It implies that the people of New Orleans were basically to blame for there problems which some think is unfair.
> Australia just happens to resemble the best parts of America rather than the worst parts, in this regard.
Anyone who was sensing racial overtones in the first 2 sentences pretty much has their confirmation here. I don't know if the author intended this or not but if he did have a point regarding race and/or culture to make then it should be made with more intellectual honesty and evidence/reasoning. Instead it comes of as snide at best.
There are other parts of America where people, when disaster strikes, will start looting and setting fire to police cars.
Australia just happens to resemble the best parts of America rather than the worst parts, in this regard.