"Again, that could have been taken care of - if they'd started yesterday and/or actually had a real, viable PLAN."
Yes it could've been taken care of BUT it's all water under the bridge now(no pun intended). Time to stop focusing on that and better to move onto plans securing the needs of the displaced who could not travel out of harms way.
OK, I suggest they clear out one of the grocery stores of non-perishables & water, and take them over to the superdome. How are they planning on feeding those folks anyhow? Do they think all of them have brought enough food & water for their families for several days?