From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:01:25 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:01:25 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] WW II Battleship sailor tells Obama to shape up or shipout! Message-ID: <226c01ca6c3d$109ed510$31dc7f30$@com> The sad thing here that Mr. Estes doesn't realize is Obama could care less what others think. He has a goal to destroy all wealth in this country, including the middle class (i.e. "redistribute the wealth" to Joe the Plumber who was only middle class), while making sure he and his elitest friends remain in power and live high on the hog - much like the Politburo of the former USSR. John -----Original Message----- This venerable and much honored WW II vet is well known in Hawaii for his seventy-plus years of service to patriotic organizations and causes all over the country. A humble man without a political bone in his body, he has never spoken out before about a government official, until now. He dictated this letter to a friend, signed it and mailed it to the president. Dear President Obama, My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a "rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor allowing me to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country. One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind, blunt and direct even to the head man. So here goes. I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish. I can't figure out what country you are the president of. You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like: "We're no longer a Christian nation", "America is arrogant" - (Your wife even announced to the world, "America is mean-spirited. " Please tell her to try preaching that nonsense to 23 generations of our war dead buried all over the globe who died for no other reason than to free a whole lot of strangers from tyranny and hopelessness.) I'd say shame on the both of you but I don't think you like America nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do for the obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House. After 9-11 you said," America hasn't lived up to her ideals." Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British ? Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War ? I hope you didn't mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for in WWII,because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us around because we stand for freedom. I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than discrimination. You know the one that a whole lot of white people understood when they helped to get you elected. Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man. Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue. You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves. And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in Massachusetts who was putting up a fight? You don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists. One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life but you're the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of. You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge ever presented to any president. You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now. And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in this final battle. Sincerely, Harold B. Estes When a 95 year old hero of the "the Greatest Generation" stands up and speaks out like this, I think we owe it to him to send his words to as many Americans as we can. Please pass it on. From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:01:46 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:01:46 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <226d01ca6c3d$1d4e0e20$57ea2a60$@com> I just watched the movie "Seven Days in May" and I have seen the future. Except this time, the military plot will succeed. It occurred to me while watching the film that only conservatives own weapons and the military (and all law enforecement) are near 100% conservatives and they are NOT going to allow this country to drift deeper into socialism/communism. All liberals shoot off are their mouths. They don't believe in owning any sort of weapontry, which likely explains why they want laws to prevent anyone else from owning them as well. Liberals need to think long and hard about how hard they, as the minority, are going to try and keep pushing conservatives in this country. Otherwise, there will be a "Seven Days in May" attitude where the average conservative citizen is going to take action againsts liberals on the street level....I can see it coming. John From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:03:46 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:03:46 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] SEXUAL ADVICE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT (Jer - delete this email) Message-ID: <226e01ca6c3d$647deea0$2d79cbe0$@com> >may I suggest we turn this forum into a smut joke place of business? You are always free to unsubscribe from the list aren't you? ----------------------------------------------------- Sorry, "anonymous". I am not in charge of allowing distasteful humor on this site for the sake of it. That is Westley's job. It seems at times, it gets worse than the Playboy site, or any other smut sites which people relish as great clean fun. Glad you liked bringing up immorality at a time in one's life where prayer should be preferential to smut. If anyone else is proud to list such material, may I suggest we turn this forum into a smut joke place of business? --jer-- Ps. Yes, by default, I had to delete the joke. From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:04:08 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:04:08 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] A Message From Chairman Steele On National Adoption Day Message-ID: <226f01ca6c3d$717490f0$545db2d0$@com> Today, our country recognizes November 21st as the 10th Anniversary of National Adoption Day. The Republican Party understands how important it is to give every child the opportunity to grow up in a family that provides the love and support they all need. Adoption is something that not only Republicans support, but I personally do as well since I was also adopted. I am fortunate to have been adopted and raised by a loving mother who knew what a positive impact she could have on shaping my life and helping me become the man I am today. On behalf of the Republican Party, I ask you to join me in commemorating National Adoption Day and all of those who continue to make a difference for children everywhere. Sincerely, Michael Steele RNC Chairman From westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:09:12 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:09:12 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Katrina case raises costly question Message-ID: <227001ca6c3e$26fd5830$74f80890$@com> Katrina case raises costly question By Rick Jervis, USA TODAY NEW ORLEANS - The recent ruling here by a federal judge confirmed what victims of Hurricane Katrina have been arguing the past four years: the catastrophic floods in 2005 were a manmade disaster, not a natural phenomenon. The landmark ruling blames negligence by the Army Corps of Engineers for some of the worst flooding from Hurricane Katrina. The ruling could lead to billions of dollars in other legal action from storm victims, but it also leaves regional leaders with a dilemma: Should they ride the lawsuit's momentum and try to extract potentially billions of dollars from the federal government to compensate Katrina victims? Or should they keep the focus on getting federal help for Louisiana's multibillion-dollar