I THINK I GET IT!! Trust me…I'm as shocked as you will be to read this blog! But, I think I have wrapped my brain around this FINALLY!! SO read on…
The New Orleans SAINTS make their way home tonight in there first game played inside the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina. Yes, I have been extremely vocal about this franchise and its demands and its true ranking on priority lists etc… And I have yet to utter a kind word on their behalf…UNTIL now! Ill try my best to explain how I'm feeling but bare with me for it is difficult.
For several weeks now, locals have been abuzz about the SAINTS return to the city. And I was aware of it but not too interested because I was pissed about the attention they constantly get over TRUE perils such as our overly neglected school system. I drove past the DOME every morning and hissed at the proud sign draped on its outer wall announcing its opening date 9-25-06. But today…I didn't hiss…I got goose bumps and tears welled up in my eyes. As I made the approach I noticed how white the roof is and how NEW it is…and from a neighboring building the American Flag was waving perfectly against a serenely painted blue sky. The flag was positioned perfectly as if atop the Dome. IT WAS BREATHTAKING!! And for the first time, I understood that its not concrete…it's a SYMBOL!
The DOME symbolizes a lot to this town. And thru Hurricane Katrina and all the hell it brought with her…the DOME had symbolized evil, horror, neglect, and inhumanity. But today, it's a symbol of HOPE, RECOVERY, and RETURN!! It lights the way for locals to find their way home. How does it doe this?? Glad you asked. First, I for once had to accept the amount of money that this team pumps into our city. Money that this city DESPERATLEY needs right now. It offers a reason for tourists to come into town and leave even more money. It creates business opportunities for thousands of hard working vendors, concession workers, maintenance personnel, and shop owners in the French Quarter who literally make their living by selling SAINTS merchandise. Second, they have been very visible signs of helping in the recovery effort. Team members volunteer lots of time to organizations that are working to rebuild out city. They have clout…what can I say. And last, and MOST importantly, they have brought something to our people that has been missing for over a year. EXCITEMENT!! People are EXCITED again. It's amazing how the mood has been around here the past few days. Everyone is talking about it. People are smiling!! They have something else to focus on, even if just for tonight.
If you're interested The SAINTS take on the Atlanta Falcons tonight (Monday 9-25-06) on Monday Night Football…check your local listings.