"We talked about levees, levees and more levees," said Bollinger, a Lockport native who ate an elaborate, multi-course dinner seated between Laura Bush and the president of Southwest Airlines.
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"I said it is very important [President Bush] make a statement out of the White House about the government's plan on hurricane protection," said Bollinger. "The president is fully aware of the problems and the issues, and he realizes that it's very important that he makes a statement on it as soon as possible. He's very much on top of the issue and he is fully aware of the problems Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are facing."
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The shipbuilding magnate's dinner invitation was connected to the leadership role Bollinger has played in state and national Republican party groups. He has been a delegate to every Republican National Convention since 1976. Bollinger also has served on the Republican National Finance Committee and national steering committee for President Bush and his father, the former president.
While many lawmakers in Congress appear to be losing touch with southeast Louisiana's coastal plight and rebuilding struggles, Bollinger said the president has not.
"He's probably the best friend Louisiana has," said Bollinger. "There's lots of people forgetting us. He's not. I know he's not forgetting about us."
President Bush is committed to helping the region rebuild, said Bollinger, who anticipates an announcement outlining the administration's strategy in coming weeks.
"He just needs to get his arms around what each thing costs," Bollinger said.
So, our "best friend" allows weeks and months to pass before making a strong commitment to Category 5 levees and wetlands protection? Does Bush understand how many THOUSANDS of businesses decided to relocate from Louisiana while he was "getting his arms" around the projected costs? Flood protection will cost $35 billion, Dubya; the price of 16 U.S. embassies in Baghdad; the cost of 7 weeks in Iraq. Let's start there.
