In a prime-time speech from New Orleans, President Bush vowed last night that the country would rebuild the city and the Gulf Coast region as part of one of the largest reconstruction efforts in history. “And all who question the future of the Crescent City need to know there is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again,” Bush said. Bush outlined a plan to offer victims of the hurricane help on taxes, housing, education and job training. “It is now clear that a challenge on this scale requires greater federal authority and a broader role for the armed forces — the institution of our government most capable of massive logistical operations on a moment’s notice.” He also announced an immediate review of emergency plans for all cities and called for an expanded role of the U.S. military in times of national emergency. While Bush spoke for nearly 30 minutes he did not mention that he has put his top political advisor, Karl Rove, in charge of the reconstruction effort instead of appointing an independent reconstruction czar. Critics of the decision are predicting this could result in a bonanza for contractors such as Halliburton that has ties to the White House. Halliburton has already been hired to repair damaged military bases in the region.