We, the undersigned, have gladly given of our time, talents, and resources to help bring aid and comfort to the Gulf Coast region. We stand for many thousands of other churches, synagogues, mosques, and other communities of spiritual practice, for hundreds of organizations, non-profit and for-profit, and countless individuals that have done the same. We will continue to contribute as we can.
However, given the enormity and complexity of the crisis that continues to confront Katrina and Rita survivors and communities, we recognize that our ability to affect broad, permanent restoration and healing is severely limited. The federal government must do much more to restore hope and opportunity to our brothers and sisters inside and outside the region. Recognizing that our fates are inextricably linked to theirs, we hereby endorse the Opportunity Platform of the National Alliance to Restore Opportunity to the Gulf Coast & Displaced Persons:
1. Rebuild the Gulf Region and ensure that the people of New Orleans never again face the devastation wrought by failed levees and decimated wetlands;
2. Ensure the right of displaced Gulf Coast residents to return to real opportunity by significantly improving upon the conditions that existed prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, conditions that embodied the racial and economic inequities of the nation;
3. Provide opportunities and support for displaced Gulf Coast residents who cannot or will not return and support for the communities that have so generously received them;
4. Bring federal resources to the region without taking funds away from programs that already serve people in need; and
5. Establish an independent commission with regional and national representation to guarantee transparency and fairness in the rebuilding process. |