I think you have summarized this epic very well--with one glaring deficiency. The tens of thousands of the residents who have been alerted in advance of the catastrophe NEVER LIFTED A FINGER TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE WORST.
I haven't heard a peep from the MSM or the libs regarding PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY OR PERSONAL PREPARATIONS for a 4 or 5 Cat!
That's incredible and could have averted much of the human tragedy and misery. Where in the hell were they?
Due to behavior of neighbors during previous hurricanes, some gambled that staying in their homes was preferable to leaving them.
Very bad choice this time. Again not a federal problem. Security of property is totally a local issue. New Orleanians understood their govt and [some of] their fellow man.