[rhombus]

At the risk of being flamed, that particular criticism may have merit. Federal emergency response, in the broad sense, should not depend on the competence of first responders. We need to rethink our model for federal disaster relief.

How much power do you want the federal government to have? This is an important consideration. Do you want the President to have the power to send in federal troops whenever that President deems it necessary? If we are not to depend on the local citizenry to act as first responders, who will the first responders be? The Feds? This means hundreds of thousands of troops strategically positioned throughout the US ready to act as first responders. Just imagine how such power might be abused.

[chris1]

This case is one of supreme State and Local corrution and ineptness on display.