I agree that most of the failures seem to be state and city level. But, 9/11 was 4 years ago. Homeland Security Agency has been touted as being there not only to prevent security breaches but also to handle disasters. The Feds and each state have Homeland Security agencies. The storm was headed on its way to New Orleans area for at least 3 days before it hit. New Orleans is the largest (in terms of tonnage) port in the US, it has immense strategic signifcance...it is closed now. There was no viable plan of disaster mangement for New Orleans in place before the storm. In short, the authorities cannot handle major disasters no matter what they say to build, falsely, public confidence. The money spent on homeland security agencies is a total waste.
I suppose it is easy for you to say that but I am sure the thousands of people who were waiting up state for the storm to hit would disagree. Saying it is a total waste makes no sense.
Having stores of food and water and supplies and doctors ahead of time increases the chance of survival for thousands of people. I am sure if it were your family in harm's way you would appreciate every little bit that could be done for them at a time like this.