[Carry_Okie]

So technically, there may not have been so much a stand-down order, as Ham says, but just benign neglect until the problem(s) died.

The request for the order was automatic. That means the ball was in Zero's court. The White House didn't give the order. Ham had no cross border authority to act without it. That means the White House is accountable for not authorizing emergency aid.

Can't Ransom write a column without making that clear?

[Servant of the Cross]

The White House didn't give the order. Ham had no cross border authority to act without it.

CROSS BORDER AUTHORITY ping ....