Friends of New Atlantis

CAIN BURDEAU, Associated Press Writer filed the following report,

NEW ORLEANS - Ringing out one of the worst years in its colorful history, New Orleans launched into a rollicking New Year's Eve of memorials and merrymaking, from a traditional jazz funeral procession in honor of the hundreds of hurricane victims to an after-dark New Year's party.

Despite the destruction still evident four months after Hurricane Katrina, the city decided to welcome the New Year with fireworks, concerts, and in a twist on the Times Square ball drop, the lowering of a giant gumbo pot to markthe start of 2006.

"New Orleans is back open, so come on down and start visiting. That's the word to get out," said Brian Kern, an organizer of the festivities.

Well, here is a message for you Mr. Hern.

The city is in ruins and it's totally unconscionable to be celebrating in that fashion when so many people are homeless and miserable.

To you and all the business leaders who agreed that this New Year's celebration was the perfect chance to show the world that New Orleans still knows how to throw a party, use the money from private enterprises that funded a "second line" parade of bawdy majorettes, to show the world that New Orleans has finally learned the lesson.

Start by cleaning the city so those who chanced a return can get into the spirit of rebuilding.

Let's have a lot of "second line block clean up parties."

The world doesn't care whether you know how to throw a party or not. As a matter of fact great parties are thrown all over the world on clean streets and spotless sidewalks.

The world might pay attention if you clean up and roll up the sleeves ready to work instead of partying and begging.

Happy New Year and please don't throw me nothing mister.
Alberto Paz