New Orleans is my city ...

[rockribbedliberal]

I was born and raised there, spent the first 22 years of my life there, went to college there. (I now live in North Carolina.) The city has feared "The Big One" for 40 years, since Betsy in '65. This looks like it.

I'm not religious. But, people, if you do believe, I wouldn't mind it a bit if you offered as many prayers as you can for the Crescent City. It needs as much help as it can get, and I have a feeling it'll need even more after tomorrow.

BTW, my family is fine. They're on high ground out of state.

[aquart]

1. I've been praying since last night.

[stevedeshazer]

2. We're all from New Orleans now.

All Americans, regardless of politics. :hug:

[katinmn]

3. Sending thoughts for strength and safety to everyone in New Orleans!

Glad your family is safe.

[Atlas Mugged]

4. I lived in New Orleans for 20 years

I now live in Western New York, but this is tearing my heart out. In many ways, New Orleans is still my home. Needless to say, I'm panic stricken about my friends there.

[don954]

5. I was born in New Orleans too, i will miss it.

how i love that city, there is no place like it on earth. Unless their is a miracle, I don’t think it will ever be the same again.

[Darth_Kitten]

8. I'm so sorry.

New Orleans is home to a lot of you, and it's got a lot of rich culture and history. :(

[don954]

11. I may be biased, but I think it is one of the major cultural treasures

of the USA. I go back every march, I don’t know if I will be able to stomach going back next year if it goes as bad a some people think.

[xultar]

13. NOLA is one of the few places where people of all races and religion

eat, worship, sin, and party together!

[Darth_Kitten]

6. I hope everybody gets out of there.

I don't know what else to say. :(

[xultar]

7. I too was a resident. I am so hurt and frightenend. I love NOLA and the

people, My people.

I am hurting because though we always knew it would come we never thought we'd have to live to see it.

I'm frightened for my friends, family and community members who didn't for what ever reason leave. I guess it is because who could believe it is happening NOW.

I love NOLA. I fear for NOLA. I hold all of NOLA in my heart now. I am soooo close to tears I can't take it.

To all my friends and family. To all of my buddies and the Bywater characters. BE SAFE!! I LOVE YOU!!!

[democrat in Tallahassee]

9. I used to live there and fell in love with it. I am just sick thinking of

all my friends.

[misanthrope]

10. I'm in Mobile...

...and I'm more worried about NOLA than I am us, though we're not out of the woods ourselves.

Partially because few other places on the Gulf would sustain catastrophic damage and tragedy to the degree of New Orleans should we be struck.

And also because the thought of this region existing without the Crescent City is very depressing. It would be like cutting the heart out of the culture.

[hatredisnotavalue]

12. NOLA has been on the top of my future vacation destinations

for years, influenced by such books as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and all of Anne Rice's books which were set in the city.
My prayers go out to all current and past residents.
p.s. this is really bothering me. Why couldn't they open the south bound lane of the major highways to north-going traffic? And, why weren't the school buses used yesterday to transport those in need to schools and shelters away from the storm center?

[kbm8795]

14. I had planned to go down there in early October

but it might not be ready for company again yet. If they get the trains operating again, I'll volunteer a few weekends to help down there if necessary.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

15. My best thoughts have been for the people of New Orleans since

I heard about Katrina's course. One doesn't have to still live in a city to claim it as yours. I am the same way about NYC, although I haven't lived there for over 20 years.

[SmokingJacket]

16. My favorite city in the world.

I'm not letting this sink in.