I agree with you. The President did all he could do way ahead of time, including the (AFAIK) unprecedented action of declaring a disaster area before it actually happened. Even then, the mayor and governor didn't take that slap in the face hint. He had to actually talk to them.
Did you hear the Louisiana Sec. of Homeland Security on FNC earlier? I don't remember the show, maybe O'Reilly's. Anyway, the question was posed if he thought they were behind the curve in being prepared for this disaster. With a nonchalant attitude, to paraphrase he answered, "Yes I guess we were. But we're catching up."
I still cannot fathom the actions, or rather, inactions on the part of LA government. It boggles the mind.
I just fired off a note to Paula Zahn to ask her if she is implying it is now the responsibility of FEMA to drive all people out of town when an evacuation is called.