In this case why would Blanco retaining control over the Louisiana National Guard impede the feds from helping? I guess I'm trying to figure out what Bush's side of the story in all this might be.
There have been radio comms with the US military authorities clashing with the National Guard commanders...there have been several run ins actually.
Bush's side is that the feds can do ONLY what they are told or asked to do. The feds don't tell the state what to do.
As to why Blanco would not admit Nat'l Guard (under her control) into NOLA, the reason that the officials on-site gave to the Red Cross was that there was a state of civil unrest. Rescuers could be shot by thugs. The governor said publicy that the effort was going fine, but on the ground, the message was "don't go in there."
It's up to the state apparatus first, to asses situation and request appropriate assistance.
Get your nick from Harry Potter... delivering the messages?