Great cities are colorful, diverse, and enduring; the city of New Orleans is a jewel. Rich in history, culture and natural resources, New Orleans provides immense benefits to the rest of our beautiful country. In response to the documentary “When the Levees Broke” made by the infamous Spike Lee, we are faced with many tragic images; Yet there is never any doubt that the people of New Orleans are an enduring, like-minded community in desperate need of loving hands. Sharon Keating writes in her editorial “It's time for a nation to return the favor” Sunday, November 20, 2005 Times-Picayune. A key piece to understand is his interpretation of “Great Cities”: “They are made by their place and their people, their beauty and their risk. Water flows around and through most of them. And through this flows one of the largest bodies of water in the country; Mississippi. Even though New Orleans lies below sea level, the city has proven its worth, with a thriving seaport, universities, hospitals and a culture brimming with beauty; Americans must ensure that the levees are rebuilt. What makes our country so beautiful is certainly due in part to the culture of New Orleans, the extraordinary artistic and musical qualities: think of the birthplace of jazz and the glittering Mississippi. An incredibly beautiful landscape and a tradition-rich people with roots from Europe and elsewhere provide a dynamic yet firmly rooted people who strongly influence all of America today. Furthermore, every person, no matter where they come from, should stop to consider the question “Should we rebuild?” The moment this enters consciousness, all one really needs to do is consider "what if." What if this was my city, my city, my home? The answer is obvious! Of......middle of paper......Orleans. In Lee's documentary we see the death of a city and a people lost emotionally, economically and in death. It can be ascertained that his motivations in bringing to light this enormous amount of pain and suffering in his documentary are to enlighten the people, those responsible and the bystanders to ensure that this type of travesty is adequately addressed should it happen to us again. Sharon Keating is a lifelong New Orleans resident who has an immense appreciation for the culture, history, natural resources and beauty of the city of New Orleans. Every person has an affection for their home, every city was built to thrive, some have faltered but, despite the test of time, New Orleans has remained steadfast and beautiful and we must all do our part to ensure that this magnificent history permeates our soul and continue to live. promote the beauty and diversity of New Orleans.