Because the government of Louisiana and New Orleans is corrupt, as it has been for the past 70 or so years, since the democrats took control of the state.
Does the people who saw this on Top Gear know that New Orleans is a prime example of socialism, putting the a large majority of its inhabitants on welfare? Do you see know what happens when humans let the government control them via dependence?
In the 1930s New Orleans had a brutal hurricane...but the citizens didnt moan or complain; they rebuilt the city again. They know the risk of living there. That was before the welfare state was introduced in the 1960's, and look what 3 generations of welfare dependence has done. Look at how the city reacted; the mayor sat on his hands, and the governor just curled up into a ball and cried. Pathetic. You would never see that anywhere else in America.
So before the world says how bad it is in New Orleans, try learning about it first, and discover that our federal government did all they could. Obviously some of you are ignorant that in order for the government to help, the state has to ask first. The fact that a huge entity was able to mobilize in 4 days is nothing short of amazing.
How about the evacuees of Katrina, quite a few of them who abused the handouts we as Americans gave? And you wonder why we "turn our backs" on New Orleans? We as a whole country, turned our porch lights on for them, set an extra place at the dinner table...what did many do? They were rude, took our money, and bitched about everything. Ask some of the volunteers who helped out in Houston. They will tell you the real story of the shithole that is New Orleans.
Now, we Americans are a very generous people. We will bend over backwards to help ANYONE out. But when the people whom we help, dont say thanks...well, how would YOU react?
Now, keep in mind the vast majority of the citizens of New Orleans are fine, upstanding, law abiding people. But as always, the worst are always the ones in focus. What New Orleans and more importantly Louisiana needs to do is clean out their government. Here is one shining example:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1123495&page=1
So in conclusion, before you point fingers and say that it is oh so horrible in New Orleans, do some research first. For anyone who is in favor of socialism, New Orleans is your shining beacon.