I asked the question a few days ago, and now more people are weighing in. The question is, "Should we rebuild New Orleans?"

Left Brain Female says, " folks need to do some deep soul-searching to determine if rebuilding the dream is really worth the cost."

Below the Beltway says "Hell yeah." He also asks, "Where would the 4.5 million people who live there go? What about the businesses that are based there?"

Jack Chambless, Economics Professor of Valencia Community College says, "But the founding fathers never intended, Article One, section Eight of the Constitution, never intended to provide one dollar of taxpayer dollars to pay for any disaster or anything that we might call charity."

Update 8:05PM: Obi-Wan of Forward Biased is unsure at the moment:

4.5 million people, and their hometown may just have disappeared, and this isn't even considering the value of New Orleans as a historic and unique city.

More Updates, 10:00PM EST:
Mark says, "I don't know."

Jeff Jarvis thinks the city "may need to be reinvented."

The Fat Guy says, "I simply canÂ’t imagine an America without New Orleans."

Confederate Yankee says, "Goodbye, Big Easy. It was fun while it lasted."

Martini Republic complains about asking the question, but doesn't give an answer.

Update 5:50AM (Thursday): Porkopolis weighs in with a resounding "no," and an analysis showing why not monetarily. There's also a long list of people and posts discussing alternatives to rebuilding.

Update: 2PM
Right Wing Nuthouse says, "See ya in the French Quarter at Mardi Gras in five yearsÂ…" in giving his support for it's rebuild.

Captain Ed says:

How we take care of New Orleans will say something about our national character and whether it remains as tough and optimistic as our history, for all its flaws, amply demonstrates. Will we walk away from a tough fight? Will America shrug its shoulders and tell the city that we don't want to take on difficult tasks?
...
And so New Orleans must be rebuilt, in some manner, right where it is now.

I, however, don't see it as a "challenge" to "back down" from. I see it as simple economics. WHY? What will happen if we don't rebuild it? Will the hurricanes get mad as us and attack again? I don't think it's a matter of running from a tough fight -- it's just common sense to NOT want to build a city where there's water. Why not just expand Miami Beach 2 miles eastward? That makes about as much sense.

Update Saturday:
Jeff Fisher says,

New Orleans will be rebuilt. The only question is, "Where?"

I'm sure it will be rebuilt. I'm just saying that it's not a good idea to use MY money (taxpayer money) to do it. Let people build whatever they want, wherever they want -- just don't force me to pay for it.

I know we won't, but I think we should just let it be. The billions of dollars spent could be better spent elsewhere -- and of course, the vast majority of those billions will be taxpayer money from my pockets.

If you were given a choice between building a business where you had to clear out flood destruction and ANYWHERE else, which would you choose? I think it's time to move on.

What say you?

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I know that tomorrow, Thursday, is the normal day for the Stop the ACLU blogburst. However, tomorrow is a special day in the land of the internet, so I'm posting my blogburst against the ACLU today.

The ACLU recently released a document that shows that the FBI is actually watching groups that have known or suspected ties to terror -- and the ACLU is outraged.

Now this isn't the FBI using secret wiretaps, hiding in dumpsters, searching through personal or computer records -- this is the FBI DARING to actually show up at publicly announced event that were specifically open to the public, just to see what was going on at them.

You see, the FBI went to various events held by groups that include people who perhaps have goals that are illegal. The FBI only did what any other citizen of this country could do. They did not harass ANYONE at the event. They did not even announce that they were from the FBI. They took no action, arrested no one, and did nothing other than look to see if anyone was doing anything wrong.

And the ACLU cannot stand it.

The FBI attended meetings of the Michigan Militia, Aryan Nation, a "5%" group (radical splinter muslim group), various ELF-associated animal liberation radical front groups, and, the one the ACLU is going bananas over, a "peace" group called "By Any Means."

Apparently, according to the ACLU, it is OK to watch those wackos in the Michigan Militia -- who have not committed any crime -- but it is NOT OK to watch a group of people who specifically, in the NAME of their group, suggest they will kill and destroy as many people as they can to reach their goal.

