Letters From Our Readers

Military Practice on New Orleans

Dear Freedom Lovers:

On Dec. 4-17, 2004, the US 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit used New Orleans, Louisiana as an urban war practice zone. This operation was supervised by Operations Chief Sergeant Terry Sahlbomt of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (http://www.usmc.mil/26thmeu/index.htm).

People and pets from the French Quarter to the Garden District were disturbed, some to the point of utter fear of leaving their houses, others loosing sleep, others being terrified into heightened alertness from helicopter/jets and ammo explosive noises.

Many complained, some to the New Orleans Police Department, some to Military Base Operations. Every angry complaint was ignored. Many are still upset and angry in that city reporting that “it was just two weeks horrible weeks.”

On Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004 an article appeared in the Times Picayune in New Orleans, La. incorrectly reporting that there were only 19 complaints and “none of them were angry.” They went on to comment that New Orleans welcomed the marines “with true Southern hospitality.” Creating the image of New Orleans as an abused housewife!

If you were in New Orleans and experienced the noisy helicopters and jets day and night and witnessed the ground troops sweeping with their guns, and firing off explosives write a letter to the Editor of the Times-Picayune and Angry telling them how frightened and angry you were and that you object to these military practice sessions in US cities.

And while you are at it why not fax and call Operations Chief Sergeant Sahlbomt and complain: 910/450-2982, c. 910/459-0724 for fax: 910/450-2984

Other cities being used as US military urban war zones are Atlanta, Miami, Savannah, Birmingham, Charlotte and Mobile.

Preserve our Culture and Cities

—Rosa Goldman