Folks, I'm hoping a petition won't be necessary - that officials will do the right thing without such measures. I'm not sure, though.

I've never drafted a petition. I've worked up a draft, below. Please let me know your thoughts.

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DRAFT

We, the People of Algiers, on the West Bank of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, by affixing our full names and Algiers addresses to this electronic petition, respectfully request that we be allowed to return to our homes to assess damage, collect personal belongings and valuables, and rescue our pets.

Our community is accessible and unflooded; we are grateful. Like all of the Katrina areas, however, we are displaced for an unknown period of time, and we need to maintain our lives.

We are aware, and respectful, of the enormous difficulties faced by the officials of Orleans Parish and the surrounding areas, and do not wish to hamper rescue or relief efforts. We therefore propose that we be permitted to enter Algiers, with proof of residence (via zipcodes 70114 and 70131) for a period of 3 days, beginning Friday, September 9 2005.

DRAFT