[ex-Texan]

Apparently, you have not been reading the same business news sources that I have. Katrina will be more devastating for the economy than 9-11. Source There will not be major home rebuilding effort in New Orleans. The problem is flood insurance. Without it, most people are SOL.

It will be months and months before the levees have been hardened and the city is safe to return to. It will be weeks and weeks before insurance adjusters are able to inspect houses that are still under water. Knowing the insurance industry as I do, most of this 'damage assessment' will be wasted energy. The box being checked the most on claim forms is labeled "deny this claim." Flood insurance is almost impossible to purchase in that region of the country.

Frankly, if I had owned a house in N.O., I would be thinking seriously about moving. The city just lost about 400,000 of its poorest residents. Most of them will not be returning either. What will the demographics of Jefferson Parrish look like in two years? It's anybody's guess.

[BOBTHENAILER]

The city just lost about 400,000 of its poorest residents. Most of them will not be returning either.

Sweet, Sen. Mary just lost 400.000 votes.

[conservative cat]

The housing may not be rebuilt in NO, but people will need homes elsewhere, whether they are new, old, or mobile homes- they will need to live somewhere.