Losing power during a hurricane is a reasonable expectation; however, a city-wide blackout inNew Orleans was not supposed to happen. The fact that it did raises serious questions about thefuture of Entergy’s exclusive monopoly in New Orleans and that's why I'm running for City Council. In 2017, the New Orleans City Council, which has the sole authority to regulate Entergy … [Read more...] about Ida, Entergy, and the City Council
Opinions
“For the Love of Mardi Gras, Get Vaccinated!”
Have you browsed through some of the Southern Decadence groups on social media lately? If you didn’t know any better, you might get the idea that the COVID-19 pandemic is completely behind us. Sure, there are occasional posts about masks, but on the whole, one gets the impression that the hordes of Southern Decadence devotees who did not come last year are … [Read more...] about “For the Love of Mardi Gras, Get Vaccinated!”
Showing Up
It was an overcast evening. The sun being hidden by clouds allowed our New Orleans evening to become a lovely June evening. To say it was cool would be to overstate the day. But it was not hot. The room started with a few early comers. They scattered here and there. Over time the musicians drifted into the room, all chatting. Several of the crew from central casting showed up … [Read more...] about Showing Up
Isn’t It Ironic?
Take it from me, the chances of a fully vaccinated person becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus are extremely low – but not zero. Regular Ambush readers may remember that I detailed my vaccination experience here, in this very column. I blasted at the anti-vax movement, dismissing its supporters with science and touting the benefits of vaccination. I strongly … [Read more...] about Isn’t It Ironic?
The “Constitutional Carry” SB 118 is bad policy at its best and a moral failure at its worst.
The memorial on the little stone church in Treme is known by the public as “The Murder Board”. Since 2007, as pastor of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, I have been researching and then posting the names of victims of violence on our Victims of Violence Memorials. For a time, the memorial was a worthy backdrop for stories about murder in New Orleans. Today, a certain kind of … [Read more...] about The “Constitutional Carry” SB 118 is bad policy at its best and a moral failure at its worst.
Congo Square, City Hall, & the Municipal Auditorium
City officials are stubbornly proceeding with Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s proposal to relocate City Hall to the old Municipal Auditorium despite fierce opposition from residents in Treme and other community advocates. Cantrell first suggested the proposal shortly after being elected. In 2019, the administration commissioned a study that found the existing City Hall was … [Read more...] about Congo Square, City Hall, & the Municipal Auditorium
Take Up Your Cross – Part II
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29 In Part I of this series, we journeyed and surveyed the hardships of doing the work of Jesus among the marginalized. Yet we left each other with the hopeful thought that is found in … [Read more...] about Take Up Your Cross – Part II
Healing a Broken Heart
This past week I was asked a question: “My heart feels broken. How can I heal it?” It’s a difficult and multi-faceted question that I had to think about quite a bit. For purposes of this article, the concept of a broken heart shall be taken in a broad sense, one not necessarily having to do with primary love as in partner or spousal relationships. An example … [Read more...] about Healing a Broken Heart
It’s Time to Legalize Weed in Louisiana
The Louisiana legislature is considering two bills that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana. House Bills 524 and 243 (sponsored by Richard Nelson, R-Mandeville, and Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, respectively) were favorably reported to the full House by the House Criminal Justice Committee on April 27. The House has already passed a bill which … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Legalize Weed in Louisiana
Take Up Your Cross – Part I
A recent Gospel reading focused on the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration was fabulous! Jesus and three friends simply dazzled on a mountain top. Just before this sequence, however, was Jesus’ first crucifixion pronouncement. Jesus had just rebuked Peter for not understanding this gift of sacrifice that must happen. Honestly, taking up the cross is no idle matter. It is not … [Read more...] about Take Up Your Cross – Part I
