Though the tone is unusually civil, critics are sharpening their knives in Louisiana as recovery starts in flooded areas outside the circle of defenses that protected New Orleans from Hurricane Isaac's storm surge on Aug. 26-29.

A mid-day situation report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division indicates all "major" structures flood control structures in the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System are closed, including the West Closure Complex.

Major elements of the new storm defenses encircling New Orleans saw action for the first time in storm conditions on Aug. 29 as the battle to shield the city from Hurricane Isaac's floods and storm surge ground on through the day and into the night.

Tropical Storm Isaac may be what New Orleanians need to scratch that seven-year itch.