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Not many people should disagree with the statement that the Saints will miss the playoffs for the 5th straight season in 2005. With the Saints season officially over, and 8 more games to be played, there is a remarkable opportunity to deconstruct now to prepare for a brighter future. One might consider:

Return to New Orleans
While "continuity" seems to be an argument to staying in San Antonio, having a disjointed oranization is not helping either the team or its players. The facility in Kenner is pristine, useable and where the organization has all of its infrastructure. Most of the players have home or appartments nearby that were untouched, and if they were damaged, need personal attention during the rebuilding phase. Returning also relieves pressure from traveling and managing transportation. There are many obstacles to and conditions for moving, yet none for staying.

Become Part of the Rebuilding Process
The ancient fable of the pheonix rising from the ashes cautions one against abandoning hope during a disaster. Most cultures reward loyalty and the Louisiana culture is rife with the concept. Opportunity abounds in Louisiana right now for those who have the vision and means to create one's destiny and shape the destiny of others. No other potential relocation of the organization has close to the desperate need for leadership and commitment to a future that can be modeled to reflect one's dream. Embrace the situation and create a legacy that transcends the New Orleans Saints, or whatever organization one is with.

Negotiate for an improved Dome
The Louisiana SuperDome may be the third oldest in the league, but it remains the premier indoor facility. While the state renovates, Mr. Benson should have the revenue enhancement features he desires installed. This is the perfect time to do so as the facility cannot be used and the upgrades can be instituted simultaneously.


Clean House
This may have begun, yet may require a more forceful broom. The team has not performed. Mr. Loomis and Mr. Haslett are fine people, honest, honorable and committed. Events may have even conspired against them. Yet, the team has not performed under their leadership.
Given the budget and 6 years, a team that has regressed each year is not acceptable. A staff that coaches to the same mistakes, that selects the wrong personnel, a staff that refuses or is unable to adjust will not be competitive. One reaps the seeds of the planting of bad karma, and these last years yielded a bumper harvest. Make a clean break and install the future leadership of the team.

Stop Complaining
The federal government will not help the State, the City nor any of its citizens recover from this crisis and has made its intentions clear on many occasions. Whatever progress the City makes will have to have momentum supplied by those who care and are committed, regardless of the obstacles. Each business, family and individual will have to weave the common destiny despite the political and atmospheric obsticals, known and unknown. We either get it done or we fail and are destroyed. Crying about injustices and about the fear over the uncertain future is the currency of the feckless and feeble, which buys nothing honorable.