Leadership. Vision. Hope. Commitment. Enterprise. This is just what this city needs and this is precisely what's on the menu. New Orleans tourism and hospitality is alive and well! Just ask the 25,000 plus conventioneers this week at the National Assn. of REALTORS annual convention in the Big Easy.
Two former Presidents of the United States shared the stage with the outgoing NAR president on Saturday in a bipartisan summit that spells optimism for a city recovering from the devastating wrath of Katrina.
When NAR president Tom Stevens announced last year that the trade group would follow through on plans for a convention in New Orleans this year there were many who expressed skepticism. There were some who called him crazy. Now he can say, "I told you so!"
In the days following the hurricane, NAR raised $18 million in immediate relief; local Boards of REALTORS throughout the country raised an additional $4 million to build 54 homes in New Orleans for Habitat for Humanity. REALTORS picked up hammers and saws and paintbrushes and made it happen!
Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush came to town on Saturday and applauded REALTORS for their massive contributions to the relief effort and for giving New Orleans a chance to strut its stuff to a national audience. In the same week that concluded a nasty campaign season and saw an election that turned control of Congress to the Democrats, the two Presidents checked their politics at the door and treated the crowd to one of the most inspiring events of a lifetime.
George Bush displayed wit, warmth, and eloquence that melted the hearts of the most diehard liberals in the audience. He talked about respect for his predecessor following his stunning defeat for office in 1992. He talked about his new role on the world stage and vowed not to beat the political drums about Presidential style and decisions even when he disagreed. He said that promise was difficult to keep at times during Clinton's Presidency. And then Bush shared an uncharacteristic moment of candor and said that he suffers the same struggle with silence about Presidential decision making today. He said that his wife Barbara struggles even harder with it. His honesty was exquisite.
Bill Clinton said that Washington has a chance to make accomplishments despite the fact that there is a Republican in the White House and a Democratic Congress. "Each side now has a serious stake in the success of the other," he said.
Three leaders shared a stage in New Orleans to celebrate the early fruits of success. NAR had record-breaking attendance and there is dancing in the streets. But there is still a lot of work ahead. Billions of dollars need to be raised and disbursed. Whole industries and infrastructure need major retooling and repair. Let's hope the leaders in Washington are watching and listening. -- Frances Flynn Thorsen
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