Provocative Planet

I have felt many emotions from New Orleanians since Katrina devastated
our beloved city. They run the full gamut. I now feel your frustration,
confusion, and anger over my recent comments on Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day.

As you may know, I have since done some soul searching and offered a
very sincere apology. Most who have watched me over the past three and
a half years know that this was a one time mistake and it was out of
character for me.

You may ask how I could come to this point. If I could get you to walk
in my shoes for a minute I think it may help you to better understand
the various dynamics and stresses I deal with regularly. When I first got in office I was determined to change the perception of City Hall not being inclusive and put together one of the most diverse cabinets and commissions in recent times. Some black leaders/ministers took offense and publicly denounced me and called me various things that I am not. This created a perception among some that I did not care about African Americans as much as I should.

In the aftermath of Katrina I witnessed first hand many New Orleanians
who suffered, especially our African American brothers and sisters. In
addition many were spread throughout the country over forty-four
different states given one way tickets out. There were also national
newspaper stories with quotes from some locals that left the impression
that these residents were not welcome back. Over the past few months I
have held town hall meetings locally and across this nation and I have
witnessed firsthand a sense of hopelessness and sentiment among African
Americans that they were not welcome back home. In my effort to provide
comfort, hope, and support for these displaced residents, I
inadvertently offended you and other citizens of New Orleans with my
speech. If I could do it all over again I would do it very
differently.

I ask for your forgiveness and understanding that I never intended to
offend anyone. I have many accomplishments and have worked extremely hard with the highest ethics throughout this first term as Mayor. I have excellent relationships at the White House and on Capitol Hill. These relationships paid off in a big way right before Christmas when we got approval for billions for levees, business incentives, and housing support. They will pay off again in the near future. These are critical times when we need all New Orleanians to work together to continue this momentum and rebuild our city. I want every citizen back except the criminals. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, a New Orleans that is safer and better where all people are welcome and productive. It is time for us to come together and make this a reality.