I'm sure it could have been better, but here's another thing to keep in mind.
The term FEMA is incorrectly taken to mean federal control. It is not. FEMA is a state/federal compact, wehre both sides have roles and responsibilities. It is typical for a "state FEMA official" to be in control of spending federal money and directing efforts. When it is said that FEMA denied entry into NOLA, the order came from a state authority, not a federal authority.
"When it is said that FEMA denied entry into NOLA, the order came from a state authority, not a federal authority."
Well now, stuff like that helps to know! Thanks.
(Just to really settle my curious mind, is there a reference for that fact?)