money is getting "lost" and squandered no doubt. MANY of the people doing that arent just from new orleans area, they are from every part of the map. why? fema was giving any construction/demolition crew a contract and paying retarded amounts for them. its not just "us" squandering. i believe they were SO overwhelmed they began giving away way to much "free money." we were offered thousands on end every little thing, anyone would jump on that chance, specially if you didnt have much to come home too. its sad what has happened to many, i dont live in NO anymore but visit often as i have two homes there and things are very slowly getting better. granted no hurricanes come - in 10 years NO will be a very nice place. only thing pissing me off is these illegal immigrants coming in looking for work, which is fine, but they are committing way to many crimes. just last week my bestfriend's girlfriend got raped @ the hotel she worked at because there were no more rooms for a crew of illegal mexicants.
we all have to pay our taxes, all our money goes to the same place, and believe me - things are easier said than done so just keep paying your taxes and working
its sad it had to happen to us but you throw a hurricane into L.A. or NYC or any major city for that matter and the EXACT same thing will happen w/o a doubt.
o btw guys, im living in lafayette now - hands down the best city in louisiana. tons of millionaires, beautiful homes, oil fields, job opportunities, bars, and restaurants. i love it out here. enjoy it more than BR & NO.