[McGavin999]

Katrina happened during Bush's watch, and with his appointees in place in the government departments with responsibility. That's the reality. That's just the way the political responsibility cookie crumbles. This is as true for the president of the United States as it is for the mayor of Mayberry. Is it always fair? No.

Hate to be the one to tell you this, but the rules are, the first 72 hours of a disaster, the locals are responsible. They are told to have 72 hours worth of supplies, water, ice, medical services etc. available. That's what homeland security money is for. Each state has received it. Each state is supposed to have plans which includes calling out the National Guard to assist if local law enforcement is overwhelmed.

[bayourant]

The louisiana national guard was called out and did a superb job. The devastation though was over such a wide area. Thats what makes me mad about the blame game. It was a huge disaster and people want to assign blame where in many cases there is no blame to assign

[McGavin999]

I'm aware of that. My point was the first 72 hours is the responsibility of the state and local government. FEMA was not and never was intened to be a first responder. Despite that, the CG was there almost immediately. President Bush had to actually go to LA and practically beg the gov to let the military take over. She took days to decide.

There is a reason the feds don't step in immediately, it's called States Rights.