Like Sun Tzu, I have also witnessed what the Katrina evacuees have done to my city. Call me a softy but I am also proud of our response to that tragedy and even with the benefit of hindsight, I am proud that we opened our doors to those that were displaced.
As far as any debate on whether or not we as a country should do whatever is required to assist New Orleans then or now, there really is no choice nor should the matter even be open for discussion.
Many shortsighted people have suggested that the monies that we as a country have spent or will spend toward rebuilding this region are a waste but the truth of the matter is that it is simply not possible to "abandon" any metropolitan center. To do so would require a demolition effort that would dwarf any previous infrastructure undertaking in world history and frankly would be infinitely more expensive than rebuilding.
New Orleans is a historic city and regardless of the horror stories we have heard since the Katrina aftermath, the typical family from this region are the salt of the earth.
God speed to all that are affected by Gustav.