Neo New Orleans

The disaster in New Orleans also represents a huge opportunity. Here are some bold predictions about Neo New Orleans:

1. It will be the largest wireless hotspot. This is due to the exorbitant cost of running telephone and cable lines. Satellite TV, cell phones, and wireless Internet will be the hallmarks of the reborn city.

2. It will be a tech center. Simple reason for this: the infrastructure will be brand new, and there will be considerable business incentives put in place to attract employers.

3. It will be a laissez-faire city. The only way to attract employers and workers to settle in the region will be to make this city THE best place to do business. Look for Bill Richardson to be called in from Nevada to consult. Even Democrats will get this.

4. The Ports will be up and running first. They are absolutely crucial to the U.S. economy.

5. The refineries will be up and running next. Ditto.

6. Most of NOLA's residents will not return, absent some homesteaders incentive.

7. Gambling will become a major aspect of the tourist industry. Think Wild West boomtown.

8. Mayor Nagin will be reelected.

9. Governor Blanco will be run out of the state on a rail.

10. NOPD will be reformed and become one of the finest police forces in the country.

Just reading the tea leaves here.

Correction:

MoltenThinker Ed notes via e-mail that Bill Richardson is the governor of New Mexico, not Nevada. I regret the error, and want to know why FEMA hasn't shown up to fix it yet.

Update:

Michael Barone is skeptical.