Tuesday 7 February 2006

Nagin Takes Back Apology; Sets Sights On Building Imported Chocolate City

New Orleans Seeking International Funds To Rebuild; Mayor Now Mad At "God And Bush"; May Annex itself From U.S.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin confirmed this morning that he is still "mad as hell" and will will bypass the U.S. Government, rebuilding the famed city with "imported chocolate".

This comes on the heels after last Friday's meetings with French Government officials and Jordan's King Abdullah

Mayor Nagin, in a wide-ranging press conference this morning indicated that "I'm taking my apology back."

Back on January 16, a frustrated Nagin said that "surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country".

"That's right, I'm taking it back," Nagin fired back to a reporter. "God can go back on my you-know-what-list".

Nagin apologized for the remarks two-days later, but stepped into another controversy when he promised that New Orleans will be a "chocolate" city again.

"It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans -- the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said.

Today, Nagin defended his "chocolate city" comments, blasting President Bush.

"It's going to be chocolate all right," said Nagin. "Imported Chocolate, the good stuff from France and other places over there. President Bush can kiss my Hershey ass if he wants."

"The man comes down here," Nagin continued, "and he promises all kinds of money, like it's some kind of drunken Mardi Gras game … Well, we're not going to sit around waitin' for his ass to be impeached. We're going to move forward with partners that want to see New Orleans shine again."

Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city and killed more than 1,300 people in Louisiana and Mississippi.

In a September 15 address to the nation from Jackson Square in New Orleans, President Bush pledged "we will do what it takes, we will stay as long as it takes", referring to rebuilding the city.

"Just in case he doesn't hear me today," said Nagin, addressing President Bush, "go back through your NSA Wiretaps, 'cause I've been saying it over and over, to anyone that will listen."

Nagin scoffed at having any concern, as to the backlash from taking assistance and funds from the French.

"What are they going to do? They going to start calling it "Freedom Gumbo?"

Nagin made a veiled reference to possibly having New Orleans withdraw from the state and United States, possibly making a deal with the French, to be annexed by them.

It wouldn't be France first ruling of the city. The French founded New Orleans back in 1718

French Transport Minister Dominique Perben, who led the French delegation in New Orleans last week said that "France wants to be a long-term partner for Louisiana and New Orleans."

"This catastrophe has deeply upset the French people and the French government, " added Perben.

King Abdullah of Jordan said that he would work with Mayor Nagin, to encourage foreign interests in helping redevelop some of the areas hardest hit by the storm.

Any foreign interest, except Denmark.

"The King," said a Jordanian spokesperson, "would also like to see some schools open up here in New Orleans. One's that would teach young Jordanians and other Muslims the craft of editorial cartooning."

Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) is said to be ready to endorse the propsed resolution of "Odd-Even" days of legal/illegal wiretapping and said he will attach an admendment to it, extending it to the sale of stocks as well