Do I wake or sleep?

I'm aware of its elevation, and of the massive system of pumps and levees that keeps it dry. What I wasn't previously aware of was that officials in the city government expect that anything more than strong category-3 hurricane would overwhelm the system and destroy much of the city. I doubt most Americans had a clue that this was the case. To read the news reports about "50,000 body bags" and "we wouldn't rebuild" -- quoting city officials! -- was, frankly, shocking.