So, if you support the ACLU, you support groups that will kill you and anyone else who gets in their way of supporting "peace," but you do not support groups that want to defend their own land in an orderly, legal manner.

This IS the ACLU today.

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This week's Carnival of Liberty is up at Resistance is futile. Go read it, this is a really good carnival that has posts about freedom.

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I had previously mentioned the morons in London who have created a zoo exhibit including people, instead of animals. This isn't the first time, and I bet it won't be the last, because so many people are plain idiots.

This week, the Christian Views Symposium (found over at Cross Blogging) asks some questions about that "exhibit."

Feel free to join in and provide your own answers to the questions over at the original post, or make your own post and link back to the original. You don't have to be a Christian to play (and answer), anyone can join in! The questions this week:

Is man a plague species?
Is man just another primate?
Is man superior to other animals?
What do you believe mansÂ’ relationship to animals is or should be?

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Yar. If'n ye be needin' some inspiration and preparation for Talk Like a Pirate Day (Yar - It be on Day of the Moon (Monday) on the 19th of the 9th month this year); head on over here fer some real pirate boots.

Yar. They be costin' quite a bit 'o gold, but I'm thinking I might be needin' some.

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If you watch and listen to leftists in this country, the continue to claim that they support the troops, but not the war. National Review shows us how much they support the troops. Comments directed towards actual military heroes:

YouÂ’re a disgusting human being, and I hope you rot in hell!

If you think the war is okay, then why donÂ’t you go and serve!

Head over and read the whole article (it's short) to see how much the left really supports our troops. In case you don't get it (or don't want to read it), I'll help you out: They don't.

(Hat tip to Social Sense).

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Christians are now persona non gratis in the University of California school system. The state of California is now officially, according to the University system, a state sponsor of the naturalist religion and no other religions will be tolerated or allowed in the University system.

In related news, the United States Air Force agrees to punish Christians as well.

The University system is now rejecting any course that has been taught by any private, home, or religious school that contains any reference to creationism or intelligent design; or even any that actually mention that FACT that Darwin's theory of evolution is actually a theory.

They are also rejecting any history course that mentions Christians, including a course called "ChristianityÂ’s Influence on American History," even if the courses are actually based on facts. Since the course NAME contains the word "Christian," it is verboten in the California University system.

This is what happens when the government gets too involved in the education system. The STATE has no business, indeed NO need, even no real reason to be in the business of education. The state does not need state schools. The entire state university system should be scrapped -- private institutions will very quickly and easily take their place.

Unfortunately, there are too many with vested interests in the state-run education system for reason to enter into the system. Watch this case closely, as it will likely reach the Supreme Court (after getting through the morons on the 9th circuit court), and could have a very far-reaching impact on ALL education and religion in this country.

(Hat tip to Cross Blogging).

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The North Carolina Legislature will simply not adjourn. The longer they are in session, the more of YOUR money will be taken from you. Their latest move requires a fishing license for fishing in the ocean. Why? The same reason the Democrat-controlled North Carolina Legislature does 95% of what they do -- to take more money from working people to give to the people THEY like.

In addition, it used to be that you could fish in your own county without a license, since you lived there. This new law that requires licenses for salt-water fishing also abolishes the old rule that allows that -- now if you fish in a pond in your backyard, you better have a fishing license. Of course, that government "enforcer" will have a hard time not getting shot for trespassing on MY property...

The new law is expected to raise $18 million. And who gets to spend it? Not ANY elected official, but "the Marine Fisheries Commission." In other words, unelected bureaucrats gets to spend MORE money with absolutely ZERO accountability. This IS your Democrat-controlled legislature in action.

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North Carolina now has a lottery.

You may remember that I mentioned a week ago that there was a BIPARTISAN group of Senators opposed to the lottery, and the current balance of power in the Senate was 26 opposed to the lottery, 24 supporting it. Of the 26 opposed, 21 were Republicans and 5 were Democrats. All 24 supporters were Democrats.

Earlier this week, the Senate "leader" declared that the lottery was "dead" until next year, as he couldn't change anyone's vote. Today the Senate decided to meet and vote. NO VOTES CHANGED. The final vote was 24-24. The Lieutenant Governor (D) cast the tiebreaker, making the vote 25-24.

