"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.
I don't want to go back and re-google to try and find where I read it, but when I was putting together my Earthquake kit I remember reading that each household should have enough supplies to support themselves for at least 3 to 5 days. Some of the links said it could(depending upon the devistation and scenairo) take at least that long for help to arrive. Thats just what happened here. Seems like it shouldn't have been a surprise to the NO planners.