Thank you for your response to NittanyLion. I know that people will insist that it took the President to actually show up for the assistance to show up. Someone on the news last night complained why we could get troops into Iraq in 24 hours, not into NO. I challenge anyone out there to load up the supplies that the NG has loaded up and get anywhere in 24 hours (well, except outside their own home base, :-)).
I can't imagine that his visit hurt. But like I said, perhaps this mobilization is a coincidence. It just seems that a lot of action is happening almost immediately after he got on the ground.
Lots of us followed the Iraq invasion, and while diplomatic avenues were being followed, troops and material were being marshalled in Kuwait. It took WEEKS to organize the effort, and even that was blinding fast.
Our men and women in uniform are real pros, and damn, well, I'm tearing up beause I am so proud of them, and so sorry for the poor people in NOLA who suffered more than necessary because their polical leaders are incompetent.