Ignoring critical commentary out of a feigned and misplaced sense of injury, and ultra-patriotism, is one reason the USA never seems to get anywhere.  I'll remind you that we are in Canada, and fealty to American sensibilities can not be demanded here.  I'm going to run with what I read in this article, and also what Dutch flood engineers working in the USA have publicly stated, versus your anecdotal commentary. But we'll see in the coming weeks as an autopsy is performed just how well Houston was prepared versus what could or should have been done.  To do so is not "grinding a political axe".  It is necessary.