New Orleans is known for its laissez-faire attitude, meaning “let the people do as they choose.”
That’s an appropriate attitude for Bourbon Street or a Sunday afternoon eating crawfish or crabs with family and neighbors, but laissez-faire is NOT an attitude we want in local government or business. I speak of this quite often on my talk show: The laissez-faire attitude that has its place in the culture of our city has historically migrated into government and business attitudes.
It should be obvious from my show that I LOVE New Orleans. I was born here – grew up here – started and spent most of my career here – but I am constantly disgusted by the degree of laissez-faire – or apathy – that has become part of New Orleans…