First Lady visits Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics blogged Editors from Popular Mechanics, Esquire, Good Housekeeping and other Hearst magazines had a chance to sit down with First Lady Laura Bush this morning for an informal Q and A. Having recently returned from touring the devastated Gulf Coast, Mrs. Bush focused particularly on hurricane relief and the wide array of efforts to aid the victims. "The encouraging thing is that the response has been so compassionate," she said. "I met Red Cross workers from all around the country." She noted how communities and local groups are taking a direct role in helping victims resettle in their areas. "I’m very encouraged how they are incorporating these people into their communities." (Hearst and its employees are doing their part for Katrina victims through the United Way and other organizations.)

I find it amazing that after Laura Bush referred to the Red Cross workers that were doing a fantastic job, Herst highlights its support of United Way. As I understand it, United Way made it clear that donations to it would not be given to Katrina Victims, but would be spent to build a new building for United Way

Mrs. Bush also stressed the importance of New Orleans in this country’s history and culture. "It has to be rebuilt," she said. "It is a city filled with talented people, artists, architects, musicians. I think those people will be drawn back to rebuild that city." She expressed the hope that some of the displaced will have the chance to work in the rebuilding effort: "If anything good can come out of this, perhaps it’s that people can learn skills and have new job opportunities."

So far, the responses to PM’s online poll on the topic of rebuilding New Orleans are running about three to one against reconstruction. However, once the floodwaters are drained and damage assessments completed, it seems likely that some compromise approach might appear most feasible. The more historic, higher-elevation parts of the city will be restored, while the most vulnerable low-lying areas could be converted to parks or wetlands and their former residents resettled in safer locales.

I completely agree with that. There should be NO attempt to rebuild in any area that is below sea level.

Certainly, these and other options will be matters of national debate. PM will be collecting ideas for the future of the Gulf Coast and presenting the most interesting and innovative ones here at PM.com over the coming weeks.