When you staff political, emergency and law enforcement positions, based solely on social criteria, while ignoring qualifications, the results in New Orleans is what you get. The Mayor probably realized his incompetence and what better way to divert criticism that a tirade against the Federal Government (AKA Bush). The ineptitude of the Governor (installed in that position after questionable election results) could not have been worse, even if she'd tried.
This does not, however, excuse the incompetence of Michael Brown or Michael Chertoff, both of whom should be summarily dismissed.
Absolutely correct.
Many posters on FR have been repeating the claim that the federal authorities were unable to intervene because the local authorities did not give them permission, or that an emergency had not been declared. This turns out to be incorrect -- Blanco declared an emergency on Saturday the 26th. Also, the 2004 National Response Plan already authorizes the federal government to pre-empt local government control in a catastrophe that overwhelms local response.
Now we have the unpleasant spectacle of Chertoff and Brown repeating their lame talking points that it's too soon to assign blame, that we must concentrate our efforts on rescuing people lest more die. Newsweek reports that Rove developed this strategy when the Bush people realized they were in deep political trouble. I wish the Bush team had shown the same alacrity in intervening in this incredible disaster that they are displaying in political damage control.