An amazing account - and very well written. Thanks very much for posting your story. This is an important one.
Anyone who thinks that an investigation of this matter will show that the failure was with the state or local government in failing to request Federal involvement needs to read DHS' National Response Plan. I don't think you'll be pleased by what you find. It is very clear that DHS had the authority to roll FEMA into this on its own accord. And that the President had the right to send them in.
I read it to see what LA and NO failed to do. And the ability of the Feds to bypass those old 'standard' procedures is clearly set forth. I hope we don't see the Administration trying to push the 'we weren't asked' line, because they'll get crucified with their own document if they do.