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.