I am writing today to respond to a comment made by Professor Robert Thomas. A story, dated January 13, 2006, appeared in the Maroon about students, parents, and teachers touring the devastated areas in New Orleans. In this article Professor Thomas made the comment that he disagreed with the City Council about tours of the devastated areas and stated, “I think we need to get every tourist in America down there”. I, as one of the many people affected by Hurricane Katrina, have to disagree with this statement. I lived in St. Bernard Parish with my family for all of my life. I believe that the tours are despicable with the exception of tours that are either for educational purposes or for informational purpose, for example showing the Government Officials the devastation left after Hurricane Katrina. I, unlike Professor Thomas, agree with the City Council because I feel that people, when traveling in the area with the tours are trampling on people’s lives and memories of their homes and businesses that were completely destroyed. I can tell you that when I went “home” to St. Bernard Parish, for the first time, my heart was literally torn out. I felt so helpless when I looked at the places that I knew and loved that were completely destroyed. As stated before I believe that the City Council should continue its ban against tours in the areas east of the Industrial Canal.

Thanks SincerelyAmanda M. Piacun