Letters to the Editor
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Response re "Whitewashing"
The author suggests that more African-Americans were affected by Katrina than were white residents of New Orleans. True -- for the simple reason that the pre-Katrina population of New Orleans was heavily African-American. However, blacks have not suffered in greater proportion.
Neighborhoods "ravaged" by Katrina include Lakeview, which was almost exclusively white. Additionally, the article rests on the premise that most evacuees are out of state. Many are, but the majority are resident (temporarily, I hope) within other areas of Louisiana where voting stations have been provided.
Yes, some voting places are inappropriate. Yes, the eletion will be difficult. But the alternative of waiting until conditions are perfect is not plausible. Many New Orleanians (white and black) are bewildered by the (often external) concerns re voting. The problems associated with absentee voting and/or traveling to a polling place pale in comparison with the problems associated with the storm.