He is probably right on the red tape issue, however after the horror of 9-11, in part due to the lack of of communication between top level federal national security agencies (thanks to Clinton's Justice Department) Homeland was and still is required since the enemy remains out there.
One solution which may have stopped the severe flooding in New Orleans was discussed by the developing engineer on TV. His preventive measure was to build a 25 feet high flood wall, in place of the levees, which was rejected by city & state officials. I am not sure where FEMA stood on this issue.
"in part due to the lack of of communication between top level federal national security agencies (thanks to Clinton's Justice Department) Homeland was and still is required since the enemy remains out there."
Right - thus my point that we can't afford the Chertoffian lapses. Ossama won't give us 4 days of warning and then wait 5 days for Homeland to realize there is a problem.
"His preventive measure was to build a 25 feet high flood wall, in place of the levees"
The canals are only for drainage and I am not sure why they dont use large pipes instead of open lagoons that can breech and flood into the occupied areas.
At the least, have locks that can close in cas a canal breeches (don't forget the Mississippi River levees never had a problem).