In line with our promise to make metro New Orleans a national issue, Levees.org has released its second set of Black and Gold lists.

We feel the individuals and organizations cited on the Black List have slowed the regions’ recovery from the catastrophic man-made flood damage of 2005. As a civic grassroots group, it’s our duty to spotlight such activity.

The individuals placed on the Gold List have promoted and served New Orleans and south Louisiana in its rebound. They have educated themselves and their offices to understand why metro New Orleans was nearly destroyed and how important it is to have a non-controversial and irrefutable study of the flawed policies and actions that led to the disaster three years ago.

Of course, we’re referring to the 8/29 Investigation Act, an independent complete analysis of the levee and flood protection failures during Hurricane Katrina.

Black List

William Jefferson (D-LA)
Due to Bill Jefferson’s 16-count federal indictment on corruption, he has been stripped of his Congressional committee assignments including the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He is ranked 434th out of a 435-member Congress. This means the city with the greatest needs is represented in Congress by the least effective voice. For not stepping down in the interests of our region, Bill Jefferson has earned himself a spot on the black list.

Senator Inhofe (R-OK)
For twice blocking Senator Mary Landrieu’s efforts to introduce the 8/29 Investigation Act.

The Commission on Presidential Debates
For denying a request to host a presidential debate in New Orleans citing that the city is not ready to host a large event. Spreading this untruth, despite the fact that New Orleans has hosted multiple successful large events since August 2005, is harmful to the city’s recovery.

The Dallas Morning News
For their August 30, 2008 editorial stating that New Orleans’ crisis today is “…the fault of business people, activists and others who don’t seem to grasp the urgency of their situation…”

The Boston Globe
For their September 3, 2008 article with an opening line is “Hurricane Katrina brought shame upon a fabled American city…” The article condemns state and local officials for the disaster without inclusion that the flood protection’s performance is a federal responsibility via the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS
Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent, NBC News,
Bob Schieffer CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and Host, Face the Nation
All three moderators of the presidential debates for failing to ask a single question to the candidates about New Orleans.

Rush Limbaugh
“I see devastation in Iowa that dwarfs what happened in New Orleans…I don’t hear a bunch of people whining and moaning”.

Glen Beck CNN
For his Katrina Anniversary statement: “…President Bush proposed to spend another billion or hundreds of gazillion dollars to rebuilding New Orleans. It doesn’t matter! You can’t change New Orleans’ doomed geography…” August 30, 2007

Gold List:

Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA)
The first member of Congress to support the goals of Levees.org

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Sponsor of the 8/29 Investigation Act

Rep Charlie Melancon (D-LA)
Co-sponsor of the 8/29 Investigation Act (HR6526) filed July 16, 2008

Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
For his paper “Why New Orleans needs Saving” published in TIME Magazine.

Barack Obama (D-IL)
John McCain (R-AZ)
Both candidates have visited New Orleans and promised to shore up the flood protection system.

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D- CA)
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
These three Senators agreed to allow the 8/29 investigation to go to the floor for a vote.

Retired Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY)
Shery Boehlert led a task force examining the way the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) conducts peer reviews of studies of national significance. Last month, the task force concluded that major changes are needed to address the issue of conflict of interest. The Congressman has done a huge favor to everyone in America whether they walk into a building, cross a bridge or live by a levee.

David Winkler-Schmit of Gambit Weekly
Mark Schleifstein of the New Orleans Times Picayune
For their excellent investigative reporting on all kinds of issues relating to hurricane and flood protection as well as issues defining the need for the 8/29 Investigation Act.