If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere” is the slogan of the city, but many of its most talented and capable faced the same problem with Hurricane Irene coming as New Orleans residents did with Hurricane Katrina 6 years earlier – how to make it out of town. The major concerns facing citizens of New York and New Orleans had been how to get out of town when evacuations had been ordered. Both during Katrina and Irene many of those ordered to evacuate could not make the means to get out, although undoubtedly many did not want to go feeling it a retreat - just like many who refused to leave in the outer banks of North Carolina to Galveston in previous hurricanes. New Orleans and New York City are two US cities with least number of cars – simply as the two cosmopolitan centers are least welcoming of private cars and most accommodating to those who do not drive private vehicles. However, six years earlier I recall hearing much blame falling upon New Orleans residents because they did not heed evacuation calls. Much of the commentary was lightly veiled stereotyping of the African American population and/or poor of New Orleans. In fact though, most of the residents of the poorer/or low lying areas of New Orleans are the working poor. They work the kitchens of famous restaurants, clean the hotel rooms for guests arriving from around the globe and a few of them develop the talent to inspire us with their music and art. (They reflect the "struggling artists of New York"). They could not afford a car especially if New Orleans did not necessitate one. Further, while New York is one of the most transient cities in the world, New Orleans has one of the most stable populations. Generations of New Orleans families are bound together with the city's unique culture and history, even as many tourists and artists come through regularly.Many New Orleans residents only have family within a couple of miles radius of their homes, and no place to flee their city. I love both of these unique global cities. The people are very open and resilient and loyal to their city. Both cities are tough and competitive, but with a distinct veneer to each. If you can make it in New Orleans as an artist or academic or lawyer you can make it in New York. Both carry the prefix "BIG" for "Big Easy" and Big Apple," as if unchallenged in fact and confidence. The difference in hurricanes was in response from Federal and local officials, and luck. Tonight is the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Let us bless the great people of New Orleans with the great fortune of luck that New York has just now witnessed. Big Love to these Great Cities & People – Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomat Artist” Twitter – Follow us at Diplomatically X “Diplomat-Artist” Channel link: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomat-artist