[RS]

I understand what you are saying, but my comment was simply that there is no way they can return to that life, and no way that those same conditions they were living in can be rebuilt for them to return to NO.

Relief agencies in the past might have been able to rent older, run-down yet still adequate housing for the poorest, but those structures no longer exist and will not be rebuilt.

New Orleans would be foolish to use it's resources at this time to entice a non-productive portion of it's society to return.

The people of Houston are to be commended for their compassion, but if their decision-makers did not forsee this situation, they are very foolish indeed.

[nmh]

"I understand what you are saying, but my comment was simply that there is no way they can return to that life, and no way that those same conditions they were living in can be rebuilt for them to return to NO."

The problem is they are trying to return to that life. They need to move on in more ways than one. What puzzles me is they keep VOTING for the same people that keep them DOWN.

"Relief agencies in the past might have been able to rent older, run-down yet still adequate housing for the poorest, but those structures no longer exist and will not be rebuilt."

Yes, for those exceptions ... they shouldn't be rebuilt. As far as I am concerned rebuilding anything there is pouring money down a rat hole. It's going to happen again.

"New Orleans would be foolish to use it's resources at this time to entice a non-productive portion of it's society to return."

Problem is, if they don't encourage them to return, those keeping them down won't be voted back in office or remain in power. No one, absolutely NO ONE, worth their salt, would vote for such corrupt incompetent people to run their state. They routinely victimize the poor - perhaps it's like domestic violence where one divorces a partner and signs up again for another abusive situation - because that is what they are used to ... .

"The people of Houston are to be commended for their compassion, but if their decision-makers did not forsee this situation, they are very foolish indeed."

Agree! The Houston people have BIG HEARTS and should not be taken advantage of. Hopefully some success stories will emerge to encourage others struggling.

[nmh]

BTW, I'm not trying to be "mean" or "insensitive" but if everyone used these excuses America never would have happened or have been so blessed. Of course there will always be "exceptions" but it seems to me those "exceptions" are a way of life by choice - and that mentality is destroying our country.