[bill.aam]

I was just wondering if this is the best way for New Orleans to be spending $2.7 million.??

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 26, 2006 — New Orleans has scaled back its Mardi Gras Carnival this year — with only 28 of the 34 social clubs parading on a schedule reduced from 12 days to eight days. But even the downsized version has some saying the city shouldn't be spending millions on Mardi Gras when there are tens of thousands of people still homeless and jobless.

Mardi Gras

[linskyjack]

It probably brings in millions more in tourist dollars---in fact its probably an excellent investment.

[Lurker1]

Yes its a good way to spend the money. It will bring in tourist dollars as linskyjack said and refocus the attention on New Orleans and what still needs to be done in the area. We are seeing pictures of areas that are still covered in trash that are yet to be cleaned up and areas where rebuilding has started. Also I am sure that many of the jobless can find some work preparing for and working on the Mardi Gras Carnival events.

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[Ciberblade]

I understand the joblessness and such -- but I would ask.... Why shouldn't they party? They've been hit hard and stand strong -- it's been a defining characteristic of the NO area -- and the people want to celebrate in a tradition that they've honored. Why deny them that?

[AcaCandy]

They have to start bringing folks back some way

[iltos]

Originally Posted by Ciberblade

I understand the joblessness and such -- but I would ask.... Why shouldn't they party? They've been hit hard and stand strong -- it's been a defining characteristic of the NO area -- and the people want to celebrate in a tradition that they've honored. Why deny them that?

yeppers

be interesting to see if jack's right tho, and the investment is worth it in economic terms

[linskyjack]

It will be interesting to see what New Orleans eventually becomes---I dont know about you guys but I think it deserves to exist based strictly on the food!

[LANMaster]

Originally Posted by linskyjack

It probably brings in millions more in tourist dollars---in fact its probably an excellent investment.

Just how I was going to answer.

[Mulderator]

This is interesting--all the liberals acknolwedging that offering incentives (spending money to get money) actually end up producing more tax dollars. Wonder why they all crow when it comes to tax cuts--the very same principle.

These trourist dollars that come in--who will they benefit primarily? You got it--the rich. Yeah, they'll be some more jobs created for the poor, but the bulk of those tourist dollars will go to the rich. Why is it you liberals don't see that as a problem?

[Gabriel]

I don't understand how it is a problem. It's money and movement to a devastated population.

[linskyjack]

Gee, only Mulder would turn this into a liberal-conservative thing--Yes, I am for the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS and the STATE OF LOUISIANA investing in Mardi Gras. I thought Mulder was against government involvement in the private sector---This just goes to show that the government is able to make smart decisions on occasion.

[angelize56]

You do have to wonder how many of those tourist dollars are going to ever go to help the homeless left over from Hurricane Katrina.....or to rebuild New Orleans.....and how many of the dollars will end up squandered by the government!

[Wino]

Absolutely the right thing to do..................never, ever miss a chance to party.

[Mulderator]

Originally Posted by Wino

Absolutely the right thing to do..................never, ever miss a chance to party.

Beside that--this is where all the girls flash there boobs for beads. I can't think of a better reason for a party! I just have to figure out a way to get moonmist down there!

[AcaCandy]

Originally Posted by angelize56

You do have to wonder how many of those tourist dollars are going to ever go to help the homeless left over from Hurricane Katrina.....or to rebuild New Orleans.....and how many of the dollars will end up squandered by the government!

For every tourist dollar spent, there is tax charged on it.

The businesses HAVE TO BE ABLE to get on their feet first. Otherwise, just shut it all down and move some place else and take the jobs with them.


Or maybe we should just cut out the middleman and have the tourists pay the homeless direct?