Contrarian Prediction of the Month

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the horrific images of destruction, pessimistic predictions of the recovery and reconstruction are perhaps inevitable. (Though one would have hoped that national leaders might have refrained from suggesting that we not rebuild at least until after everyone is safe.)

I will make this prediction: Past Mardi Gras celebrations have brought as many as half a million tourists streaming into New Orleans for a long weekend. Next Mardi Gras -- February 28th, 2006, less than six months from now -- will be the largest in New Orleans history.

UPDATE: An army reservist returning from New Orleans makes more detailed but similarly optimistic predictions (via PoliPundit).