Just days before the first anniversary of the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, the National Urban League called on leaders of both major political parties to support victims of the disaster by holding their 2008 presidential nominating conventions in the still-rebuilding city.

"This would send a powerful message to the nation and the world that the victims of Hurricane Katrina will not be forgotten," said Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial in a press release.

Morial, who served as mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002 added, "It will also demonstrate that the nation's political leaders are squarely and solidly committed to rebuilding."

In a letter to both Republican and Democratic national committee chairman, Morial also called on both parties to limit their expenditures for their 2008 conventions to 50 percent of what they spent on the 2004 conventions and contribute the remainder to rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

The Republican's 2004 convention in New York City pumped approximately $255 million into the city's economy three years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"The GOP came to New York City's rescue in 2004. Why can't the political parties come to the aid of New Orleans, which was hit by a tragedy nearly as grave as 9/11 and as deserving of such grand gestures," Morial said. "Our political leaders need to put their rhetoric into real action. What better way to help the victims than to hold their conventions right in the midst of Katrina's Ground Zero."

Note: While this may sound like a great idea, remember that the presidential nominating conventions are typically held in August and September, right in the middle of hurricane season.

Also See:
Hurricane Katrina: One Year Later (Special Edition)
Bush Acknowledges Government's Katrina Failures