What is the biggest obstacle to rebuilding New Orleans?
The biggest obstacle, in my opinion, is the magnitude of the problem and obtaining a consensus among policy makers at all levels. There is no easy solution to the myriad problems facing New Orleans, and any complex effort by the government runs the risk of gridlock and caving to political pressure. Q: How are the people of New Orleans faring almost nine months after the hurricane struck? A: “The people of New Orleans” are in varied circumstances, so there is really no way to answer such a question reliably. Some people have returned to their lives as normal, with some added inconveniences of busy streets, longer lines, and fewer city services. Others, however, are living in very difficult circumstances and dealing with the need to make huge decisions without complete information. The city’s reluctance to develop and pass a rebuilding plan; a hesitance about the impending hurricane season; and decisions by the state, FEMA, and private insurance companies are holding up many individual r
