Oliver Thomas: “If we can't be safe, we can't be anything.”

Think of yourselves as survivors, not as victims

We need to take a look at the state laws. We need to take a look at the speedy trials of violent offenders. If you use a weapon, the laws ought to be stricter, stronger enforcement.

How does that help with 10 or 12 feet of water? The levees, we pray, won't break this time.

We owe it to them and other families to make sure they are safe, that their streets are clean and that their tax dollars mean something.