[lugsoul]

NN - I just wanted to drop a note for the benefit of all.

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.

[Peach]

lugsoul - have you seen the Washington Post story today? Blanco didn't even request National Guard assistance from other states, despite their offering, until Wednesday. Late Wednesday, as I recall.

I have to wonder how many children and women were raped for hours as recounted by a relief worker above on this thread because Blanco didn't seem to understand the drug/gang problem that she had in New Orleans and had placed into a Dome and other shelters with improper law enforcement security.

[Peach]

Also, and I'm not trying to be argumentative, I think an investigation will reflect that despite the head of the National Weather service begging the mayor to order a mandatory evacuation, he neglected to do so.

The mayor also made no plan to use city or commercial buses to help the poor and those without resources to a safe area.

Had the president not pressured the mayor and governor to order a mandatory evacuation, we'd be looking at untold more dead.

To add to what I said above regarding the Governor neglecting to call in additinal National Guardsmen to help with security, she also had to know what the Chief of Police in New Orleans knew. That 2/3's of his workforce either didn't show up after the hurricane or walked off the job, leaving NO with 500 policemen trying to deal with anarchy.

[A Citizen Reporter]

"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."

I haven't seen the Administration say anything of the sort. What makes you think it?

[spanalot]

"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."

Bush himself criticized FEMA - and your right, it would be political poison to push this de jure toe dancing.

This is the first test of a Homeland Security catastrophe and it is fair to say "Not much of a cheese shop".

And before the flamers light up - the big lesson is that DONT EXPECT THE GOVT TO SAVE YOUR BUTT - be prepared
- food, water , fuel and firearms.

[Cboldt]

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.

A link would be helpful.

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.

Does the document describe any criteria for this "override" of standard procedure? And the presence of the term "standard procedure" indicates that the process has variables. What is the "standard procedure?" What is the "special procedure?" Do natural disasters where the state apparatus remains fully functional justify moving from the "standard procedure?"

Katrina was a natural disater, not a terrorist attack, not without some days of warning, and was not an act of war by a foreign power.

[zot]

DHS had the authority to roll FEMA into this on its own accord. And that the President had the right to send them in.

FEMA was rolling before the storm made landfall. The problem was lack of security for FEMA and its supporting rescue workers. They had to hold back until protected by the military. Does DHS have authority to commandeer the National Guard?

[FreedomCalls]

It is very clear that DHS had the authority to roll FEMA into this on its own accord. ... And the ability of the Feds to bypass those old 'standard' procedures is clearly set forth.

Is that a part of the Stafford Act? Can you point out where it is?

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/44cfr206_02.html

[Not A Snowbird]

Well, now you've done it.

I have a copy of the National Response Plan on my desk at work; I had to review it to see if we would have any action if it was implemented.

If the entire document is read, in context, I believe you'll find that it does not give the federal government authority to barge into a sovereign state before an emergency has taken place.

Very dry read. I will have to reread now. Thanks alot.

[Rokke]

"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 just read through that document. I couldn't find anywhere were it said the DHS had the authority to roll FEMA in without a request from the State. Quite the opposite actually. Could you give me a reference to what you are talking about.