This is why you don't build cities in a bowl.

Republicans were trying to restore their lost credibility in Katrina relief, by having the convention in New orleans.

They are being Punished by God for playing such bad, inhuman politics.

Poor Millions in the area who are affected because of Republicans, Bush and McCain.

The city predates the bowl, you idiots, for the millionth time.

One thing I keep getting the creeps about is when I see Gustav progressed on tv I see the beginning of hanna progressing on the screen. What do people say about the storm behind this one. if Gustav path could be wiggly how likely is it a few days after the first devistation the second storm hits.

New Orleans is very rich with history and culture but how many times and how can our country keep rebuilding this city and not even complete the rebuilding and millions of dollars spent in this city only to have it destroyed again. Much to be said for a large city below sea level, sitting below a very large lake and lie along the Mississippi river, and oh I did mention it is below sea level. Time to move this city back into solid ground.

To Matt, who says "This is why you don’t build cities in a bowl.":

Obviously, you don't know the geographical history and historical significance of the city of New Orleans, nor do you have the ability or compassion to appreciate it. I suggest you look up War of 1812, Battle of New Orleans. Also look at the largest cities of industrial America at the turn of the 20th Century. Read about English Turn and Mardi Gras.

The city wasn't always a "bowl". The city gradually sank over many years and continues to do so. Major cities in the US have grown over the years, and New Orleans is no exception.

There are problems, but every city has their own problems. Rather than bash, why don't you suggest a solution for New Orleans? New Orleans actually has some technological marvels. You can't find any other city like New Orleans with pumping stations and levees.

Understand, then write.

Hi Matt,

You should realize that knowing that New Orleans was in a bowl in the 1600's when it was settled makes you line of reasoning a bit absurd. Consider also that you are speaking of one of the oldest cities in the US, which has an entire history and culture of which you must suffer at least a mild level of ignorance. New Orleans has always been a critical US city regardless of its disadvantageous geological situation. It's not going anywhere. When our government decides to invest the type of resources in it the way the Dutch have effectively protected their entire country from floods for many years, many critical mouths will be shut. Maybe even yours!

Could someone please tell us how the Bay/ Waveland area in MS is fairing so far and what the forecast looks for them through Gustav?

How about Lake Charles? All we've been hearing about is New Orleans. There are evacuees from other cities that are anxious to hear about their city, Lake Charles. The weather girl was asked about other cities and she avoided the question. Can we not focus so much on New Orleans and talk about other cities please. There was a hurricane three years ago that hit Louisiana and that was called Rita. It hit Lake Charles and to this day we hear about 1% of that hurricane.

Stay safe. I'm sorry you have to do it again, but your reporting from Katrina was groundbreaking. All the best to you and your crew.

I think that we all should keep everyone in the path of this storm in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

you also shouldn't build them on faultlines, places that are supposed to burn every year or on islands that will be flooded when waters rise but where has that stopped anyone

Easy for you to criticize eh Matt ?

I can only assume you have no TIES to this city or its inhabitants !

How about some compassion for folks who are about to lose it all .......AGAIN !

nola is not a city in a bowl.

New Orleans is the bowl. Gulfport is in Mississippi and it's nothing like a bowl. Look at a map before you comment.

By that logic, you shouldn't build cities on any coastal area. You also shouldn't build cities on or near fault lines. Or in sprawling land-locked areas where tornadoes form. Or too far north where blizzards could hit. Or in arid regions because of sand storms.

There are dangers everywhere, Matt. While building a city in a "bowl" may not be the safest place, it sure isn't the most dangerous.

Matt:

Obviously you haven't spent much time in the city of New Orleans, or you wouldn't have made such a comment. Take some time and do some research as to just how many products you use come through the city of New Orleans! Do you tell people who have lost their houses from wildfires not to rebuild, do you tell the victims of mud slides that they shouldn't build on the side of a hill?
When this is over, take a vacation in New Orleans, the people will welcome you with open arms, regardless of how narrow minded you might be because they are GOOD people.