[Cboldt]

I think the problem is that FEMA assumes states know what they're doing, and is there to help, not take over.

One problem of many. But at all levels, governments overpromise. I think the relief effort is going along as well as can be expected.

I'd like to see and hear a government official come clean, and encourage the people to be more self-reliant, and to develop community respources - and to advise that while federal and state help is always available, each person needs to consider the level of (in)competency (for want of a better word - they are competent, but their cure is harsh) they have.

[AFPhys]

I'd like to see and hear a government official come clean, and encourage the people to be more self-reliant, and to develop community respources - and to advise that while federal and state help is always available, each person needs to consider the level of (in)competency (for want of a better word - they are competent, but their cure is harsh) they have.

The RIGHT ANSWER!

[mewzilla]

But at all levels, governments overpromise.

Overpromise? FWIW, from what I can tell, the voters of NO and LA didn't demand maybes let alone promises. The pols ought to be run out of town on a rail, but I'm having a harder and harder time drumming up sympathy for the folks who elected these expletives-deleted. What the heck were they thinking?!