David "DR" Roe

DR left New Orleans last year, but he has missed it every day since then. He was devestated by Katrina, even though he "evacuated" much earlier. DR was a street musician in New Orleans starting 30 years ago. Before leaving he was a regular performer at many clubs in the New Orleans area and was one of the daytime bartenders at Coop's Place.

DR and friend Chris Chandler wrote a song about Katrina. You can listen to it here:

Here is DR's story:

My dear friends, I try my best to be an optimistic, positive person. But I love – no I really love the City of New Orleans. I see her right now as another casualty of the Iraq war. Please allow me to vent for just a second.

Our resources are so stretched that we cannot meet our real needs. These are real American citizens being reduced to the basest level of survival because of hapless, slow and inept leadership. Where are the Black Hawk Helicopters, the amphibious personnel carriers?

I actually have a great deal of faith in the Army Corp of Engineers. They have accomplished some of the worlds greatest feats of engineering ever – HOWEVER, Where are they? Iraq.

If we cannot bring order in a city without a cultural barrier, without a language barrier – how can we expect to bring order in Baghdad?

Where is the National Guard? We are so stretched that my city is being patrolled by The Hattiesburg, MS Junior High ROTC. And why wouldn’t the National Guard be slow to respond. As a general rule , people follow by example. George, you were in the National Guard.

George, you remind me of the scene with you in the library when you are told about the terrorist attacks on September 11, almost exactly 4 years ago. Your doe in the headlights reflexes have cost priceless hours and days. How many more Americans at home or abroad have to die at the hands of this hapless leader? George, Dick. Please resign your office immediately. Bow your head and say, “I am sorry. I tried but I just wasn’t up to the task.” Ask for forgiveness, and turn over the reigns of power.

It has come to that.