coastal restoration efforts? Asking the federal government to pay what could amount to billions of dollars in payback for Katrina victims could derail the state's effort to fund coastal restoration that could prevent future storms from causing similar devastation, said Oliver Houck, a Tulane University law professor. "If there's anything this administration doesn't need right now is another $100 billion tab," Houck said. "The money that would go to coastal restoration will now go to these plaintiffs." In a searing 156-page decision, U.S. District Judge Stanwood Duval Jr. ruled Wednesday that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' "gross negligence" in maintaining a 76-mile navigational canal that connects the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans led to the collapse of levees and destroyed two neighborhoods, the Lower 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish. "The Corps' negligence resulted in the wasting of millions of dollars in flood protection measures and billions of dollars in congressional outlays to help this region recover from such a catastrophe," Duval wrote. He awarded $720,000 in property damages to four individuals and one business. "It is my sincere hope that this decision is upheld and the people of the region are finally vindicated and receive a full and just compensation from the U.S. government for their damages," Sen. Mary Landrieu said in a statement. Landrieu, a Democrat, said she will meet with President Obama to determine how to compensate flood victims. Joseph Bruno, a New Orleans attorney who represents the plaintiffs in the case, said he will travel to Washington after Thanksgiving to meet with lawmakers and propose compensation for the more than 400,000 individuals in the greater New Orleans area affected by the floods. "You can't just pay one section of town," he said. "You have to pay it all." Louisiana's coastal marshes act as natural buffers against storms and are vital to preventing future disasters, said Garret Graves, head of Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal's office of coastal activities. Since 1930, the area has lost about 2,100 square miles of coastal marshes - an area larger than the size of Delaware. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita mauled an additional 217 square miles of coast in 2005. Rebuilding the marshes, along with armoring New Orleans' levee systems, will cost about $100 billion, Graves said. Since Katrina, the federal government has spent about $15 billion on the levee system, he said. Leaders have lobbied Washington for years to invest more in revitalizing the coast. The Obama administration has been proactive, including forming a Gulf Coast interagency working group to come up with solutions, Graves said. Last week's ruling could steer attention away from that effort, he said. "There's a relation between extraordinary land loss in Louisiana and the exacerbated impact of hurricanes," Graves said. "That's what we're remaining focused on." Those living in the affected area are similarly divided. Residents of St. Bernard Parish, which lost virtually all of its 26,000 homes in the floods, would like to be compensated for their damaged homes but realize rebuilding wetlands will protect them from future storms, said Craig Taffaro Jr., parish president. "There needs to be a balance between individual compensation and a global solution," he said. Tanya Smith, 36, one of six plaintiffs named in the lawsuit, said she's happy with the $317,000 the judge says she is owed for the loss of her home. Even more important than the cash, she said, is the recognition that the Corps was at fault. "Finally, they got what was coming to them," Smith said. From westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:16:44 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:16:44 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] A win for New Orleans Message-ID: <227201ca6c3f$344d48a0$9ce7d9e0$@com> A win for New Orleans Why the Army Corps should compensate city residents Monday, November 23, 2009 ASK RESIDENTS of New Orleans who they think was responsible for the drowning of their city during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and without hesitation many will say the Army Corps of Engineers. U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval Jr. backed that assessment in a blistering ruling last week that held the federal agency liable for damages. After earlier dismissing the claim that construction of the 44-year-old Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet (MRGO) shipping channel was responsible for the flooding of the Crescent City, he ruled that the Corps's neglect of the 76-mile passage contributed to the disaster. "It is this court's opinion that the negligence of the Corps, in this instance failing to maintain the MRGO properly, was not policy, but insouciance, myopia and shortsightedness," Judge Duval wrote. Noting that the Corps had known for more than 40 years about the deterioration of the MRGO, he added, "The Corps had an opportunity to take a myriad of actions to alleviate this deterioration and failed to do so. Clearly, the expression 'talk is cheap' applies here." As the MRGO eroded, so did the levees. Judge Duval wrote that because of what he described as "monumental negligence," the channel grew "to two to three times its design width." This "created a more forceful frontal wave attack on the levee" that was supposed to protect St. Bernard Parish and the Lower Ninth Ward from the storm surge. The lawsuit was brought by seven plaintiffs. Judge Duval ruled against the plaintiffs from New Orleans East but awarded $720,000 to those from St. Bernard and the Lower Ninth. The judge's decision could lead to thousands of people joining class actions seeking billions of dollars in damages. Lawyers for the plaintiffs are calling on the federal government to offer a universal settlement with the people of New Orleans. The Obama administration and members of Congress should listen. While there are limits on how much people should expect -- the government is strapped for cash, after all -- it's difficult to see what purpose would be served by dragging this case through appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. Unless the government has a persuasive defense for the negligence decried by Judge Duval, it would be better to settle now. From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 08:40:24 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:40:24 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <228401ca6c42$828cd730$87a68590$@com> John, I totally agree with you. The Kiwanis Club here in Thibodaux hosts a gun show every year. This past year has been one of the most successful years ever. Once particular vendor only sold ammo and there was a constant flow of people walking out with cases of ammo. Everyone I've spoken to is looking to stock pile ammo for the guns they have and looking at buying spare guns. If anything happens, it is not going to be pretty. But, at least here in the south, more of good guys have guns as opposed to up north. Westley -----Original Message----- I just watched the movie "Seven Days in May" and I have seen the future. Except this time, the military plot will succeed. It occurred to me while watching the film that only conservatives own weapons and the military (and all law enforecement) are near 100% conservatives and they are NOT going to allow this country to drift deeper into socialism/communism. All liberals shoot off are their mouths. They don't believe in owning any sort of weapontry, which likely explains why they want laws to prevent anyone else from owning them as well. Liberals need to