You are a godless atheist, so I don't expect you to understsand. But I know that you have a good mind and caring heart from the time I've been on FR. God clearly says in His word that both good and evil people are affected by what happens in life. Everything that happens is not punishment and since I'm not God, I don't know if this is "punishment" or not. I tend not to think that God punishes like this. But I do believe He uses events to grab the attention of those with eyes to see and ears to hear. It is my responsibility to try and understand to the best of my ability God's voice in all that happens.
the term "godless atheist" seems redundant.
"You are a godless atheist, so I don't expect you to understsand. "
I understand this:
1. If there were a deity, it would not do as you suggest happened in this disaster, unless it was an evil deity.
2. You seem to think your deity just might do such a thing.
3. I think I'll pass on your deity, thanks.
4. You live in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is an evil city, full of evil people. Pittsburgh is next, then, according to your twisted sense of the Christian religion.
A disaster has occurred. Your deity had nothing to do with it. Indeed, the worst section of N.O. is the French Quarter. There is no flooding there. Did your deity miss?