Observations on my second trip

Hi,

Paul T wanted me to relate a statement I made....

I had this impression durring my first trip, and not it is even more emphisized. I have never been more proud to be an American, and I have never been more ashamed of my government.

The outpouring of support from all over the United States is amazing. People continue to show up and do amazing work. But where is the government? The people here are desperate to get the funding needed to rebuild and get on with their life. Those with money often are taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors that take the downpayment, then disapear.

Their is a federal program "the Road Home" but very few people have seen the money. Their is just a everlasting pile of red tape.

The four of us that were here last year made our own trip while the new people when on a tour. We visited Renetta's house, Beacher Church, and Jean's house. Their were a few more people around, and the roads were not filled with debris. Other than that, nothing has changed. It was a bit depressing.

We have had some trouble with internet access this trip. Their is none at the church. We have found a coffee shop with a hot spot a few blocks away. And the St Bernard Project office has been very helpfull with internet access.

Paul