Katrina Victim Travels with Hope

By Abbey Niezgoda-- 1/20/09

For many, Hurricane Katrina is on a list of mistakes made by the Bush administration. Criticism over the delayed rescue response and failed government action continues even today. For Martha Robins, the issue hits closer to home. 

She is a resident of the lower ninth ward in New Orleans. It's an area that is frozen in time. Driving through her neighborhood, it looks like the hurricane had hit yesterday. Traveling to the inauguration with her daughter was not an easy task, but it was a trip she had to make. 

"I'm living my parents' dream. I know they would have wanted to be here today. I had to do this for them and for everyone else we lost in Katrina," Robins said. 

Her parents passed away during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The African-American family was torn apart by an event from which she claims the government failed to rescue them. Robins, who is a single parent, was fortunate enough to get out safely. She and her daughter have since returned to New Orleans. 

Robins is mixed with tragic memories of the hurricane and hopeful dreams for a future led by President Barack Obama. 

"We needed assistance then and we still need it now. I drove 18 hours because I had to see him to believe him. Now all I can do is hope," Robins said.