Hurricane Exposes Lousiana's Dirty Secret

The aftermath of Hurrican Katrina exposes a festering secret Louisiana has hidden well -- its failure to help its neediest citizens.

1 minute read

September 5, 2005, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Was the evacuation order for New Orleans issued in time? Sure â€" but only for people with sufficient money in their pockets and a car in their garage.

...For years, Louisiana has failed to address the needs of its poorest citizens â€" despite politicians' reliance on that same population to maintain the political status quo at the state, parish and municipal level. The dirty secret of Louisiana's poverty politics is now broadcast for the world to see. At this point, the only question is how much longer the state's unwillingness â€" or inability â€" to serve vast segments of its population will continue to be tolerated."

FULL STORY: Louisiana's poverty politics

Monday, September 5, 2005 in The Los Angeles Times

Community / Economic Development Louisiana

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