[Heatseeker]

I don't see how the feds could have done much more than they have. When was the last time any democratic government ever attempted to completely evacuate a major metropolitan area? My guess: never.

One of the 'untold stories' I'm beginning to sense here is that the total breakdown in communication, combined with NOLA's notoriously go-along-to-get-along police force (they don't call it 'The Big Easy' for nothing) left the federal entities holding the bag, with the city and state spending their time playing the blame game.

[PigRigger]

The only thing I believe the Feds could have done is put more pressure on the Governor (not that I know they didn't)....once she abdicated responsibility 24 errors into the crisis a high level - well known - Bush appointee should have been present on site (even if was for the cameras only). It may have prompted a more organized and professional response from the local government agencies.

....It appears that FEMA basically took over for her...FEMA appeared to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.

It really comes down to costs; for the Feds to respond quicker they would need to stage much bigger relief processes before a Hurricane comes ashore....Up until now there staging has been more than adequate to react to the needs....the size of this easily outstripped resources available early on....thus they appeared to be playing catch up from the get go.

However, are Americans demanding, or are they will to pay for, efforts to be staged that would deal with devastation of this magnitude every time a hurricane threatens....the costs would be incredible given that it would be overkill 95% of the time...