The New Orleans chapter of Metroblogging is raft with posts about the Superdome reopening and the flogging of the Atlanta Falcons last night. Some might criticize that spending $160 million and change, if on schedule and budget, was nearsighted when many neighborhoods (the 9th ward is a good example) are still ghost towns.

I happen to agree with this sentiment. In an interview during the pregame, a facilities manager of ten years boasted that the new roof would withstand a category 5 hurricane. Why can’t FEMA and the Corps of Engineers do the same thing for the levees?

Still, I’m not here to bitch. New Orleans is a cool town, and I would like to see it bounce back. Last night was just the sort of event that will help to galvanize the effort. What these neighborhoods need is basic infrastructure—potable water, power, gas, etc. and then they can start building homes and get their families and friends back.

Not to mention the economy of tourism. Fly down there this winter. Have a po’boy, order a hurricane (gulp), enjoy some Jazz or Cajan/Zydeco (great to dance to or watch the locals doing so)…

The Big Easy took a big hit, they deserve our support.