civil than I am, because I was a "Recon Marine (look it up), and served two years in the jungles of Southeast Asia (and damn proud of it!). I have the battle scars to prove it - hole! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 6/13/2007
No Anthony, I go by the nickname "Jarhead" because I was a UNITED STATES MARINE, I am neither dumb nor ignorant. Lets talk about your rant below. I am glad that crime in your neighborhood is down thats a GOOD THING! seems that some of the 50% that haven't come back were your problem. Actually there are studies (more than one) that prove that the Death Penalty DOES Deter Murder, so your premise that murder can't be stopped isn't exactly correct. I re-read what you wrote and it is rather vague. First your right, the public schools in N.O. SHOULD provide such things as working toilets and toilet paper. NOW that said, why are you on such a screed against Europeans? (White Folks for you LIBS) Last time I looked your Mayor was Black, many members of the city council are as well. There comes a point when the N.O. Schools, and the city MUST take RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITSELF! Instead of blaming those who really have no say, why not take this to the city government and let them fix it? OR do you intend to continually perpetuate yourselves (The citizens of N.O.)as helpless VICTIMS? No instead you go on a tirade against Europeans, implying that they (Europeans/WHITE PEOPLE) INTENTIONALLY are keeping young Black youths from learning, that the Tourist industry doesn't want young black children to be educated, they want them to be more or less cheap entertainment. That is a SERIOUS CHARGE! Has it been investigated? Or are you making claims that while you believe them to be true, they can't be proven? IF YOU AND THE CITIZENS of N.O. put up with YOUR CHILDREN BEING "Oppressed" like this and you do NOTHING, then it is clear to me that you are no better than those whom you call OPPRESSOR!! What is that quote "All it takes for evil to Flourish is for good men to do NOTHING" You say for 30 years NO has been underfunded on education, Well lets see who ran this state for MOST of those 30 Years... Why it was the democrat party! Finally you make an ASSUMPTION that I am a EUROPEAN! WHY? I could be Black, Asian, Pacific Islander Mexican Puerto Rican or from any number of South American countries, see you make assumptions without even knowing what your talking about. YOU DON"T KNOW ME YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM! I never call names but I see you do I hope you can get over this childish habit and talk to me like a REAL MAN! and not like your some 5th grader on a school yard. PEACE!!!!!
Written by Old Jarhead
on 6/13/2007
What they say is true. NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED. How can those of NOLA critize Anderson Cooper and possibly Brian Williams when it is well documented that they have given more of themselves than was required for a story? Anderson wouldn't have been where he is without Katrina? Are you off your freaking rocker? Problem is, NOLA would still be down all around with or without Katrina. Not the French Quarter though, never the French Quarter.
Check out the majority of your "leaders" and see what's important to them. Unless it's too well hidden. I understand that some of the states biggest "leaders" are rather adept at hiding things.
Get off your complaining butts take on some of the responsibility of Keeping Them Honest. Forget the deception, destruction and downright nastiness done by some of your not so illustrous "residents" but try to assist those who will gladly try to put NO back together if someone will SHOW them the way.
Think about your next election. Think carefully. And before someone makes a crack about where I do or don't live, I spent many of my years there, so I DO know what I'm talking about.
Maggie
Written by Maggie
on 6/13/2007
Only one murder this past weekend ?? I think you need to check that count again.
Sorry dude, but Anderson and the Judge were spot on. Its the truth and it needs to be told over and over until something is done.
Worry about the tourist industry ?? The best thing tourist could do right now is boycott the city until they get the crime problem under control.
Only when our elected officals are brought to their knees with either the loss of their position/power or the loss of the only viable economy left in New Orleans, only then, maybe, will they step up to the plate and do the right thing.
But until something drastic happens to force change, its business as usual in Nolaville.
Written by SickandTired
on 6/13/2007
To jarhead. the reason they call you jarhead must be cause of all the emptiness inside you are a typical ignorant european dumb fool. the public school system is bound by LAW to provide all the necessary needs for kids in the public school system. you jerk we are talking about school that do not have working toilets and it is the parents who have to provide their children with toilet paper to go to school who is talking about goverment paying for toilet paper in people's home oh i forgot they call you airhead i mean jarhead. the tourism industry does not want to see black kids educated in new orleans so they can tap dance on bourbon street and bring in tourist. straight oppression. i bet your europeans kids had a well finanaced education so why the state do not finanace the public education system in new orleans. it has been underfunded for over 30 years so why mr. letten do not investigate the real crime commited by the state of louisiana against the kids of new orleans, and as of your european goverment never asked it for a dime and never want it to do nothing for me because it represents ignorant dumb jack's like yourself. you are a brainwashed fool. you really think your european goverment actually take of any one.