think long and hard about how hard they, as the minority, are going to try and keep pushing conservatives in this country. Otherwise, there will be a "Seven Days in May" attitude where the average conservative citizen is going to take action againsts liberals on the street level....I can see it coming. John From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 09:58:52 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:58:52 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <22e001ca6c4d$790c47d0$6b24d770$@com> Westley, A rough reiteration of the old saying applies here..."those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it." Add to that a touch of human nature and you can see the future unfolding. It likely will be ugly - for liberals. I can see liberals in public getting harrassed by conservatives who feel the last straw has been broken. I witnessed this just last week when a young black girl checking out in a Wal-Mart was wearing an Obama shirt. This "bubba" guy standing in the register line across from her starting mouthing off to her "yeah, I see that asshole pictured on your shirt who's trying to destroy this country." What surprised me was the facial look on other customer's faces (mostly white) did not look embarrasshed or shocked, but most were smiling. The black girl did not dare say a word. I'm telling you Westley, conservatives are getting fed up and scenes like this are going to be a more common occurrence. If I were a liberal living in the South, I'd be exploring real estate in the liberal/leftist states now. John From westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:20:06 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:20:06 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Hurricane Katrina Lawsuit Results in Damages Against Army Corps Message-ID: <24ae01ca6c8b$1c923bc0$55b6b340$@com> Hurricane Katrina Lawsuit Results in Damages Against Army Corps Published: November 23rd, 2009 . No Comments A federal judge ruled last week in favor of residents from New Orlean's Lower 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish over the Army Corps of Engineers' maintenance of the city's levees, potentially exposing the government to liability in a number of Hurricane Katrina lawsuits. U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. awarded $719,698 to a group of plaintiffs from the St. Bernard parish in New Orleans who sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for failing to properly maintain levees with burst during the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe of 2005. While the ruling was in favor of only four residents and one business, potentially thousands of Katrina victims could sue the government on the same grounds, which could lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in liability exposure for the federal government. The plaintiffs in the property damage lawsuit argued that the Corps was negligent in the design, construction and maintenance of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, known as the MRGO (Mister Go) canal. Residents said that dredging by the Corps allowed the storm surge generated by the hurricane to sweep into the parish virtually unimpeded. Duval found that the Army Corps negligently maintained the canal, but rejected arguments that the design itself was faulty. Duval verbally skewered the Corps in his opinion on the case. "It is the Court's opinion that the negligence of the Corps, in this instance by failing to maintain the MRGO properly, was not policy, but insouciance, myopia and shortsightedness," Duval wrote in his November 18 opinion. "The Corps had an opportunity to take a myriad of actions to alleviate this deterioration or rehabilitate this deterioration and failed to do so. Clearly the expression 'talk is cheap' applies here." The ruling may have far reaching consequences, as tens of thousands of homes or businesses in the Lower 9th Ward and St. Bernard's Parish were destroyed. One Army report estimated that the government's total liability in the cases could exceed $500 billion. The ruling has brought a number of bipartisan statements calling for the government to settle with Katrina victims and take action to prevent similar Army Corps of Engineer failings in the future. Senators Mary Landrieu, a Democrat, and David Vitter, a Republican said they were glad to see relief ordered for hurricane victims. Vitter said the decision could serve as a warning against similar problems in the future. In addition Democratic Senator Russ Feingold and Republican Senator John McCain issued a joint statement calling for sweeping reforms for the Corps in the wake of the ruling. "American taxpayers cannot wait for another natural disaster like Katrina before we act to improve the safety and security of Corps projects," the statement said. From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:31:23 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:23 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Do the math Message-ID: <24b501ca6c8c$b0094820$101bd860$@com> If you've read this before, just delete -- this is a new one to me. TJH ________________________________ JOE LEGAL vs. JOSE ILLEGAL You have two families: "Joe Legal" and "Jose Illegal". Both families have two parents, two children, and live in California . Joe Legal works in construction, has a Social Security Number and makes $25.00 per hour with taxes deducted. Jose Illegal also works in construction, has NO Social Security Number, and gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table". Ready? Now pay attention... Joe Legal: $25.00 per hour x 40 hours = $1000.00 per week, or $52,000.00 per year. Now take 30% away for state and federal tax; Joe Legal now has $31,231.00. Jose Illegal: $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week, or $31,200.00 per year. Jose Illegal pays no taxes. Jose Illegal now has $31,200.00. Joe Legal pays medical and dental insurance with limited coverage for his family at $600.00 per month, or $7,200.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $24,031.00. Jose Illegal has full medical and dental coverage through the state and local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00. Joe Legal makes too much money and is not eligible for food stamps or welfare. Joe Legal pays $500.00 per month for food, or $6,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $18,031.00. Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for food stamps and welfare. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00. Joe Legal pays rent of $1,200.00 per month, or $14,400.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $9,631.00. Jose Illegal receives a $500.00 per month federal rent subsidy. Jose Illegal pays out that $500.00 per month, or $6,000.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $ 31,200.00. Joe Legal pays $200.00 per month, or $2,400.00 for insurance. Joe Legal now has $7,231.00. Jose Illegal says, "We don't need no stinkin' insurance!" and still has $31,200.00. Joe Legal has to make his $7,231.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, etc. Jose Illegal has to make his $31,200.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, and what he sends out of the country every month. Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part time job after work. Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family. Joe Legal's and Jose Illegal's children both attend the same school. Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches while Jose Illegal's children get a government sponsored lunch. Jose Illegal's children have an after school ESL program. Joe Legal's children go home. Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same police and fire services, but Joe paid for them and Jose did not pay. Do you get it, now? If you vote for or support any politician that supports illegal aliens... You are part of the problem! It's way PAST time to take a stand for America and Americans! What are you waiting for? Pass it on. From westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:33:47 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:33:47 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] The other battle of New Orleans Message-ID: <24b601ca6c8d$0732aab0$15980010$@com> The other battle of New Orleans November 23, 2009: Last week a federal district Court ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers was liable for some of the catastrophic flooding in New Orleans in August 2005 from Hurricane Katrina. The ruling against the Corps is based on its apparent failure to properly maintain a shipping channel linking New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. District Court Judge Stanwood Duval Jr. wrote, "For over 40 years, the Corps was aware that the Reach II levee protecting Chalmette and the Lower Ninth Ward was going to be compromised by the continued deterioration of the MRGO ... The Corps had an opportunity to take a myriad of actions to alleviate this deterioration or rehabilitate this deterioration and failed to do so. Clearly, the expression 'talk is cheap' applies here." The MRGO refers to the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet canal, which the Corps dug to shorten the shipping route between the Gulf of Mexico and New Orleans' inner harbor Industrial Canal via the Intracoastal Waterway. History and mission of the Corps The Army Corps of Engineers as it is known today came into being on 16 March 1802, when President Thomas Jefferson organized and established a Corps of Engineers. They initially were stationed at West Point. The United States Military Academy was under the direction of the Corps of Engineers until 1866. Ironically, the Corps' authority over river works in the United States began with its fortification of New Orleans after the War of 1812. Aside from the actual construction and maintenance of canals, locks, and other navigation features, Army engineers historically conducted important survey work. In September 1850, Congress appropriated $50,000 for a topographical and hydrographical survey of the Mississippi Delta, including a study of the best means of securing a 20-foot navigation channel at the Mississippi's mouth. Southern congressmen had sought the federal funds to address the continuous flooding of New Orleans and lower Mississippi River communities and to assist shipping between the Gulf and the Mississippi. Topographical engineer Captain Andrew A. Humphreys initiated and supervised a Mississippi River Delta survey. In 1857 Lieutenant Henry L. Abbot's supporting field work proved so indispensable that when the final report was published in 1861, Humphreys named Abbot as its coauthor. Officially called the Report Upon The Physics and Hydraulics of the Mississippi River, the survey is often simply referred to as the Humphreys Abbot report. Messrs. Humphreys and Abbot's findings in the report influenced river engineering as well as the development of the responsibilities of the Corps of Engineers. They developed a new formula to measure the river water flow, which subsequently proved to be faulty largely because it did not account for the degree of roughness of river channel slopes. The authors posited that levees could control lower Mississippi River flooding without costly reservoirs or cutoffs. Their conclusions influenced river engineering and the future of Corps' development of water resources. Their influence also extended beyond the mid-twentieth century, influencing further research and gaining respect from engineers around the world. The Katrina decision Judge Duval wrote in his decision: "For over 40 years, the Corps was aware that the Reach II levee protecting Chalmette and the Lower Ninth Ward was going to be compromised by the continued deterioration of the MRGO ... The Corps had an opportunity to take a myriad of actions to alleviate this deterioration or rehabilitate this deterioration and failed to do so. Clearly, the expression 'talk is cheap' applies here." The centerpiece of the case was the maintenance and operation of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet. Completed in the 1960's, its purpose was to create a shortcut for ships to travel between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River. Over the years the MRGO's marshy banks widened significantly in spots. Many years prior to Katrina experts warned that the redesigning of these wetlands could create a funnel effect that would intensify storm surges. According to the Coalition MRGO Must Go, that is what exactly happened. The Corps' construction of MRGO facilitated Hurricane Katrina's destructive power because the levees failed to stop the hurricane surge from the Gulf of Mexico. MRGO's construction destroyed what was a natural storm buffer. The Corps dug 27,600 acres of wetlands to widen the channel then built levees. As predicted, this design created a funnel where MRGO merges with the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW). When Katrina's surge hit that funnel, it increased the height and velocity of the flood right into the heart of the New Orleans metropolitan area and St. Bernard Parish "It is the court's opinion that the negligence of the Corps, in this instance by failing to maintain the MRGO properly, was not policy, but insouciance, myopia and short-sightedness," Judge Duval wrote. "The judge's ruling today validates the feelings and beliefs that many citizens have held for four years," New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said in a statement. "Although the ruling is liberating for thousands impacted by the devastation and tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, it is my hope that justice will prevail to help families make their lives whole again." "This is not the Corps that built the Panama Canal," Joe Bruno, plaintiffs' attorney, told CNN. "This is a different Corps. This is a Corps that's reckless." "The people of this city are vindicated," said Bruno. "They didn't do anything wrong. It's now time for them to be compensated." From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:35:01 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:35:01 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] FOUR GYMS, A YOUTH CENTER AND BALL PARK OPEN IN ST. BERNARD! Message-ID: <24b701ca6c8d$32373d70$96a5b850$@com> FOUR GYMS, A YOUTH CENTER AND BALL PARK OPEN IN ST. BERNARD! St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro and Parish Council members were joined by Schools Superintendent Doris Voitier and School Board members to mark the grand openings of four gymnasiums and a ball park. This highly celebrated week of progress included the openings of Cypress Gardens Gym at Davies Elementary, Gauthier Gym at Gauthier Elementary as well as the Paul Noel Gym, which includes the Fuel Youth Center. President Taffaro also announced the openings this week of the Sammy Frichter Gym and Kenilworth Ball Park next to Gauthier Gym. "This is a critical part of our recreation infrastructure to continue to promote opportunities for our youth and families to have positive social experiences," President Craig Taffaro said. Acting FEMA LATRO Deputy Director of Programs Mark Landry, who attend the grand opening event at Gauthier Gym, thanked St. Bernard officials for their persistence and promised more FEMA help with the forthcoming recovery projects. Jeff Amering from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, which