But I like Chocolate.....

I find myself failing to be offended by Nagin's chocolate comments on MLK day. Isn't it true that the character of New Orleans was created in large part by a group of people that is feeling like they arent welcome back? Is it so terrible for the Mayor to extend some optimism that New Orleans is fated to be "chocolate" - even if I know that this is somewhat wishful thinking at this point? There is much to be said for the power of positive thinking. The message to pull together, focus on your goals, draw on your community spirit, and dont worry so much about what anyone else is saying is a good one. Although directed at the chocolates I think the vanilla can relate to this too if they give it some thought.

As far as God sending Hurricanes to the USA because he disapproves of our behavior this kind of talk does make me uncomfortable. I find myself being mostly OK with it when I hear it from someone I think of as a secular figure, and hating it passionately when I hear it from a religious figure or born-again type. I dont know Nagin's religious beliefs, but that's the point. They aren't on his sleeve so I am classifying him as "secular". I think when I hear this kind of talk from someone like him I classify it as similar to talking about karma or fate, not as ACTUALLY GOD pointing a scepter at the USA from a cloud in the sky and directing some storms that way. Is it hypocritical of me to give the benefit of doubt to some people and not others? Maybe. So while I dont take offense at this I disapprove of it as others may take it seriously.

I did think when hearing the speech on TV that Nagin should have known better than to address his words of inspiration to ONLY the black community, that it is of course part of the point of MLK day that we need to be one community. But if the black community in New Orleans has unique challenges today, I don't think it is so terrible for a community leader to want to reach out to those people with a unique message. I don't know if Nagin is the right person to continue to lead us into the future after the next Mayoral election, but I sure do like the way he speaks from the heart.