New Orleans Recovery and Star Power

My local community became national news this week as CNN picked up the local beaver must die story~ and if you do not already know the beaver family has been given a reprieve. Just in time for Christmas. They can continue their beaver doings, though as I write this we do not know if it is to be relocation or tree protection that will make both man and beast happy.

There was another story in “entertainment ” this week, mostly on the back pages of papers or a small link, but a sharp eyed Pitt fan ,I spotted it right off. People love to pooh-pooh “Hollywood” celebrities, but Brad and Angelina Jolie are making that hard do, as are Sean Penn, Dennis Leary, Kirstie Alley, Ellen DeGeneres and New Orleans natives and musicians Harry Connick Jr. and Winston Marsalis. But the Pitt-Jolie duo stand out in their commitment to rebuilding New Orleans, especially the hard hit lower 9 th ward. They have bought a home in the French Quarter; plan to spend the Holidays there with their children. Pitt was born in Oklahoma, raised in Missouri and knows New Orleans from two movies he has made there. In 1990 “Interview with a Vampire” and recently the unreleased “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” hitting theaters in 2008, he became familiar with the city and its people. He says of his commitment:” It’s the right thing to do”.

That commitment? He has pledged to more than 5 million dollars for rebuilding efforts, and launched one project to help the city.

Make It Right plans on building 150 homes in the 9^th, low cost environmentally friendly homes. He also created Global Green USA, which will help fill the need for affordable housing and rebuilding “smarter”. Presidential candidates laud his efforts, and Pitt hopes this becomes an issue for the 2008 election. “I don’t want it to be used as a whipping boy for past mistakes ,but as a real proving ground for policies set forth, meaning education, health reform, “he said” If it’s going to work, It’ll work here and this place certainly needs it” . With only 10% of the 9^th’s population returned many are grateful for his help. Valerie Schexnayder, 61, who is not on the list for one of his homes is still grateful” He’s bringing my neighbors home,” she says from her federal trailer resting on her property.

Pitt’s project has hit a bump, one of the first people to receive a house Robert Green, who project green was using as a spokesperson has pleaded guilty to false tax returns attached to a home loan application; he awaits sentencing set for Feb.27^th. Ed Blakely, recovery director for the city, hopes Green’s actions will not harm Make It Rights program, a program that will help families return to their city~ a part that many thought couldn’t or shouldn’t be rebuilt. Blakely says,” When our residents see people who are important in their own right devoting time, energy and money to the recovery, it makes them hold on.”

Pitt has raised 3.5 million dollars so far.

As we sit gathered tomorrow with our families, warm and safe, perhaps we can spare a moment reflecting on those in our own country who are scattered all over. Spend a moment wishing them the best in this New Year. Spend a moment thanking your God(s) it was not you.

Peace as always and in all ways~ sage