[JasonC]

She invoked authority granted her as governor under LA law. What she is refusing to do is invoke Federal law that passes authority to FEMA to coordinate crisis response. Legally, there is a state level emergency in LA right now but not a federal one. For all the world as though it were hit less hard than neighboring Mississippi.

[afnamvet]

She invoked authority granted her as governor under LA law. What she is refusing to do is invoke Federal law that passes authority to FEMA to coordinate crisis response. Legally, there is a state level emergency in LA right now but not a federal one. For all the world as though it were hit less hard than neighboring Mississippi.

So what you are saying is, the State of Louisiana is in charge and legally responsible for ALL efforts of rescue, emergency health matters and shelters, security, evac and so forth to date. Not FEMA? I am just asking for a LEGAL clarification between state and federal.

[MNJohnnie]

r all the world as though it were hit less hard than neighboring Mississippi

But of course stil spewing out how it is all Bush's fault for what SHE is in charge of.

[Cougar66]

Bush's botched rescue plans per Rueters http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/ts/080304tropicalweathe/im:/050904/ids_photos_ts/r1598214785.jpg

[hummingbird]

Does anyone know who this person is:

SECTION 2: The state of Louisiana's emergency response and recovery program is activated under the command of the director of the state office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to prepare for and provide emergency support services and/or to minimize the effects of the storm's damage.

Jason, so is there a Louisiana "State of Emergency" but no Louisiana "Martial Law?"

It seems like Blanco is restricting the situation to Louisiana and not putting in the proper procedures (deliberately or not) to permit the federal government to legally act. Isn't the federal government restricted by law from acting on a state level unless the governor makes the request. It seems like the president was trying to force her to make the proper request but she still refuses to do so? What am I missing? Is Napoleonic Law part of the problem?

[dayglored]

> She invoked authority granted her as governor under LA law. What she is refusing to do is invoke Federal law that passes authority to FEMA to coordinate crisis response. Legally, there is a state level emergency in LA right now but not a federal one.

Looks like I was the one who was confused, by the headline -- "No state of emergency". Thanks all for replies and clarification. Back to the matter at hand...

[popdonnelly]

"She invoked authority granted her as governor under LA law. What she is refusing to do is invoke Federal law that passes authority to FEMA to coordinate crisis response."

Now I understand why nothing happened in New Orleans for days and days. The State Government (such as it is) was trying to run the show. Remember this when someone complains about Bush.