assists with the recovery projects, also was on hand to promise the state's continued support. Superintendent Doris Voitier said the events were important to the students at Davies and Gauthier who will be able to use the Cypress Garden and Gauthier gyms as a key part of the physical education programs under cooperative agreements with the St. Bernard Parish Government. Fuel, the youth program created by St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro, also held its inaugural social event after the ribbon cutting that included basketball, dodge ball, video games, Wrecking Ball inflatable and prizes. The center will be opening with after school hours for middle school and high school students begin December 1st. The upstairs of Paul Noel's gym has been transformed as a space for youth to hang out with friends, play video games, work on your homework and have access to the Internet. Call Abbey Flaherty, SBPG Youth Coordinator with any questions about Fuel or the Youth Center at 224-1653. The projects represent major recovery dollars and key projects that involved a lot of help and support from a variety of agencies. In addition to President Taffaro and Chief Administrative Officer Dave Dysart, St. Bernard Recovery Director Michael Dorris Jr. oversaw all the projects as well as St. Bernard Recreation Director Donny Bourgeois. Diana Goin of the St. Bernard Public Works Department was the project manager. Noel Gym, which was renovated and funded by FEMA, cost about $662,000. The work was designed by Meyer Engineers and constructed by T-Mac Construction. James Thomas of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. was the project manager. Cypress Gardens Gym, which was demolished and reconstructed as a new gym, cost about $2,088,500. It was funded mostly by FEMA, with about $48,500 in parish government funds. The work was designed by Meyer Engineers and constructed by Aegis Construction. The demolition contractor was T-Mac Construction. James Thomas of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. was the project manager. Gauthier Gym, which also was demolished and reconstructed as a new gym, cost $2,524,477, including about $200,000 for demolition and associated costs. It was funded mostly by FEMA, with about $48,500 in parish government funds. The work was designed by Meyer Engineers and constructed by T-Mac Construction. The demolition contractor was Roofing Enterprises. James Thomas of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. was the project manager. In addition to money from FEMA and St. Bernard Parish, an additional $285,000 in grant money from the Louisiana Government Assistance Program helped pay for bricks, air conditioning and flooring at Cypress and Gauthier gyms. Renovation to Sammy Frichter at the old St. Claude Heights School site cost about $700,000. Frichter, too, was funded mostly by FEMA, with about $4,500 in parish government funds. The work was designed by Meyer Engineers and constructed by T-Mac Construction. James Thomas of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. was the project manager. Renovations to Kenilworth Ball Park cost about $695,374 paid for by FEMA. The work was designed by Meyer Engineers and constructed by Picou-Fradella. Douglas Landry of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. was the project manager. ### From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:45:53 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:45:53 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <24bb01ca6c8e$b6a89da0$23f9d8e0$@com> Westley here's the reason (or at least the main one) of stockpiling ammunition. http://www.usacarry.com/forums/general-firearm-discussion/6656-gun-owners-st ockpiling-ammunition.html From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:46:07 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:46:07 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <24bc01ca6c8e$bef73bb0$3ce5b310$@com> Liberals need to think long and hard about how hard they, as the minority, are going to try and keep pushing conservatives in this country. Otherwise, there will be a "Seven Days in May" attitude where the average conservative citizen is going to take action againsts liberals on the street level....I can see it coming. John ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ John, some number of people, liberals or independents or whatever **did** get him elected; can't deny that. Independents are walking away from Obama support in droves. I think they are the ones who are the most pissed-off, having bought and believed in the Obama b.s. And with the independents (of which I'm now one-or rather "unaffiliated") they were the ones who were ready for some kind of change, any kind of change away from Bush. But from what I've read, a lot of Republicans were not happy with McCain and either sat home or something. He didn't get the support I thought he would. JY P.S. I mentioned something about the movie Seven Days in May some months ago. My opinion is that if something like that happens, it will be quietly done. You'll see Obama resign, then Biden and Pelosi. They will quietly go away, no muss no fuss. From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:46:53 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:46:53 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] A win for New Orleans Message-ID: <24bd01ca6c8e$dac65fb0$90531f10$@com> I read where Bruno said that if it gets to a point for individual compensation, that they will surely subtract any monies received through the Road Home program and I **think** he said insurance proceeds. If that's the case it should only be for what was received under flood insurance. However, I think they need to also consider loss of income, expenses incurred because of having to move elsewhere, however temporary or whatever plus pain/suffering, emotional problems people suffered. My God I can't remember the number of days/nights I bawled my eyes out thinking of all the things my Dad worked for that were just washed away/ruined and that we'll never get back. I have one thing stuck in my mind more than others: On his deathbed he asked me to never sell this antique Victrola he got from his step-dad. That thing was in mint condition and his step-dad had given him a ton of the old "big/thick" 78s from the Edison Recording Company and RCA Victor. I laughed and told him I could never move that thing out of the den, but not to worry I'd **never** sell it. In a way I kept my word, but it's still gone. JY From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:50:24 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:50:24 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] St. Bernard Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness participated in the 2009 Southeast Louisiana Hurricane Expo Message-ID: <24c101ca6c8f$58131850$083948f0$@com> St. Bernard Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness participated in the 2009 Southeast Louisiana Hurricane Expo Event at the Alario Center in Westwego gave critical info to residents The St. Bernard Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness participated in the 2009 Southeast Louisiana (SELA) Hurricane Expo on Saturday, November 21st, held at the Alario Center in Westwego. The Expo was hosted by Jefferson Parish and Entergy. Emergency Managers from Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Charles and St. Bernard parishes explained to residents what factors are considered and how these factors are used to make preparations for their safety during hurricane season. Some of St. Bernard's emergency equipment such as its Mobile Command Center and one of its search and rescue airboats were