"Dozens of National Guard and Coast Guard helicopters flew rescue operations that first day--"
The problem is that federal units can't go into a state without first getting coordinates from the locals--who, what, when and where--and THERE'S the rub.
I've noticed that media reports citing a slow response have lately used the generic "government" rather than a slow "federal" response.
Dear President Bush,
Please hire the Editors at Popular Mechanics as your new Press Staff.
You won't be sorry.