In this insightful episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a compelling conversation with Sandy Rosenthal, a formidable force in bringing engineering accountability for the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Sandy shares her journey from being a concerned New Orleans resident to becoming the leading voice uncovering the truth behind the failed levees. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and transparency, epitomized by her organization, Levees.org, and her book, "Words Whispered in Water."

The episode delves deeply into the factors that drove Sandy to challenge the misleading narratives post-Katrina and how her efforts catalyzed significant changes in federal levee design policies. Sandy discusses overcoming fears and criticisms, the importance of knowing the right questions rather than having all the answers, and the power of community and expert support in driving systemic change. Her tale is not just one of personal achievement, but an inspiring account of how one individual's advocacy can influence national policy and save lives.

About the Guest:

Sandy Rosenthal is an acclaimed activist, author, and founder of Levees.org. With over 40 years of residency in New Orleans, Sandy has become a pivotal figure in documenting and bringing to light the engineering failures that led to the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Katrina. Through her relentless advocacy and detailed investigations, Sandy has successfully impacted levee policy in the U.S., prompting significant acknowledgment from federal agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers.

Key Takeaways:

• Levees Failures and Accountability: Sandy highlights the critical engineering errors by the Army Corps of Engineers and the resultant levee failures in New Orleans—an oversight that led to catastrophic flooding.
• Power of One: Rosenthal's story illustrates how one determined individual can influence both public perception and policy, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and seeking truth.
• Criticism as a Tool: Sandy encourages welcoming criticism as it provides valuable insights and information crucial to advancing one's cause.
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Sandy leveraged FOIA to obtain vital information regarding levees, showcasing this as a powerful tool for any activist's arsenal.
• Self-Care Importance: Maintaining personal well-being is crucial during activism. Sandy emphasizes the role of self-care in sustaining long-term advocacy efforts.

Resources:

• Sandy Rosenthal's Book: Words Whispered in Water
• Website: Levees.org

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