on display. For more information about Recovery and Growth in St. Bernard Parish, visit our website at www.sbpg.net . ### From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:53:29 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:53:29 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <24c201ca6c8f$c697f110$53c7d330$@com> In Heaven, there will be no use for wars, no need for weaponry, no sense in killing and certainly hate and greed will not be a part of one's existence. Unfortunately, what we are part of today's evil. And this is not Heaven. So, in the sense of protection (as the Apostles did so to protect Jesus, or God did to remove his chosen ones from danger), we have defense to do our protection on Earth. In the thousands of years of existence, there have been those who want to do us harm. This is not a variable, but a constant. Socialist and Communist believe Utopia is giving up our protection (example, take away our weapons and self-defense) and exchange them with flowers. For the record, flowers used to beat people on the head for protection against a semi-automatic or 10 inch knife is trumped by the larger, more powerful tool. Because there are strong convictions on either side of the political spectrum, this usually results in conflict. It's been done rebelliously in the past (ie. Civil wars, stuggles, etc.) and is most certainly welcome by those who want to see America fight each other (ie. Radical extremist Muslims and those who want to side with them both internally here in America or worldwide from the simpleton of minds to those here in America in "higher places"). If this results in today's time, it's the beginning of America's destruction. At no point in time is it more serious with repercussions unparalleled throughout history than at today's "chess game" being played out as we know witness it. If we look at the doomsday clock, it is 11:59:45. If I'm wrong, in the near future, I will apologize. But, if I'm correct, three will no need to take pride in an egotistical assumption of the occurrence. Our Lady of Fatima asked us to pray for the conversion of Russia and war. It's our choice. --jer-- From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 17:54:57 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:54:57 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] SEXUAL ADVICE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT (Jer - delete this email) Message-ID: <24c601ca6c8f$fac41cc0$f04c5640$@com> Anonymous, I might ask the same thing, but for the most part I am at a disadvantage of talking to a tree who has no name. If you won't listen to me preach abstinence from corruption, won't you give it a try on your own merit and moral values? I'm saying this because I shouldn't have to baby anyone to accept what one is to do to escalate one's life from immoral decadence to absolute excellence, should I? thank you, Tree, please don't prove me wrong. --jer-- ----------------------------------------------------- >may I suggest we turn this forum into a smut joke place of business? You are always free to unsubscribe from the list aren't you? From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 18:07:01 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:07:01 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] "Seven Days in May" Message-ID: <24cb01ca6c91$aac69840$0053c8c0$@com> " I'm telling you Westley, conservatives are getting fed up and scenes like this are going to be a more common occurrence. If I were a liberal living in the South, I'd be exploring real estate in the liberal/leftist states now. --John" Jer Responds: I understand what you are saying, John. If history repeats itself, (Battle of the Alamo for Texas/U.S. civil War/Civil Rights deployment, etc.), the line is being drawn. The lines will divide the Socialist (once called Liberals) from the Conservatives (once known as Republicans). Never, before in the history of our nation has the tensions been as high anxiety between the political choices been so acute. It is as such due to the much high percentage of populace involved and has escalated throughout the decades and ages. It's beyond cutting the tension with a simple knife. In modern times, it's using a laser or titanium. --jer--- From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 18:15:27 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:15:27 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] SEXUAL ADVICE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT (Jer - delete this email) Message-ID: <24d501ca6c92$d853b530$88fb1f90$@com> But you Jerry are the prig, not I. I (and apparently most of the folks) enjoy these little funnies. No need for me to leave as I find them amusing. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prig ----------------------------------------------------- Anonymous, I might ask the same thing, but for the most part I am at a disadvantage of talking to a tree who has no name. If you won't listen to me preach abstinence from corruption, won't you give it a try on your own merit and moral values? I'm saying this because I shouldn't have to baby anyone to accept what one is to do to escalate one's life from immoral decadence to absolute excellence, should I? thank you, Tree, please don't prove me wrong. --jer-- From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 18:27:04 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:27:04 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] SEXUAL ADVICE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT (Jer - delete this email) Message-ID: <24e001ca6c94$7741a1b0$65c4e510$@com> Quite, right, Tree. The issue is plain. I made a comment, you made the issue. Some people need the urge, while others are urged to do the right thing. If I have asked anyone to do the wrong thing, then perhaps I have failed in my duty to help others make the step up from the cellar stairs to the attic ones. Prig? I've been called worse 4-letter words before in harmonious conversation. I don't have an issue with funnies. It's smut that splatters the breathing room. I have the most humor than 102% of the populace of this forum. However, I try to live by guideline, proper etiquette, and work hard at avoiding distaste. To those who don't worship God enough, it's shifting blame to others with "self-righteousness". If I fail at my duty, I quickly ask God for forgiveness. Everyone should try it just once because it's habitual. Thanks, Tree for giving me the chance to be PRAGmatic. ;^) --jer-- ----------------------------------------------------- But you Jerry are the prig, not I. I (and apparently most of the folks) enjoy these little funnies. No need for me to leave as I find them amusing. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prig ----------------------------------------------------- Anonymous, I might ask the same thing, but for the most part I am at a disadvantage of talking to a tree who has no name. If you won't listen to me preach abstinence from corruption, won't you give it a try on your own merit and moral values? I'm saying this because I shouldn't have to baby anyone to accept what one is to do to escalate one's life from immoral decadence to absolute excellence, should I? thank you, Tree, please don't prove me wrong. --jer-- ____________________________________________________________________________ ____ DEVACAPS.com - Data Evacuation and Protection Services Because your data is too important to leave behind 504-250-6407 sales at DEVACAPS.com http://www.DEVACAPS.com ____________________________________________________________________________ ____ Not all emails sent through this list reflect the opinion of da-parish.com or Westley Annis Such emails list the author in either the subject line or within the message itself. THIS MESSAGE IS NOT MEANT TO BE INTERPRETED AS LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS SUCH. This message is copyrighted by Westley Annis. No distribution through electronic, paper, or other means is permitted without the express written permission of Westley Annis. StBernard mailing list StBernard at da-parish.