In the process it destroyed some 1m acres of coastal marshland around New Orleans something which suited property developers, but removed much of the city's natural protection against flooding.

ECONOMIST: Hurricane Katrina

As for the main issues that matter to me - I would like to see more financial accountability at all levels of government, legislation in favour of gay partnerships, more money invested in education and healthcare, and more insurance protection against hurricanes and flooding.

BBC: NEWS | Have Your Say | US mid-terms panel: Maria Peralta

The levees, even if built properly this time, will not offer adequate protection for all districts against the flooding that is likely to accompany the most powerful hurricanes.

ECONOMIST: A new plan to help New Orleans could go dangerously wrong