Let's face it, New Orleans was a bad idea... Walked UP a steep slope, and there was the Mississippi River. Its water was HIGHER UP than the streets of the city.

Most of the Netherlands are below sea-level too, but the Dutch seem to manage pretty well. I am sure if they had hurricanes in that part of the world they'd still manage.

Doing the right thing means being ready to spend money, and levy taxes to raise the money. And not voting for politicians who won't do that.