[fabsroman]

Okay, I will admit that I just don't have the strength to read past Rocky' post.

I do not want to see New Orleans rebuilt unless they can ensure that it doesn't get flooded again or the residents of New Orleans, as Rocky pointed out, agree not to ask for federal aid when they do get flooded. Congress just passed a bill awarding over $50 billion in disaster aid. I am willing to bet that more will be coming later on. That amount, merely divided by the population of the United States comes to $200 per person. Now, we all know that there are retired folk, non working folk, and welfare folk in the US population. I am willing to bet that each taxpayer has donated indirectly through taxes somewhere close to $1,000 for the disaster, and it ain't over yet.

As far as Venice being below sea level, I don't know about that fact. I have been to Venice and saw the sea and Venice appeared to be slightly above it, albeit not far. However, Venice is sinking and there is nothing that Italy can do to stop that.

As far as insurance is concerned, I am sure that people down there could find some insurance company to insure against flood. However, the premium would be extremely expensive and I am willing to bet that nobody would want to pay it or be able to pay it.

At the end of the day, even if all the New Orleans people decided to sign a waiver of federal funding if they are flooded, do you think the federal government and the politicians in office could just sit back and do nothing if something like this were to happen again. Probably not if they wanted to remain in office the following term.

Regarding the sentimental value of being able to go back to where you used to live, this is called progress. Kind of like the family farm that is sold to a developer so that a condo building or shopping center can be built on it. The kids that used to live on that farm will never be able to go back and tell their children, son/daughter, I used to live here, because their son/daughter would ask, mommy/daddy, how did you live in the middle of Target's parking lot?

Yes, the disaster is a shame. Yes, it would be a shame to lose New Orleans. However, what would be worse is if New Orleans were hit directly by a huge hurricane again that is stronger than the one it just experienced, and 100's of thousands of people died. Try explaining to your children where their grandparents drowned.

In the end, you won't find me living in New Orleans of California or the middle of tornado alley. I'll take my hurricane chances in Maryland, which is rather slim.