Aftermath: local thoughts about the SPP summit

Thoughts from an assortment of residents interviewed by the blog...

Robert McRaney, resident of the French Quarter:

Having it here is positive; we’re very encouraging about any multilateral cooperation that is extended between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Certainly, we’re pro-Bush and his aggressive work to try and improve the economy of the United States. It has to include Mexico and Canada.

The conference is certainly a positive opportunity, and I hope something good comes of it. I have no idea what they are discussing. [The SPP] has got a lot of positive play, as far as I’m concerned; what little bit I read.

Steve Manning, bartender at the Golden Lantern in the French Quarter:

I know they are meeting in the city, yes. New Orleans needs money, so I am glad they are here. Everything has lasting effects; sure, it will have lasting effects. I’m not familiar with the politics.

Stan Garczynsai, organizer of an anti-SPP demonstration:

I knew Bush was coming to town, and I just had enough. He’s coming to our town; he’s already a complete failure to New Orleans, so just trying to get the people out. People have every right not to be happy with this current president. SPP ... is going to screw up the North American continent for many, many years, not just the next election. It’s going to carry over, and we need to get the word out—the people out.

People just aren’t very aware, because of confusion. People are trying to rebuild and live their lives here, and not get murdered, so they are more concerned with those things. There was not much of a social infrastructure before the storm, so now we’re starting with total grassroots. You’re witnessing it, my friend.

Martin Katz, sociology professor at New Orleans'-based Delgado Community College, on whether or not President Bush listens to student concerns:

No. I highly doubt it. He’s pretty much just concerned with his war, you know, and trying to get more money allotted to it. And his military bases that he’s trying to set up. At least there are people who aren’t happy. His 20-per-cent approval rating isn’t for nothing. It doesn’t get publicized here a lot, because our media [are] owned by eight corporations, and they decide what we do and don’t see. It really isn’t out there in the forefront. We talk about stuff like this.