The Charlotte Observer Story describes how it happened, but not quite accurately.

After the Senate was done with all their business last week, allegedly for the year, Senator John Garwood, (R-Wilkes) was injured and was at home recovering from an infection. Senator Harry Brown (R-Onslow) left for his "Honeymoon." Then the Democrats forced an unconstitutional vote to cram the lottery down the throats of North Carolina voters. Of course the Constitution long-ceased to matter to Democrats in this state.

There are no details on how Senator Garwood was injured. There was also no word on how Senator Brown was funding his honeymoon. It certainly seems to me to be much more than a coincidence that the only two senators missing from the Senate when a vote "suddenly" appeared were two Republicans who opposed the lottery.

The North Carolina Democrat Legislature is dirtier than New Orleans right now.

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1 Great regional post. We need more regional information concerning the foul politcs. Thanks

Posted by: Brian at August 30, 2005 11:06 PM (4Oi0c)

2 Too bad the evil dems corrupted another state. From Massively Corrupt Illinois, it's gettin' really bad here!

Posted by: OTTMANN at August 31, 2005 12:21 AM (6COgO)

3 Just bloghopping... have a nice day BA~~261

Posted by: WiLL Garcia at August 31, 2005 01:56 AM (tYPcB)

4 Thanks, Brian, but I'm not sure you really want more information on this group of people. Ottman, I watch IL, and I often wonder which state is more corrupt. They are both the worst I've seen. Thanks for stopping by, Will!

Posted by: Ogre at August 31, 2005 05:55 AM (L0IGK)

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Wow.

This one is much worse than I imagined. Sure, I'd read all the stories about the "bowl" of New Orleans, but you never really believe it can happen. This is really, really bad. I'm starting to think it's time to cut our losses and just abandon New Orleans to the ocean.

For good updates, see Michelle Malkin. An up to the minute update blog can be found at a local TV station. Updated continuously. Hugh Hewitt is suggesting a coordinated blogger fund-raising effort for this one. Glennn Reynolds suggests Thursday.

But seriously -- one of the major levees has broken and the city continues to flood. One thing I don't see mentioned much is that the storm is still dropping rain UPRIVER. More and more water is destined to head into the area. The water can only get deeper because the pumps have no power to pump.

It is time to give up? I don't mean to stop helping the people, I'm just wondering if this is when we should get the people out and just leave the land there underwater. It is below sea level. Would the cost of draining and attempting to restore that area, certainly to be in excess of $30 billion, actually be worth it?

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Well, I think it's finally time to declare the Homespun Symposium from The Homespun Bloggers dead. The last time an actual Homespun Symposium question was posted was... well... so long ago that it doesn't show up on the main page any more.

There it is, August 8th. Six responses from over, well, a lot of bloggers. That's not too bad, but these things can't go on forever. Hey, they're still putting out Homespun Radio, so that's pretty cool.

But for now, at least, I'll give up on the answering of weekly Homespun Symposium questions. If anyone sees them start back up, let me know, as they were almost always a lot of fun!

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One of the Google Ads led to a site called Subscriptions for Soldiers. This is a site that

gives you a chance to personally show the hardworking men and women in AmericaÂ’s armed forces how much you truly appreciate their sacrifice. For only $10 you can send a gift subscription to active servicemen and women serving around the world right now.

Has anyone else heard anything about this site or the group promoting it (PriMedia)? I'd love to hear someone that knows this group is on the up and up before promoting them and sending them some of my cash...

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It's been a little while since I've seen some quizzes making the rounds. But Phin provided me a link to a nice quiz:

John Wayne You scored 50% Tough, 4% Roguish, 19% Friendly, and 28% Charming!

You, my friend, are a man's man, the original true grit, one tough talking, swaggering son of a bitch. You're not a bad guy, on the contrary, you're the ultimate good guy, but you're one tough character, rough and tumble, ready for anything. You call the shots and go your own way, and if some screwy dame is willing to accept your terms, that's just fine by you. Otherwise, you'll just hit the open trail and stay true to yourself. You stand up for what you believe and can handle any situation, usually by rushing into the thick of the action. You're not polished and you're not overly warm, but you're a straight shooter and a real stand up guy. Co-stars include Lauren Bacall and Maureen O'Hara, tough broads who can take care of themselves. Find out what kind of classic dame you'd make by taking the Classic Dames Test.

