Doesn't make sense...Obama: U.S. can't fail New Orleans again?

Question

I don't remember us failing New Orleans. Democratic Mayor, Democratic Govenor. Re-elected the same sorry Mayor. I think the leadership of Louisiana failed New Orleans and no one else. I can't tell you the number of people I know that quit caring about NO when Nagin was re-elected.

Answer 1

First, most of New Orleans is above sea level. It's a port and - in case you didn't know - ports HAVE to be close to the ocean. Second, New Orleans is NOT "prone to hurricanes". The last one to hit before Katrina was in 1965 and before that was in 1947 Neither of those storms flooded the city like Katrina. We do not yet know where Gustav will go, and it may strike Houston. Should Houston be abandoned if it does? Florida really IS "prone to hurricanes" but I don't see you suggesting Florida is worthless. In any event, New Orleans is not optional. History, architecture, culture, and the fact the city is home to many people are usually mentioned when the city's future is discussed. However, those factors (while significant) are NOT why NOLA is important to the rest of the United States. New Orleans is a metro area of almost 1.4 million people – not some small town that could be easily relocated somewhere else. More than 35% of America's energy is either produced in Southeast Louisiana or imported through here, and the infrastructure is focused on New Orleans. What may be the largest oil field on earth was discovered offshore of Louisiana in 2006, and it will be exploited via New Orleans. The Port of New Orleans is the largest or second largest port in North America each year (tons of cargo) and one of the top ports in the world each year. The Port of New Orleans is not replaceable. More than 25% of America's petroleum refining capacity is in the New Orleans area. That percentage will increase due to a new refinery already under construction and the planned expansion of existing refineries. A large percentage of America's non-petroleum chemical industry is here. New Orleans is one of only three principal east-west transportation points for the USA, and the resulting convergence of water, rail, pipeline, electricity, and highway links is not replaceable. A large percentage of America's ship building & repair industry is in New Orleans. NASA builds essential parts for the space shuttle in New Orleans, and will build components for the next generation of spacecraft here. Other manufacturers (ex. Bell-Textron) have factories in New Orleans. A large percentage of America's seafood comes from SE Louisiana, and the distribution network is focused on New Orleans. And so on…. It is theoretically possible to move the industry and the population, but only at horrific cost. The Mississippi river, Gulf of Mexico, and the oil fields cannot be moved. To even attempt to replace New Orleans would cost Trillions of Dollars and the attempt would fail. In contrast, New Orleans can be protected from future hurricanes with the expenditure of about $15 Billion (that should have been spent before Katrina) spread out over a period of a decade. Realize that nowhere is without risk. NYC and Miami are at more risk from hurricanes than New Orleans. Los Angeles and San Francisco are at risk from earthquakes and fires. Seattle is threatened by volcanoes and Tsunamis. The Midwest is hit by tornadoes every year. However, I don’t hear anyone claiming New York, Florida, California, Kansas, or Washington (state) be abandoned, or even not rebuilt after the next disaster. However, people routinely claim New Orleans should be abandoned, or that we somehow don’t deserve help after Katrina. Why is that?

Answer 2

Exactly. Worse, I lived in New Orleans from 1981 through 1987 and it was known then that there was no evacuation plan and that the levee/pump system was inadequate for a large direct hit and even less so if the hurricane landed in Mississippi (counterclockwise winds means Lake Ponchartrain is blown into downtown). In nearly 20 years, nothing was done! The primary responsible party for planning city evacuations is the city with the state secondary and the federal government tertiary. Basically, the local plans tie into the state plans, which tie into the federal plans. How does ANYONE think the federal government can plan in detail for catastrophes on every square inch of the country?

I think it’s good he keeps making stupid statements. If Hillary is the nominee, then the Republicans will have another four years in the White House.

Answer 3

(I agree with 'Larry the Don')

Clinton and Bush did fail to pay attention to the levies in New Orleans. Prevention was addressed by the Mayor and the Governor and no one in the White House took them serious, money was asked for, and they pushed responsibility aside. So, Yes, Obama is right when he says the United States can not fail to pay attention to New Orleans or any other prevention in any other state again.

Answer 4

I was there...they state and city Gov dropped the ball and let the people down....they started passing the buck as soon as they realized how bad they had pooped the pooch....in Mississippi next door the Governor there had relief on the ground in 24 hrs...Nagin and Obama are from the same genetic bolt of cloth...worthless...

Answer 5

I agree with you. The U.S. did not fail New Orleans, its Mayor and the Governor of Louisiana DID!!!

Answer 6

Are you kidding, how the **** can you not be embarrassed by the completely slack response from all sides too New Orleans. It was a disgrace. Oprahs done more to help than the administration.

Answer 7

The U S government built the original levees, they were inadequate, thats what he means. Also the rescue effort was subpar, you had the president flying over in a helicopter, but millionaire actors like Sean Penn and Oprah Winfrey were doing the dirty work, along with countless other heroic volunteers.

And you guys need to stop being cowards and allow people to email you, and stop picking best answers with the person who is your "yes man" for the day.

Answer 8

we didnt fail new orleans the first time. why is it that every idiot that works in a known war zone, builds a house in tornado alley or in this case lives in a flood plain expects the government to bail them out? should common sense play here, but try to tell a liberal wingnut that.

Answer 9

You got it! I was going to say the same thing. Another reason why there's no way I can vote for Obama.