Written by anthony
on 6/12/2007
I stay downtown when doing big field work jobs in St. Bernard and New Orleans East. There are fewer street people asking for handouts than last year. I have never felt at risk going to or from the parking garage, and we move about at really odd hours, often checking at midnight and leaving for the woods at 7 am, before the office troops begin to arrive. OTOH, it's WAY easier to find a parking spot around the "Red I" than it was last year; the contractors are gone. However, the I-10 stretch to Ala. had been a "killed off" zone for many years before Katrina. We make some sort of "woods" run to N.O. or the Miss/Ala coast about monthly and we often stay out on the road for 4-5 days at a stretch, so we have seen the "bombed out" corridor for a long time. If we in La. were ruthlessly honest we'd have to admit that N.O. had been in a death spiral for decades before Katrina popped the levees, plus Jazzland was a spectacularly bad idea from the gitgo.
Written by Kelly Haggar
on 6/12/2007
Your comment about the federal dollars being held up by the congressional political power play to match hurricane relief with retreat dates from Iraq should make everyone aware of how playing politics hurts the common citizen. Rep. Melancon et al should be ashamed for there actions. As far as feeling safe in New Orleans, you are right, I wouldn't walk the streets in some parts of the city years ago much less today. What about the allegations of listing more police officers than we actually had before the storm? Does our police have the tools (satellite phones, etc.) they were supposed to have before the storm? Is there a plan in place to ensure that our police officers are not left on a deserted island like after the storm? When are we going to get to a point where the National Guard can leave our city?
Written by Sid
on 6/12/2007
Well put !! Really great article !! Keep up the good work.
Written by Mike Stevens
on 6/12/2007
New Orleans was the crime capital before Katrina, lacked leadership before Katrina, how do you think more money is going to change that. How much money has the state and feds sent to New Orleans over the years? What did they do with it? Quit whining and elect leaders.
Written by LA Woman
on 6/12/2007
Cooper 360 transcript - Stacy is right-http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/11/acd.01.html
Written by John, Uptown
on 6/12/2007
The place New Orleans has earned as the Crime Capital is based on the relationship between the number of killings and the number of people in the city. The fact that people are not shooting each other in the CBD is not indication we are the Capital.
While the estimation of the rate varies, there is no question we are at the top of American killing fields list.
Can BayouBuzz bring forth any credible rebuttal? Cooper and the NY Judge is correct. NO officials - namely Riley - has downplayed the excessive killing numbers. Remember Nagin calling it a "blip" while most citizen surveys show it is one of the communities top concerns. Yes, we lack leadership. and yes, the reporting hurts us. But is the reports incorrect? No Steve. And when will we stop asking the feds to bail us out?
Written by Barthe
on 6/12/2007
We won't stop barthe, because "Katrina" Mary Landrieu, "Crazy" Kathleen Blanco, and lets not forget Ray "Its post tramatic stress syndrome" Nagin, want us not to be the great Pelican state but the sorry WELFARE STATE with our hands and our Bottom lips out! pouting when we don't get what want.
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 6/12/2007
Stephen,
I watched Anderson Cooper 360 last night and did not hear Cooper call New Orleans the crime capital of the world. I did, however, hear the judge call it the crime capital of the United States. Just keeping you honest. You might want to check the transcript.
Written by Stacy
on 6/12/2007
So Anthony just WHO is supposed to buy them toilet paper? HOW AOUT THEIR PARENTS!!! ITs not the GOVERNMENTS JOB TO RAISE THEIR KIDS!! ITS THE PARENTS JOB!!! IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE KIDS STOP HAVING THEM!!!
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 6/12/2007
For one, anderson cooper would not have a primetime show if it were not for New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina. He's a joke. For one, we all know that murder is not a crime that police can prevent. Stop being foolish. Being a resident of New Orleans for 49 years and live in a neighborhood with lots of gun fire before Katrina and having two guys run up on my front door with a 12-gauge attempting to car jack my son,i had a cat shoot an ak-47 in front my door at my neighbor's house across the street several drivebyes found dead body on the curb on the corner sat at a red light and watch a guy get shot dead in my rearview 15ft away all before the storm now we've been back living in our house for over a year and 50 percent are back or a little more and not hardly a whisper in our neighborhood now just quiet and peaceful but even before i never ever wanted to move or cared about crime had my car vandalized three times but crime is driven by that new york judge and the lackey jim letten who perpertrate a justice server when he only serve the needs of europeans why is he not investigating icf and the road home and why the poor black kids of new orleans do not get the proper funding for education and do not have basic needs like toilet paper so anderson and the judge could go to hell.
Although well intended, is Anderson Cooper of CNN and other national media programs really keeping things honest on the issue of 
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