I agree that the difference here is the local authorities. The local authorities in nyc succeeded, the locals in NO failed.
That being said, there is no impression of preparedness. After 4 years of homeland security, there is no confidence.
Homeland security is not about the West Nile virus, tornados, hurricanes, floods, heat stroke, gas prices, etc. Homeland Security is about SECURITY. When have they ever had to respond to a hurricane before? Maybe I missed it.
I don't get you guys who are totally ramped. You are the verbal snipers -- when people are doing their best in a dreadful situation, you guys (many, not just you) are taking them out with sniper fire. How is that different than the depraved idiots who shot at the helicoptors on top of Tulane hospital?
Correction, there is no impression of preparedness in New Orleans. The other states were obviously better prepared because we're not seeing the same things going on in those areas that are happening in New Orleans. It's working in those areas. It's not working in New Orleans. Why do you suppose there is a difference?