Katrina Catharsis

Hurricane Katrina, horrifying natural disaster that it was, can be used as a metaphor for a societal catharsis that gives valuable insight into the state of America, and the South in particular. It made very evident the disparity between the social classes in New Orleans, and sadly, the races in as many cases.
However, if we allow this experience to act as true catharsis, that is, a release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit; we can banish the demons of this terrible event and move forward with clear minds, and forward eyes, and right the wrongs which have become so painfully evident.
The grand old city of New Orleans has been decimated, it's citizens scattered, and her poorest residents left dead, or still trapped within the flooded city.
An entire city left homeless.
But hope remains, since we are given an unprescedented opportunity to begin anew on solid footing. A chance, with the city homeless, to ensure that in rebuilding, that everyone does have a home. That those who had the least to cling to, but who lost all, before the merciless pounding of the cruel sea, rise from this tragic event to new heights, as the city, and the nation move upwards from below sea level, and again, onto solid ground.