That was another point I meant to make, thank you. Mississippi was severely messed up from state line to state line, and yet that was downplayed by nearly every major news organization in the US. I was so mad I gave myself a headache for days. My point is tho, that Mississippi is as you said 'light years ahead' and there is one reason for that. The people of Mississippi. No one in that beautiful state along the coastwaited for FEMA to 'save them'. People got out as soon as the storm was over and began cleaning up, trying to salvage what they could and get rid of the rest. Self reliance, and personal responsibilty. Mayors and a Governor who cared about the people, not about how much money they could get for themselves, or how much airtime on CNN. Having lived on the coast my whole life, and having lived in New Orleans and the surrounding area for over twenty years, all I can say is, that I am glad I came back 'home' (Alabama). New Orleans should be abandoned, it's over twenty feet below sea level. The Gulf is now ten miles from the westbank, and getting closer every day. New Orleans is going to disappear into the Gulf one day. It should go now, with at least a little dignity and grace.