For those of you who have followed New Orleans political events on the many local blogs that have sprung up since Katrina, this story brings certain feelings:
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and his wife have been quarantined in China after a passenger on their flight exhibited flu-like symptoms.
From E at We Could Be Famous:
Totally surreal.
Did Mr. Nagin name an acting mayor before his journey? Would it be the role of City Council to appoint one in the event he did not? Is the Mayor going to be fit to lead if he now must face down this mutant cyborg super flu?
This is actually one of the most graceful Nagin resignation scenarios out there.
Drink fluids.
From Adrastos, short and sweet:
CAN WE MAKE THIS PERMANENT?
Or at least for another year: Nagin in quarantine because of swine flu scare.
Oyster from Your Right Hand Thief would be on this story in a flash, but he seems to have had an experience that continues to evolve for him, and hasn't posted since May 28.
And nothing about Nagin, but what a great post from Mr. Clio at World Class New Orleans showing the micro and macro of the Obama era. Referencing the fascinating New York Times Magazine article on Obama's political strategies, Mr. Clio riffs:
Be-ers--that's old New Orleans, old Detroit, millenial New York City. These are the people who show up to work with the number one goal of impressing others with how in tune and smart they are, showing how much they are into "moving forward," and protecting their salary and company car and weekly meetings with those in the know.
Do-ers--that's new New Orleans. These are people who show up to work trying to stir the pot and get things done, willing to say "no" or "I disagree" or "Waitjustaminute," willing to be fired in the cause of trying to push the envelope.
Old New Orleans is still around, protecting turf and overpaying for "smart" people from out of town who help them protect the status quo in subtle ways. Are you listening, Ed Blakely and others of your ilk in key positions around the city? Carpetbaggers, your days are numbered.
Always like to give a shout-out the NOLA blogs -- a completely new internet news phenomenon, imo, born from the lack of accurate coverage, both local and national, in the city after Katrina. Kinda ties in with the recent conversations about new media and such.
Heh. Enjoy your stay in China, Ray!