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Idiots.

8 complete and total morons from England have decided that they are equivalent to animals and are participating in a zoo exhibit -- 5 women and 3 men. The zoo claims that "the human is just another primate." Total foolishness and absolute ignorance of reality.

Stupid moronic idiot Tom Mahoney said, ""A lot of people think humans are above other animals. When they see humans as animals, here, it kind of reminds us that we're not that special."

Hey, dumb ass Tom, WE ARE! You stupid fool, we ARE superior to animals! YOU might not be, but humans in general ARE NOT animals. Anyone who thinks humans are the same as animals is a complete and total ass.

Many of these morons believe in natural selection -- if that's the case, then how are humans NOT superior? Their own theories refute their own theories! These people are idiots. I don't understand why they even get any news coverage. My theory is that they are so stupid and SO far removed from reality, that they are actually newsworthy.

No matter what, they are 100% idiots and fools.

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1 I believe in natural selection . . . I believe it is natural for me to select morons to shoot and let god sort em out. Oh, yes, i also think that some humans are not superior to animals, at least not my dog or cat. . . or your llamas. Some humans (not naming any names *ahem-moonbats-ahem*) are not even superior to invertebrates! So there! *sticking out my tongue like a juvenile moonbat and running away*

Posted by: Oddybobo at August 30, 2005 09:40 AM (6Gm0j)

2 The articles don't mention if the exhibit people were selected for their level of insanity and moonbattedness, but I guess that IS implied, isn't it?

Posted by: Ogre at August 30, 2005 09:56 AM (/k+l4)

3 Never underestimate the pwoer of human stupidity ... /TJ

Posted by: TJ at August 30, 2005 12:31 PM (N4b26)

4 Now if we could only harness it as an energy source...

Posted by: Ogre at August 30, 2005 12:47 PM (/k+l4)

5 I saw this in our paper. Did you see the whacked out pix? I wanted to say, "But be true to the animal kingdom. We need to see them procreate..." I guess we're only the same to a certain degree. Heh.

Posted by: Bou at August 30, 2005 09:30 PM (5JHEt)

6 I'm glad I didn't see pictures. Morons. If they like "survival of the fittest" so much, I've got a shotgun and they don't. Does that give me the "natural right" to shoot them?

Posted by: Ogre at August 30, 2005 09:41 PM (L0IGK)

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The Democrats, through one of their various enforcer-arms (the Board of Elections), has made an attempt to destroy the Libertarian Party in North Carolina. Why? Because they don't like competition.

The Board of Elections has removed the ability of people to register with the party of their choice by decertifying the Libertarian Party in North Carolina. Another blogger, Rusty Sheridan is now not allowed to run for Charlotte Mayor, even after already registering. He is still trying, however.

Why would the Democrats in North Carolina do this? Instead, I believe the ballot access ought to be MORE open, not less. Currently North Carolina requires 70,000 people to sign a petition to have a party "certified." That's not right -- what if an entire town, 20,000 people, want to form their own political party. In North Carolina, they cannot. That's wrong.

Then again, the Democrats in North Carolina rule the state with an iron fist -- they don't like any competition in any way, shape or form. Do you still support Democrats?

(Linked to Stop the ACLU Trackback Party).

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Lou Dobbs had it right on the money when he said, "We are a nation of immigrants, and there is no more diverse and welcoming society than ours. But we are first a nation of laws, and upholding those laws and our national values makes this great country of ours possible."

What happens if we do not uphold those laws? Dobbs goes on.

Failure to secure our borders means that we will continue to lose the war on drugs and lose a generation of Americans to those drugs. It also means the crushing burden of our failed immigration and homeland security policies will continue to fall exclusively on the shoulders of working men and women. Not only do illegal aliens and those who employ them cost the nation tens of billions of dollars in social services, principally in health care and education, they also depress wages for American citizens by an estimated $200 billion a year.

