That is a good bit of it. But the prevailing decadent culture and large poor black populations are also major contributors
I repectfully disagree on the culture part. NOL had crime, sure, and many parts of the city were not safe before the hurricane. But that again is attributed to lack of leadership. In the aftermath, the poor planning, lack of leadership, and lack of communication only makes this worse.
Walter Maestri, director of emergency management for Jefferson Parish, La., just outside of New Orleans, "We had a plan and we followed it (on storm coverage). Mayor Nagin and those in Jefferson believed that within 48 hours food, water and security would be here. It didn't happen."