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/stbernard This list is provided as a free service of da-parish.com and AskWestley.com http://www.da-parish.com http://www.AskWestley.com To get your own free copy or to cancel your subscription visit http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/stbernard From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 19:05:47 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:05:47 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Leadership Involves Looking Beyond Tax Hikes Message-ID: <24f701ca6c99$e00599e0$a010cda0$@com> In Case You Missed It... Leadership Involves Looking Beyond Tax Hikes Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News Paul J. Gessing, President of New Mexico's Rio Grande Foundation November 23, 2009 ?...While [New Mexico Governor Bill] Richardson seems hell-bent on erasing his legacy as a tax-cutter, there is yet another option out there that could result in real budget cuts that result in the least amount of harm possible. Ironically, the state leading the way in these reforms is another state that has a long history of political corruption, Louisiana. Rather than simply raising taxes on struggling families, Pelican State policymakers, led by Gov. Bobby Jindal, have embarked on a wide-ranging set of government reforms designed to reduce the size and cost of government. They created a Commission on Streamlining Government this year to identify over $1.5 billion in cost savings through streamlining, consolidation, and elimination. They passed legislation granting more flexibility in cutting spending in protected ?silos.? Jindal has eliminated thousands of positions from the state budget and more than 70 unnecessary or inactive state boards and commissions. The Louisiana Division of Administration is developing a range of privatization proposals within each of its departments, and it's also piloting a new budgeting approach designed to fund priorities and drive performance. And this is all just a start. It's already paying off. Ratings agency Fitch upgraded Louisiana's bond rating last month, specifically citing the state's focus on spending control and streamlining as influencing factors. This alone will save taxpayers millions in avoided interest costs over time. Rather than creating a commission to figure out the right combination of grocery, capital gains, personal income, and gross receipts tax increases, Richardson should take a cue from Louisiana. New Mexico policymakers face a simple choice: remain lost in the fiscal forest, thus erasing the progress in recent years in reducing taxes, or follow the lead of Louisiana, which is blazing a trail out of the budgetary wilderness.? Click Here To Read The Full Article In The Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News New Mexico?s Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, non-partisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization that advocates for limited government, economic freedom, and individual responsibility. From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 21:03:21 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:03:21 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] WHAT AN OPINION!!! Message-ID: <253101ca6caa$4ccc2d90$e66488b0$@com> WOW...this lady hit the nail on the head!! My name is Karen Champagne I am a capitalist - and a FREE "Arrogant" American and apparently, now, a terrorist! I am extremely concerned that our new president wants to take this country in a new direction. There is nothing wrong with the America that our Founding Fathers created. An America based on the God given rights and freedoms of the individual; An America that offers equal opportunity to all of its citizens; An America where individuals can come upon temporary defeat without having to cede to failure; An America where citizens from other countries will risk their own life to become a part of. What is wrong with this America? I say to our new president: We will not let you use scare tactics to force this country into Socialism. The government must stay out of business and let the free market be free. We do not want you to take from our paychecks and give to those who will not work. This country offers opportunity to those people the same as it offers opportunity to those who chose to take advantage of it! Obama, we will not allow you to rob from the hard working citizens of this country to support a lifestyle that kills initiative and every person's God given right to be Free! We are not on board with your Socialistic views. We do not want to spread the wealth. We want the satisfaction of reaping the rewards for our own hard work. Obama, you say that is not fair. We say life is not fair. Our constitution does not guarantee fair. It guarantees the freedom to pursue, but it does not guarantee the results. And yes, Obama, we the people, we want your policies to fail. I will join Rush Limbaugh and say to you: We want you to fail - Fail at your attempt to turn this country over to Socialism. Fail at your unconstitutional attempt to nationalize our banks, our auto industry, oil companies and health care. Fail at your attempt for government control over each individual's use of energy. Fail at your attempt to form your own Military and call it a Citizen Security Force and Fail at your attempt to force Americans into service to the Government. Yes, Obama, We want you to fail and fail miserably! I hear people saying, "This could never happen in America." Well, you need to wake-up because it is happening in America. Our system is set up so that it cannot happen, but our current elected officials are changing our system. We the people have to stand together and make our voices heard - Now more than ever. Those power hungry government officials, with their Socialist agendas, will stop at nothing to stay in power. They are blatantly committing voter fraud and disregarding the votes by the people and turning our vote over to the decisions of liberal judges. Elections are being decided in courthouses! Where is the voice of the people? They were not listening because we were not talking. until now! Our government is seriously underestimating the power of the people and the spirit of Americans. They sit in their ivory towers, with their lifetime appointments, personal favors, pet projects, kick backs and congressional bonuses! I'm sorry, $9 million paid out for congressional staff bonuses in 2008. $9 million! When the rest of the country was struggling to make it through Christmas last year, they were taking our money and giving themselves bonuses. We find ourselves asking, "What can we do?" Well it is no longer what we can do, but what we must do. First, we must continue to meet in groups like this; for there is power in numbers. I find myself wondering if this is how our founding fathers began their quest for freedom. Except that they had to meet in secret and behind closed doors, with the fear of execution because they did not have the freedom to meet and assemble that we now enjoy. Second, we must stay on top of the issues and contact our elected officials. Make our voices heard. Call them, email them and snail mail them constantly. Let them know how you feel on every issue. Third, we must campaign. We must campaign fiercely for every candidate who shares our values and