Sadly, the biggest public reaction I hear to all this isn't a huge concern for the city, but the fact that the SUV driving populous is now having to brace for even higher gas prices.

There also is no political gain in talking about the hurricane like there was with the terrorist attacks. 9/11 still comes up as a common talking point out of many politically motivated peoples mouthes these days.

It is really sad that people do in general care less when nature causes suffering for people. The reaction for many people here when the tsunami occurred last year was also very dulled.

While I don't personally know anyone in the area, my thoughts are with those here and my friends that do know people in the area. Thankfully it seems most were able to heed the mandatory evacuation warnings, but getting out was only the first step of a life changing event that has occurred.