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New Orleans: A different point of view
Posted: November 4, 2005 5:18 pm
by buffettbride
Hey everyone!
I've included a link to an article by an old friend of mine with a very interesting spin on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and with his permission, I've posted it for you:
http://www.stonebryson.com/vault_salttheearth.html
I just wanted to share this with you because it really made me look at things a bit differently. Stone is definitely one to put a lot of effort to research his facts and often comes up with some pretty compelling opinions.
If you have a chance, check out the other stuff on his Web site. He's definitely an interesting thinker, and a person a "former life" I am simply grateful to still keep in touch with.
Thanks!
BB
Posted: November 4, 2005 5:51 pm
by On The Edge
One must question the validity of a web-site that posts a link to "Witch's Voice"
One of the "red flags" we teach to children to determine the validity of a resource is to look at the types of sites offered as links. Although I agree with many of the keypoints in the article, I would not site it as a source of quality information.
Posted: November 4, 2005 5:58 pm
by buffettbride
On The Edge wrote:One must question the validity of a web-site that posts a link to "Witch's Voice"
One of the "red flags" we teach to children to determine the validity of a resource is to look at the types of sites offered as links. Although I agree with many of the keypoints in the article, I would not site it as a source of quality information.
Stone is an interesting character, that's for sure. Simply because his interests are largely different than most of the poster's on BN, doesn't disqualify his opinions as well-researched and thought-out.
I could defend Stone until I'm blue in the face, I'm sure. I often get sidetracked by some of his spiritual beliefs as well. However, it's a POV on Katrina that I had never even fathomed. Spend some more time on his site and read some of his fiction, poetry, and other commentary.
Posted: November 4, 2005 6:25 pm
by The Lost Manatee
While some of his arguments are accurate about the poverty and corruption existing and being truly terrible, Stone over looks the fact that New Orleans culturally has always been a very diverse and there for open place. Since the city was founded it has been infused with French, Spanish, Creole, Caribbean, African, Asian, English, American, Cajun and even Native American cultural values. These have had as much, if not more of an impact on what sort of city New Orleans grew up to be. The food that we all associate with New Orleans may be the food of the poor however it is unique to the region because of the combination of cultures and cooking styles that were allow to thrive in New Orleans. The inhabitants of New Orleans tolerated, nay, they embraced the idea of experiementing with different combinations of spices, sauces and ingredients.
I agree wholeheartedly that the corruption must be dealt with but to say that the culture of New Orleans or Lousiana is a direct result of corruption is incorrect.
Posted: November 4, 2005 10:12 pm
by ph4ever
On The Edge wrote:One must question the validity of a web-site that posts a link to "Witch's Voice"
One of the "red flags" we teach to children to determine the validity of a resource is to look at the types of sites offered as links. Although I agree with many of the keypoints in the article, I would not site it as a source of quality information.
The Witches Voice was established in 1997. Did you even look at their website or did you just pick the name "Witches Voice" as something negative and to be avoided?
The Witches' Voice - Mission Statement
Author: Witchvox Central
Posted: February 2nd. 1997
Times Viewed: 15,461
Statement of Purpose: The Witches' Voice is a proactive educational network providing news, information services and resources for and about Pagans, Heathens, Witches and Wiccans.
By keeping abreast of the latest news and updated information, as well as having ready access to critical resource tools, we, as Witches, Pagans, Wiccans, or Heathens can not only empower ourselves, but also develop programs to educate our local towns and cities on who we are and what we do.
Truly Commercial FREE: Witchvox is a truly free community resource. We don't sell products or work 'side deals' and have been "Ad/banner free" for 5 years.
Neutrality: TWV is a neutral forum open to all adherents of the various Heathen religions, Pagan, Witch, Wiccan traditions and to Solitary Practitioners who/that follow a positive code of ethics such as The Wiccan Rede or The Ring of Troth's, Nine Virtues.
We recognize that the global community is made up of many diverse cultures, each with its own set of inherent beliefs. Since those associated with the Witches' Voice seek to honor both the individual as an embodiment of the Divine and the healthy interaction of members of the greater society in which we all have a place, we have adopted this set of guidelines on ethical behavior.
The Witches' Voice is a people oriented organization dedicated to fostering deeper understanding and cooperation amongst both the members of the Pagan community and society as a whole. We provide educational materials on the basic beliefs of the religion of Witchcraft/Wicca to dispel the stereotypical image perpetuated by the media and centuries of negative propaganda. We uphold the civil and religious freedom guaranteed to all citizens in the Constitution and Bill of Rights and will actively resist those who would seek to suppress or restrict these rights.
