NO is obviously a case of when the constitution can be a suicide pact. It is obvious that the Feds were doing all they could to stay within their constitutional boundaries and defer to state and local governments BUT those governments are so criminally incompetent it has heaped one disaster on top of another.
This is just an academic exchange so I'll respond that I do agree that it would be better to federalize this and get it overwith, except for the media response.
Knowing what the MSM would do, I still favor not federalizing this situation. That beind said, I think Bush is cleverly nationalizing it without making it official.
I don't think the mayor or the governor are in charge. I think they're along for the ride, and quite content to smile when praise is directed their way, and shut up and allow the feds to cover their rear at other times.
James Witt might be a good additon to the mix. I'm not a big fan, but he does have experience that may come in useful.
Util then, I think the feds are going to run the show, despite the governor and mayor being able to take credit where none is due. I don't like it, but with the media we have, it may be best to work it this way.
If Bush needs to, he'll federalize it officially. If he doesn't, it's going to be because his experts have told him there wasn't much to be gained by doing so at this time.
As you know, LA governent forever has been criminally incompetent. For many years there was an incomplete stretch if I-20 east of Shreveport. Why? because the local politico was holding the project up because he had property right along the rightof way.