I think one of the problems is that they were expecting the normal chain-of-command thing to happen - that is, the lower levels request the higher levels for help, the higher levels authorize it, etc. In this case, the lower levels broke down, probably to an extent unprecedented in our recent history.
People say that FEMA and Homeland Security should have been watching TV for their information! Truly ridiculous - TV is full of rumors and instant reaction things that the government couldn't do anyway. Normally, agencies would rely on officials on the ground to give them the information. However, they clearly couldn't rely on that in NO, nor could they rely on NO officials to exercise their normal law enforcement or any other functions.
There's got to be a plan in place, worked out by Congress, for when the local authority breaks down, as it did in NO in particular and LA in general.
I don't know your definitions of higher and lower levels. I suspect that the lawyers took over once the Feds realized that the State and local authorities were incompetent. Instead of recommending bold action, they drafted an agreement and had Bush negotiate with Blanco. This is what caused the delays and inaction.
People say that FEMA and Homeland Security should have been watching TV for their information! Truly ridiculous - TV is full of rumors and instant reaction things that the government couldn't do anyway
True up to a point. Once there were firsthand reports on TV about the chaos at the Superdome and Convention center, something should have been done. The public sees what is happening on their TV screens and can't understand why the authorities don't do something. Any head of a government agency must be aware of what is going on in the press, including TV. For self-defense at least.
There's got to be a plan in place, worked out by Congress, for when the local authority breaks down, as it did in NO in particular and LA in general.
Plans are fine, but commonsense and flexibility must hold sway. As they say, the first casualty in war is the battle plan. Once contact is made, you need to adjust.