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Do you know any firsthand stories from the war in Iraq? Dawn Miller is looking for stories from Iraq. She says:

I'm looking for true stories of faith, miracles love and compassion in the midst of war from our soldiers in Iraq. If anyone has a story to share, they can email me at walkbyj@aol.com. Remind them to put "Somebody's Been Praying For Me" in the subject heading and to list their contact info. I will review the stories and contact them in the order they're received.

Thanks and God Bless!
Dawn Miller

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Here is it! The New Blog Showcase Carnival! This is the showcase carnival that showcases new blogs. Any blog that's less than 3 months old is eligible. This is the carnival that highlights those new blogs. This week we've got a whopping ONE entry.

While you're browsing blogs, be sure to either submit those new blogs, or tell the owner of the blog to submit. This is the chance to get some exposure for those brand-new blogs. In recent weeks, the submissions have been very weak. We may have to change the format, suggestions are welcome.

In addition, this is supposed to be a traveling carnival. However, the carnival seems to have parked itself here at Ogre's Views. That's okay with me, but you are missing a chance at free links and experience hosting a carnival! If you want to host, please send me an email (link in the upper right corner over there). It's REAL simple if you want to host.

Without further ado, our ONE entry into the carnival for this week:

As a submitted post, he submits Politics in an Odd-Numbered Year X: Odell Stops that Big, Yellow Taxi and Skips on the Fare. That post is a long, detailed post describing annexation rights. Even if you're not in the area, you should go read, as I bet this same thing is happening in your area.

Folks, this IS the New Blog Carnival Showcase. Go ahead, head on over to that blog and comment. Don't you remember when you started out and appreciated that comment? Make people like the New Blog Carnival Showcase so we can keep this thing going!

This post included in NZ Bear's Uber Carnivals post.

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Richard Combs, of Combs Spouts Off, is asking for favorite quotes. I'll provide two.

I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.

Also:

It's a 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.

Feel free to name the speakers in the comments.

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1 I'm a geek aren't I? I know the top one from school. Nathan Hale. The 2nd one... no clue. Obviously a pop culture reference that I didn't get while living under my rock reading history...

Posted by: Bou at August 29, 2005 12:47 PM (5JHEt)

2 Sounds like the Blues Brothers. One of my all time favs is Promise her anything, but give her Pez.

Posted by: tomslick at August 29, 2005 01:53 PM (xNjHI)

3 You're right on both counts, Bou -- and Tomslick hit it with the second one. Bou, you should watch the Blues Brothers more often. And not that edited crap on broadcast TV, either.

Posted by: Ogre at August 29, 2005 02:09 PM (L0IGK)

4 Elwood Blues, specifically :-) Anyway, one of my faves, and something I consistantly preach to people thinking about starting a blog: "Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along"--Napoleon Hill Phrased more poetically in Andrew Carnegie's favorite version: "The gods send thread for a web begun."

Posted by: Harvey at August 29, 2005 05:38 PM (ubhj8)

5 And don't forget the follow up line from Jake: "Hit It."

Posted by: Ogre at August 29, 2005 07:19 PM (L0IGK)

6 Heck, if you're going to allow Blues Brothers quotes, how about: Jake: First you trade the Cadillac for a microphone. Then you lie to me about the band. Now you're gonna put me right back in the joint. Elwood: They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God.

Posted by: Richard G. Combs at August 31, 2005 12:07 AM (rCfWT)

7 "You traded the Cadillac for this?" "No, for a microphone." "Oh, that's different."

Posted by: Ogre at August 31, 2005 05:58 AM (L0IGK)

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Wow.

I was in Florida during Hurricane Andrew (another Category 5 hurricane), and I saw the massive damage that was done. I cannot image what's happening in Louisiana. Please take a moment now to say a prayer for those who are in the path of this absolutely devastating storm. I will likely feel some from the storm, but I'm so far inland it will likely only be a heavy rain -- nothing like the southern end of the state of LA.

Wow.

Hear more at Boudicca's Voice -- she's in Florida and knows these storms up close.

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