[infocats]

Interesting piece...and is certainly what we have come to expect from our military. article. My interest in FEMA proactivity goes back much further than this, however. Specifically, I want to know whether they had the authority to seize command and control operations for the rebuilding of the levees to withstand a category 5 (as opposed to 3) hurricane, given the known deficiences at both the local and state level in Louisiana government to administer this operation because of incompetence and corruption.

I know that the concept of federal involvement in what should theoretically be a local matter, makes many uncomfortable, including myself. Unfortunately, the alternative, at least in this instance, appears to be the loss of countless lives and property at a cost to the taxpayer of perhaps $100 billion dollars if they don't do so.

Federal involvement at the local level is hardly unprecendented. If you don't believe me, try growing more than 100 pot plants and watch the fireworks!

[PhilipFreneau]

>>> My interest in FEMA proactivity goes back much further than this, however. Specifically, I want to know whether they had the authority to seize command and control operations for the rebuilding of the levees to withstand a category 5 (as opposed to 3) hurricane, given the known deficiences at both the local and state level in Louisiana government to administer this operation because of incompetence and corruption. <<<

LOL. No way. FEMA assists state and local governments in federally-declared disaster relief efforts. They are not involved in infrastructure improvements.

BTW, the following blog has a nice powerpoint presentation of FEMA's response as of 6:00AM on September 4.
http://alexandertheaverage.blogspot.com/2005/09/fema-summary.html