Congratulations Ray Nagin

As most of you know by now Mayor Nagin was re-elected to his position. There was a lot of conversation generated about his performance during the hurricane. As an outsider I was at loss of word for what to say. This man faced an unprecedented disaster that left thousands homeless, dead or displaced. Every level of government also abandoned him. It amazes me why he would even want to continue being Mayor. However Mr. Nagin possesses determination and a won't quit attitude that I believe will take him far. He didn't run away when trouble came along. He proved to New Orleanians that he wanted to stick it out and help everyone get back on their feet.

He is not without some critics that say he is riding out his popularity. That he is not equipped to handle the challenges of the rebuilding efforts. I understand these sentiments but I think the one strait that stands out in my mind can be found in Proverbs 24:
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

What that verse means to me is there everybody wants to be around you when your days are sunny but a true friend is one who sticks with you on cloudy days when the rain comes. I believe that Mayor Nagin is that friend to New Orleans. There are going to be some tough trials ahead and bumpy spots for New Orleans and Mr. Nagin.

New Orleans has lots of crimes, including drugs and murders, corruption and poorly performing schools. These problems must be addressed if New Orleans is to claim its glittering star in the country and world.

Last night I had the privilege of attending a town hall hosted by Tavis Smiley author of the New York Times bestsellers (Go Tavis!) The Covenant with Black America. Over the next weeks I am going to use the principles in this book as a background on what I think New Orleans should be doing to make improvements. I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Shout Out
Congratulations to Tyler Perry on his New York Times bestseller Don't Make a Black Woman Take off Her Earrings both of these books are excellent and I highly recommend that you purchase them for your library.