The New York Times editors took the state to task for what they consider improper use of federal funds to build the industrial base instead of providing more housing for low- and moderate-income families.

What is even more disturbing are the verbal attacks laid on the state in responses to the editorial by readers on the NYT Web site. Why so much hate and anger at a state, its leadership and people still trying to recover from the cataclysmic destruction of the worst natural disaster to ever hit this country?

At the center of the complaint is the effort by Gov. Haley Barbour to use $600 million of $5.5 billion in federal disaster relief for rebuilding the Port of Gulfport - a major source of jobs on the coast.

We guess this comes down to the chicken or the egg theory - what came first?

In the case for the Mississippi Gulf Coast what comes first? Housing or jobs?

We would think jobs are a key ingredient. Without jobs there is no need for housing. What the NYT editors do not comprehend is that the Mississippi Gulf Coast was wiped cleanly off the map and is being rebuilt one brick at a time.

Barbour's leadership at a critical time in our state's history was the key element that has allowed Mississippi to reduce the pain to its citizens and provide hope for the future.

Is everything back to normal on the coast? No, and it will not likely be for years to come.

But thanks to the progressive efforts by the state leadership, the foundation is being laid for that industrial recovery for the region. And with it will be a strong economy that will support adequate housing for those willing to work and be a part of the recovery.