The paths to truth are indeed many. We at The Witches Voice believe that this listing is broad enough to encompass everyone and at the same time allow the freedom for individuals or groups to practice their own moral codes.
" Those who walk in Love and Truth shall grow in Honor and Strength."
Blessed Be!
and let's not forget Jimmy's own words:
It's the Buddhist in you, it's the pagan in me
It's the Muslim in him, she's Catholic ain't she?
It's that born again look, it's the wasp and the Jew
Tell me what's goin on, I ain't got a clue
Posted: November 4, 2005 10:59 pm
by buffettbride
ph4ever wrote:On The Edge wrote:One must question the validity of a web-site that posts a link to "Witch's Voice"
One of the "red flags" we teach to children to determine the validity of a resource is to look at the types of sites offered as links. Although I agree with many of the keypoints in the article, I would not site it as a source of quality information.
The Witches Voice was established in 1997. Did you even look at their website or did you just pick the name "Witches Voice" as something negative and to be avoided?
The Witches' Voice - Mission Statement
Author: Witchvox Central
Posted: February 2nd. 1997
Times Viewed: 15,461
Statement of Purpose: The Witches' Voice is a proactive educational network providing news, information services and resources for and about Pagans, Heathens, Witches and Wiccans.
By keeping abreast of the latest news and updated information, as well as having ready access to critical resource tools, we, as Witches, Pagans, Wiccans, or Heathens can not only empower ourselves, but also develop programs to educate our local towns and cities on who we are and what we do.
Truly Commercial FREE: Witchvox is a truly free community resource. We don't sell products or work 'side deals' and have been "Ad/banner free" for 5 years.
Neutrality: TWV is a neutral forum open to all adherents of the various Heathen religions, Pagan, Witch, Wiccan traditions and to Solitary Practitioners who/that follow a positive code of ethics such as The Wiccan Rede or The Ring of Troth's, Nine Virtues.
We recognize that the global community is made up of many diverse cultures, each with its own set of inherent beliefs. Since those associated with the Witches' Voice seek to honor both the individual as an embodiment of the Divine and the healthy interaction of members of the greater society in which we all have a place, we have adopted this set of guidelines on ethical behavior.
The Witches' Voice is a people oriented organization dedicated to fostering deeper understanding and cooperation amongst both the members of the Pagan community and society as a whole. We provide educational materials on the basic beliefs of the religion of Witchcraft/Wicca to dispel the stereotypical image perpetuated by the media and centuries of negative propaganda. We uphold the civil and religious freedom guaranteed to all citizens in the Constitution and Bill of Rights and will actively resist those who would seek to suppress or restrict these rights.
The paths to truth are indeed many. We at The Witches Voice believe that this listing is broad enough to encompass everyone and at the same time allow the freedom for individuals or groups to practice their own moral codes.
" Those who walk in Love and Truth shall grow in Honor and Strength."
Blessed Be!
and let's not forget Jimmy's own words:
It's the Buddhist in you, it's the pagan in me
It's the Muslim in him, she's Catholic ain't she?
It's that born again look, it's the wasp and the Jew
Tell me what's goin on, I ain't got a clue
Thanks Connie! I was interested to check this thread when I got home tonight, and was totally gonna peg "Fruitcakes" as a source.
Posted: November 4, 2005 11:02 pm
by buffettbride
The Lost Manatee wrote:While some of his arguments are accurate about the poverty and corruption existing and being truly terrible, Stone over looks the fact that New Orleans culturally has always been a very diverse and there for open place. Since the city was founded it has been infused with French, Spanish, Creole, Caribbean, African, Asian, English, American, Cajun and even Native American cultural values. These have had as much, if not more of an impact on what sort of city New Orleans grew up to be. The food that we all associate with New Orleans may be the food of the poor however it is unique to the region because of the combination of cultures and cooking styles that were allow to thrive in New Orleans. The inhabitants of New Orleans tolerated, nay, they embraced the idea of experiementing with different combinations of spices, sauces and ingredients.
I agree wholeheartedly that the corruption must be dealt with but to say that the culture of New Orleans or Lousiana is a direct result of corruption is incorrect.
Because I don't know much New Orleans history, it's really hard for me see things from either side. It's hard to imagine NO as a place without debauchery. I think the rebuilding process will be interesting, to see how much of that culture comes back (if it's really gone at all), and what earnest attempts there are to make it a less, for lack of a better word, "corrupt" place.
Posted: November 5, 2005 6:29 pm
by Ilph
Very interesting. Thanks, BB