Lives forever changed along Morganza Spillway’s path

14-year-old Lao among THS’s Class of 2011
May 17, 2011
Thursday, May 19
May 19, 2011
14-year-old Lao among THS’s Class of 2011
May 17, 2011
Thursday, May 19
May 19, 2011

Dear Editor,

The Morganza Spillway is open to offer relief to the Mississippi River and prevent it from overflowing the banks of south Louisiana.


In the meantime, citizens in the Atchafalaya basin and nearby reaches have been warned to take precautions because their homes and businesses are in imminent danger.


These are farms that families have handed down to each other. They are fishermen who repair their own boats and nets, then pass them down to their children.

These are people whose lives are being sacrificed to save the bigger cities. They did not build their farms or houses in flood zones. They did not rebuild after being flooded out before. These are the silent victims. Their only fault is not living in a city big enough to be heard.


There will likely be no actors, musicians or politicians holding charity concerts or forums to help ease their losses.


In the news, they will likely only be mentioned as “the area” where floodwater will be diverted to save New Orleans. Remember, New Orleans has been rebuilt from past flooding several times.

Who decided these hard-working people south of the Morganza Spillway are not worthy to save?

They are the fishermen, farmers and rural workers who have for ages made this country strong.

Today, the waters are coming. These folks have packed their belongings, their sorrow and tears.

The water is coming because it was directed this way. Houses, farms and towns will be destroyed and, eventually, forgotten. To those who call the area home, it is. Fathers have gathered what they can. Women are holding their children tighter. And abandoned tractors sit idle in the back yard.

Between the rushing water, if you listen … you’ll hear hearts breaking.

Jose G. Acosta,

Houma, La.