Courts, not lawmakers, should decide levee lawsuit: Letter

Russel Honore's 'Green Army' discusses legislative agenda in Baton Rouge
Lt. Gen. Russel Honore addresses a group of environmental activists Nov. 15, 2013. (File photo)
on May 07, 2014 at 9:43 AM, updated May 07, 2014 at 5:46 PM

I want to join Gen. Honore's Green Army. He is defending the lawsuit that would let courts decide the responsibility of the oil and gas industry for the network of canals that is destroying our coast and wel­coming hurricanes. Why not let the courts decide?

Legislation to stop any exist­ing or future lawsuits is plowing through the Legislature like the oil companies plowed through our wet­lands. The oil industry is claiming that jobs will be lost and oil compa­nies will go away if the suit pro­gresses. In truth, the oil companies go where there is oil, and there is no reason to think they would aban­don the lucrative, oil-rich Gulf, or employ fewer workers. Lawyers will make some money. As with any law­suit, they do the work and pay the expenses, so that is a poor excuse to kill the suit.

There was a public and organized outcry after Hurricane Katrina that established a levee authority with technical skills, free from political agendas. Our governor and law­makers are listening to a noisy and extremely profitable industry, but not to the people. It is exhausting to have the same battle over again and people are weary.

How many times do we have to say "No"?

Faye Lieder

New Orleans