HURRICANE KATRINA
Big Easy’s back, sends a thank-you to Atlanta
When Hurricane Katrina reached our shores eight years ago, little did we know how it would change our world. Many people wondered about our future. The city of Atlanta accepted New Orleanians with open arms as we got back on our feet.
We can now say that our city, New Orleans, is back — and in many ways, better than ever. As we welcomed a record 9.1 million visitors in 2013, we know that many of them came from the Atlanta area. You came to conventions; major sporting events and festivals, and for the culture, music and food. You told your friends what a terrific time you had. For that invaluable assistance, we thank you.
As we pause to remember the events of eight years ago, we also want to take a moment to thank those who have once again made New Orleans one of the world’s great travel destinations. On behalf of the entire hospitality industry of New Orleans: Thank you, Atlanta.
STEPHEN PERRY, PRESIDENT/CEO, NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
RACIAL AMITY
We’ll achieve dreams if we all deal honestly
I have a dream, too: that soon, the slumbering population of both black and white Americans will awaken to find that they have been constantly misled about the progress we have made in any healing that’s needed.
I have a bigger dream: that those who want to keep race in the dialogue so they can find personal or political gain will learn to work, instead, on finding common ground.
I have nightmares thinking of those who could achieve but have not, because they think they are being held down.
I have hope that those who contribute garbage to our culture with hateful messages and raunchy lyrics will no longer profit from their methods.
I have a belief that if everyone would honestly assess the picture of our country as it truly is — one that is basically good, basically humane and basically not biased — all that we hope for would happen easily.
MEL MATUSZAK, DACULA
GLOBAL TRADE
State seems happy to send its jobs overseas
“Imports, exports robust in Georgia” (Opinion, Aug. 28) explains clearly the reason for scores of unemployed in Georgia. The author states, “More and more Georgia businesses are discovering the benefits of exporting products and services around the world.” The word “services” is a euphemism for your job. She goes on, “Exports help increase sales, which, in turn, lower production costs.” That translates to cheaper salaries paid to make our products in other countries.
Let’s not confuse “exports” with exporting jobs. It’s wonderful when we are able to export products, but detrimental when we export the manufacture of those products and the service sectors that accompany them.
The author is division director of international trade for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Her job is to encourage Georgia businesses to outsource your job. Apparently, this happy business model is sanctioned by the state.
A better business model would be to concentrate on promoting and keeping jobs here — and to stop encouraging outsourcing what few jobs we have left.
EDLA RINGUE, MARIETTA
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