understands what a precious gift we have in our freedom. We must replace the politicians who want to turn this country over to Socialism - The politicians who feel that they need to "think for the masses". They think that we are too stupid to be able to govern ourselves. They think that they need to show us the way. Well guess what, congress and Obama, we have a constitution to show us the way. You are in the way. And we are coming for you. One at a time, we will pluck you out of power. With each coming election we vow to take back our government. Finally, we must pray. We must pray to end our country's movement toward Socialism and Godlessness. We must pray for the strength and the courage to stand up to the bullies, who are pushing their own personal agendas down our throats and using our government for their own personal gain. I say to our founding fathers, we will not let your quest for freedom stop here. I say to all of those brave men and women, who gave their lives so that we could be free, we will not let your deaths be in vain. We intend to carry on the fight for freedom. God Bless America! By: Karen Champagne From Westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 21:47:21 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:47:21 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] WHAT AN OPINION!!! Message-ID: <253e01ca6cb0$724922c0$56db6840$@com> Irony. It's politically incorrect to disagree with a socialist, to have faith in God, or to side with a platform other than a socialist one. It's arrogant to stand up to what you think is right if you're a conservative. It's a terrorist plot if you plan on changing direction from the current socialist state of affairs toward a new direction of conservative values and ideals. It's un-American if your way of life is unlike the socialist in America. It's racist to disagree with 0-BLAH-DOH'S policies and leadership It's extremist to attempt to move ahead of - or towards freedom in America. It's disgusting to want to follow the U.S. Constitution and its tenets. It's "out of step" in America not to listen to the "chosen ones" in America's current leadership (aka the Socialist leaders of the 3 branches of government - Executive, Legislative and Judicial). It's a blatant act of heresy to say the pledge, wave an American Flag, support the troops, worship God and prayer and substitute by keeping hands at side during pledge, burn the American flag in effigy, demand an end to our current overseas and in States battle against "terror" and terrorist, say a prayer to ONE Who gave us knowledge, science, and humility.. We could list more, but a knock on our door by ACLU, government terrorists and other organizations keeps us strapped of our freedom of speech and right to assemble. --jer-- From westley at da-parish.com Mon Nov 23 23:00:03 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:00:03 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Corps could be helping rebuild coast with dredged river sediment, state says Message-ID: <256401ca6cba$9a3ff4c0$cebfde40$@com> Corps could be helping rebuild coast with dredged river sediment, state says By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune November 23, 2009, 9:01PM Ellis Lucia/The Times-PicayuneSediment from a dredge in Lake Pontchartrain is piped into a marsh area in 2008. In June, corps officials said they used about 12 percent of the 60 million tons of material they dredged each year for environmental restoration. Louisiana officials on Monday asked the secretary of the federal Department of Commerce to mediate the state's dispute with the Army Corps of Engineers over the agency's failure to use most of the sediment it dredges from the lower Mississippi River each year to rebuild wetlands. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Garret Graves warned that limiting the use of the 60 million tons or more of dredged sediment for rebuilding wetlands seems to parallel the corps' mismanagement of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet -- which a federal judge last week held directly responsible for flood damage in St. Bernard Parish and the Lower 9th Ward after Hurricane Katrina. "We're losing an extraordinary amount of land in south Louisiana as a result of the management of this river system," said Graves at a news conference on the river behind Audubon Zoo, where he was flanked by representatives of the Port of New Orleans, the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society and Plaquemines Parish. "We don't want to see a similar scenario happen as occurred during Hurricane Katrina in St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes," Graves said. "If all this material were used beneficially, we could build between 10 and 16 square miles of land per year in Louisiana, rather than the extraordinary rate of loss we've recently experienced, up to 35 square miles of land a year." A corps spokesman replied that the agency's existing beneficial use program had created 39 square miles of wetlands over the past 20 years, nearly half of which was created with material from the Mississippi. In June, corps officials said they used about 12 percent of the 60 million tons of material they dredged each year for environmental restoration. Cost-effective disposal Corps officials in the past have contended that federal regulations require them to dispose of sediment in the most cost-effective way. Using material to build wetlands miles away from where it is dredged is often considered too expensive. But in letters to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Edward Creef, chief of the corps' New Orleans District environmental function office, state Department of Natural Resources officials say the corps is incorrectly interpreting those regulations and improperly dismissing other federal laws governing environmental actions. The letters say the corps cannot simply determine that the beneficial use of dredged material is too costly; it must also request the needed money from Congress. The corps' use of Pass a Loutre near the river's mouth as a storage area for some of the dredged material also is blocking the flow of sediment and freshwater into the eastern side of the river's birdfoot delta, which is speeding erosion in that area, the letters said. The rest of the dredged sediment is either resuspended in the river, which carries it into the Gulf of Mexico, or moved into disposal sites in deep water, where it also is lost. The state wants the corps to use between 75 percent and 80 percent of sediment dredged from the river to rebuild wetlands. Rules for private dredging Until a recent rule change, the state had been requiring industry to reuse only 22 percent of the mud picked up in private dredging operations. Such operations generate about 3 million tons a year -- far less than the corps' dredging, but still a substantial amount. The rule change will require industry to reuse 100 percent of its mud for restoration or pay the dollar equivalent into the state's coastal restoration fund. In asking for federal mediation, the state is invoking a provision of the Coastal Zone Management Act, under which Louisiana creates its own coastal zone management plan that calls for the maximum use of dredged material to build wetlands. Under the law, the state can find a federal action, such as the corps dredging plan, inconsistent with its state plan and then either ask for mediation or attempt to block the action through a formal veto of the corps' dredging plans. But state officials aren't ready to attempt to block the corps' dredging, Graves said, as that would result in shoaling at the mouth of the river --- which would disrupt shipping and hurt business for the state's ports.