DEAR MISTERS ALMOST-PRESIDENT:

My Morning Jacket, REM, Pearl Jam, Dr. John, Boots Riley and more ask McCain and Obama to step up support for Louisiana’s Gulf Coast.

By BLURT Staff

"We are asking that the future President of the United States direct the resources and attention necessary to restore coastal Louisiana and secure the future of Louisiana's communities." So reads a letter

[ http://www.healthygulf.org/Candidates_Coastal_letter.pdf ]

to Barack Obama and John McCain signed by more than 90 artists and industry people. It asks that whomever wins the election pay special attention to the needs of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast and its residents.

The entreaty comes nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina, many of whose victims still seek assistance in rebuilding their homes and lives. The idea is that, no matter the outcome of the election, something will finally be done. 

Those signing the letter include My Morning Jacket, Dr. John, Trent Reznor, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, the Coup’s Boots Riley, Indigo Girls, Hubert Sumlin, Allen Toussaint and Galactic. They not only ask the candidates to use the presidency to help Katrina victioms but also attend a presidential forum September 18 n New Orleans, where they may present their plans for “leading the Gulf Coast's recovery.”