My in-laws from Slidell, LA had been living with my wife and I since Katrina approached New Orleans. This week, my wife's sister, her husband and their sons moved to an apartment. Last weekend we learned that while their new house in St. Bernard is totally flooded, they didn't lose their belongings that were in storage. We also learned that my father-in-law and brother-in-law's houses in Slidell were spared. Despite everything that has transpired in the aftermath of Katrina, we have been very fortunate.

My take on the relief effort is that everyone failed, from local city officials to state politicians to the federal government.

Even the citizens of New Orleans failed. How? They failed to hold their elected officials accountable in the past. They failed to allow for higher taxes to address the needs for hurricane protection. The politicians failed to find creative ways to fund the necessary protections.

The whole thing is just sad.

Now that the city is contaminated, why would anyone want to go back? Will it ever be clean enough to enjoy a healthy life?