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New Orleans: The Holdouts

I saw some interviews with holdouts in New Orleans - those that say they won't leave. It's so sad. There's no place else they want to go, they don't want to give up on their city. It's their past and present, and they can't imagine anything different for the future.

For them, some Jackson Browne, from Hold On Hold Out [clip here]:

Hold a place for the human race
Keep it open wide
Give it time to fall or climb
But let the time decide
...Hold on hold out, hold on
For the countless souls beaten by their goals
Keep a hold on now
....If you hold your ground it'll turn around
Keep a hold somehow
Hold on hold out, keep a hold on tight

Of course, they really do need to leave. The toxins, bacteria and diseases will be rampant and devastating. I wish I could think of a happier song for them.

Update: One more, Bon Jovi, Living on a Prayer

We've got to hold on to what we've got . . .
We're half way there - Livin' on a prayer
. . .
We've got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got.

But the mandatory evacuations are underway.

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    Re: New Orleans: The Holdouts (none / 0) (#1)
    by aw on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:27 PM EST
    A lot of them seem to be staying for their pets which are apparently not allowed in shelters. This is heartbreaking. I couldn't leave my animals, either. Perhaps part of the media censorship is to prevent reports or footage of troops/police shooting stray or abandoned dogs and other animals, which I'm sure they are going to be doing, though at this point it might be the most humane thing to do as I've seen video of dogs and horses drinking the water in the streets. Better to be shot than suffer. I just hope these guys are good shots.

    Re: New Orleans: The Holdouts (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:28 PM EST
    These people are the soul of New Orleans. For some strange reason, I can't explain why, but I think they are going to make it. I hope.

    Re: New Orleans: The Holdouts (none / 0) (#3)
    by kdog on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:28 PM EST
    If they find a potable water supply, they'll make it just fine. I'm rooting for them, they've got guts.