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> Ok, who builds a city under sea level on the coast in a hurricane zone? My thoughts and prayers go out to those hurt by the hurricane, but I can't get past wondering what New Orleans' settlers were thinking 280 years ago.

280 years ago, people didn't say things like, "Wow! What a great place to build a big city! This is sure to be the center of world commerce." They were looking for a place to camp. It's doubtful that the site was below sea level at that time, otherwise, it would have been filled with water. They may have made a few good deals trading with the Indians and while they were there a ship came by and stayed a few days. After a time they probably decided to put up some temporary shacks and sheds. And the rest is history.

People do dumb things. Boston was built on some muddy little islands surrounded by swamp, and Las Vegas was built in a desert where there was usually no water, but at times was prone to flooding. Norfolk, Virginia is 3 feet above sea level. Galveston, Texas may be the second worst located city in America. We put cities next to volcanos, on earthquake faults, sandy barrier islands, and in flood plains. Sometimes I think people say, "What a dangerous looking place! I think I'll build a million dollar vacation home here."
Howard