'Treme'-New Orleans Revisited

I've been watching 'Treme', a HBO drama focusing on the trials and tribulations of New Orleans residents after Katrina. I enjoy the show and the music and highly recommend it. It’s a reminder to us all of how quickly we forget.


The Faubourg Tremé or as it is more frequently referred to, Tremé, is not only America's oldest black neighborhood but was the site of significant economic, cultural, political, social and legal events that have literally shaped the course of events in Black America for the past two centuries. Yet, few outside of New Orleans except for scholars and historians know its enormous importance to Americans of African descent.

'Treme' begins in fall 2005, three months after the devastation of Katrina. In interconnecting stories of several musicians and other locals, the show chronicles the rebuilding of a unique American city. Each episode exposes viewers to the aftermath of the disaster where love ones are missing, homes destroyed, insurance claims yet settled and misery abounds. People are scratching out a meager livelihood while uncertainty and frustration nips at their heels. Jobs are scarce, especially for those who desperately need work. The stories are a testimony to the enduring spirit of the people of New Orleans.

In one of the early episodes, I saw a video clip of then President Bush reassuring the citizens of New Orleans that they would not be forgotten. On the same day I viewed that message, I saw a live broadcast of President Obama reassuring Gulf Coast residents that they would not be forgotten, even after the press had moved on to other news stories. Ironic.

That same day, Chris Matthews took exception to those remarks about the press "moving on". Of course Matthews had expressed his displeasure with President Obama's "inadequate" response to the oil spill all week. He wanted to see some "fire" in the president's manner and tone. He appeared to appreciate Obama's statements that he took responsibility for everything related to the oil spill and that he was fully engaged in efforts to address the situation.

That issue aside, there's little follow up in today’s press about the current state of things in New Orleans or even Haiti for that matter. If history repeats itself, in time, life after the Gulf oil spill will be just another forgotten story. Unfortunately that's the way of the world.

Sources: New Orleans online.com; Wikipedia; HBO 'Treme'