I'm rather excited at the prospect of rebuilding New Orleans. (READ BEFORE FLAMING)
There is absolutely no need to fall into despair over the fact that human nature tends toward the dark side of decency... The destruction of New Orleans was tragic, in much the same way that the Twin Towers on 9/11 were a tragedy. Human life was unnecessarily lost. On 9/11 it was terrorists and Katrina was an Force of Nature beyond our control.
Rebuilding New Orleans could be a testament to the American spirit. Our nation was built by people who challenged nature itself to do its worst, and kept on going on to build one of the most powerful countries on the planet. The wilderness of our country came close to overwhelming settlers time and time again, yet they continued onward. The whole idea behind the colonization of this continent was an epitome to the spirit of hope that can be found in the taming of a new land.
Frankly, rebuilding New Orleans could become a testament of American unity. All we have to do is make sure it isn't rebuilt as stupidly the second time around. We have 200+ years of engineering accomplishments behind us. It is time we used that experience to design a city from the ground up. Naturally, the government's role will be in the construction of public infrastructure and zoning, and it will not be involved in subsidizing private construction. Subsidization of private construction would result in buildings in the wrong places, built for the wrong purposes... We've probably all seen examples of governmental efficiency when it comes to micromanaging anything.
Of course, you're right.
San Francisco was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. Germany and Japan were rebuilt after World War II.
The difference today is the steady drumbeat of Leftist propaganda undermining the American spirit.
The American Dream--and the rebuilding of New Orleans--would be easier and more certain if the drumbeat were one of optimism, self-confidence, puissance, self-reliance, moral strength, the strength of liberty, the magnificence of the United States itself, and the other virtues that made America so great.
No flame from me: I agree with you.