Louisiana Shall Rise Again!

Reed Miller

Louisiana is a state with a view on life which is often different from that of the rest of the country. Focusing more on the state motto “Laissez le bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll), Louisiana neglects some of the more serious issues facing the state. While being near the end in most national state rankings in terms of education, infrastructure, and income, the people of Louisiana still have pride in their traditions. It is the clinging to the tradition of “party as much as possible” which has forced the state into the economic crisis it is in. Despite having the largest port in the south and a healthy income from it, the state instead wasted the money on frivolous projects through corrupt politicians. This allowed the ports technology to become antiquated and other cities such as Houston to take over. Even today Louisiana’s corrupt government and uneducated work force drive the petroleum industry, one of the major sources of income for the state, to look for other places to relocate to. Through all of this, Louisiana has maintained its party atmosphere while the state crumbles and erodes around them.

This image reflects the essence that is this state perfectly. The scene depicted shows the duality of Louisiana in people celebrating despite the work that needs to be done. As the second liners parade through the street, a pile of refuse awaits a garbage truck that may never come. Who will drive this truck if everyone is out enjoying themselves? Rather than deal with the prominent problem, the people continue their Carnival celebration without a care.

Many in Louisiana see this problem as a source of pride. In the face of adversity, the people are still able to find happiness and indulge in a long-standing tradition. Hurricane Katrina afflicted the Gulf Coast with devastation on a biblical scale. Many believe the state may never recover from the loss of property, jobs, and most importantly, life. It is the attitude of the resident of Louisiana which keeps it alive. Their stubborn grasp on tradition supplies them with the courage to live in trailers next to wall-less homes.

Despite the setbacks of Katrina, most of the economic disasters in Louisiana’s history have been man made through the aforementioned waste. This waste is personified in the picture not in the refuse but in the second liners. They waste their time on their indulgence rather than addressing the pressing matter. Should Louisiana cancel Mardi Gras and spend the money on building up its infrastructure? Probably not but the issue must be addressed. Like a maid making beds on the sinking Titanic, the Louisiana population must abandon its shallow mindset and come to terms with the challenges that lie ahead. If the same dedication to their ideas is applied to their work ethic, Louisiana could see a massive reversal of the economic downfall in all sectors of the state. Only when the populace is willing to take action will the Louisiana of the past return and all of the pride its residence enjoy will have substance to back it up.