Steve Sabludowsky: Technology Lawyer, Founder, and Writer of Bayoubuzz.com, New Orleans, LA
by Megan Rellahan
Not only did Hurricane Katrina destroy historical buildings and homes, but it destroyed lives. Without food, water, or sufficient shelter, many New Orleans residents living in poverty were hoping to be rescued from their flooded homeland for days; and while hundreds were killed during the actual storm, others died as they waited to be saved.
Without electricity, gas, or running water, New Orleans became a cesspool; and societal rules and regulations went out the window. People were fending for themselves; and within the Superdome, which sheltered the remaining folks left behind, a series of crimes took place without any law enforcement in sight to stop it. As we watched from the comfort of our living rooms, we witnessed individuals proclaim that they were fearful for their lives. Women and children were reportedly raped, and men were slain for the shirts on their backs.
Sheer chaos haunted the streets of New Orleans; and Steve Sabludowsky, a lawyer and founder of a news site called Bayoubuzz.com, spoke on behalf of the suffering people. By reporting Louisiana's breaking news every hour, Sabludowsky was the voice for many left without one; and his efforts attracted media attention worldwide.
Focusing primarily on Internet and e-commerce law, Sabludowsky has been practicing for 22 years. Originally, he began his Bayoubuzz site in order to make Louisiana more "technology literate." "However," says Sabludowsky, "as the site's popularity grew, my publication has taken on a much broader scope, with the emphasis of trying to help Louisiana."
With worldly experience as a lecturer in Berlin, Germany, Sabludowsky had the opportunity to practice Internet law anywhere; however, his loyalty to Louisiana kept him grounded. That is why when Katrina hit, Sabludowsky did not pack it up and abandon ship. Knowing that Louisiana needed Bayoubuzz.com more than ever, he remained true to his goal.
"There are so many people in need now," explains Sabludowsky. "I knew that my writings on Bayoubuzz were hitting the top of Google news under 'President Bush.' I felt I could tell him [Bush] how crappy of a job his administration was doing down here.
"Very few people had the opportunity to have their feelings heard, and the people in New Orleans were figuratively bleeding. Most people have no clue about their futures. Our audience is incredible, and I can only attribute it to the passion we are feeling. I know I feel that passion and just want to help and make things right," said Sabludowsky.
Bayoubuzz.com was one of the first sites to inform the world of the great flood—the breaking of the levees. "I was told that the Governor of Louisiana didn't even know until the next morning, when emails went flying in the mansion about my story," replied Sabludowsky. "I literally worked 20 hours per day getting out content so people throughout the world would know what was going on in Louisiana. I had pipelines to people with knowledge and was able to get the information out and keep people informed."
Nearly one year later, the people of New Orleans are still trying to recover. Luckily, Sabludowsky will continue to run Bayoubuzz.com and get the news out there. When asked if he would have done anything differently, Sabludowsky replied, "Honestly, given the devastation we have had with Katrina and how that has absolutely destroyed families here, I probably would not have done anything different.
"Congress has finally funded part of compensation for the damage. The thing is that most of the damage was due to flooding caused by bad levee and flood wall designs, which leads back to the federal government. Problem is, the feds are insulated from liability in this situation.
"Legal principles tell us that people should be responsible for the wrong they do. The insurance companies have been horrible. FEMA has been a joke. What happened here in Louisiana could be compared to what might happen if half of California were to slide in the Pacific. Imagine the chaos. That is what we have had here, and the federal government really has not been responsible for rebuilding. The amounts the state received is far from the actual losses, and it really comes down to total negligence from the federal government and the administration in every way possible," reports Sabludowsky.
Sabludowsky is an attorney with passion, integrity, and, above all else, loyalty to his homeland. Through Bayoubuzz.com, he is promoting positive change by getting the word out.
"I am so grateful for the generosity of America and the rest of the world in helping those here in New Orleans who have lost everything and many who have just had to start their lives all over again with hardly anything. Thank you so very much!"
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