Survival of the funnest by Stanford A. Owen M.D. Slidell
reprinted from the Times Picayune
Charles Darwin would delight in the social experiment called New Orleans.
This lovely city was shaped by nature and attracted a particular variety of human suited to endure heat, bugs, disease, and pirates.
Now, after Katrina, those hardy souls who stay endure rude and impudent government workers, robbers and murderers and unfriendly business rules.
Those who seek New Orleans out and stay are rough, gritty, determined, and find fun and pleasure more appealing than convenience and safety.
It won’t be the same city as in the last century, but it certainly has no chance of becoming a typical American city.
Katrina has assured New Orleans of having a unique place in the world for another 100 years. Thanks for helping us understand why, Mr. Darwin.