From WWLTV: " 'It makes no sense to spend billions of dollars to rebuild a city that's seven feet under sea level,' House Speaker Dennis Hastert said of federal assistance for hurricane-devastated New Orleans."
Bad timing but true statement. Everyone knew this would happen some day, let's spend the money to help people rebuild somewhere that won't be wiped out like this.
I recognize the less-than-perfect location of New Orleans; I remember reading the doomsday scenarios proposed a few years back and thinking a combination of "Not gonna live there ever," and "It'll never actually happen, though." I mean, millions of people live in earthquake zones and tornado alleys and volcano peripheries, and I don't think we'd think twice about rebuilding those (then again, this is a significantly huger situation).
But, more strongly, I recognize the gravity between a person and their homestead. Where one lives is compelling.
I think New Orleans should be rebuilt. Katrina was one bad mf hurricane, but they were way overdue. This led to overbuilding along the coast which just multiplied the effect. That's all along the coast, not just Louisiana.
I know abandoning the city has probably been considered. I believe the devastation to the national economy would be massive and we'd fall into another recession.
It's kind of like those ants rebuilding constantly in my yard. They don't give up and honestly, they can win. I think the people of New Orleans has the mojo to recover & be stronger than ever. I plan to spend lots of tourist dollars there to help them when it does.