[CedarDave]

That power was the only solution to the dithering of BlankO and the total incompetence of Nagin. The dilemma will never be solved as long as people elect idiots to be their governor. The media chose to ignore the real cause of the unnecessary deaths in Louisiana.

It's unfortunate that people had to die due to Blanco's intransigence. And you are right on the mark with your other two comments also. But the electorate has to be made to realize that giving even more power to the President on internal affairs, including national disasters, can and will likely lead to us losing rights traditionally and constitutionally reserved to the states. And presidents with less moral fiber than this one, or just plain corrupt as Hillary would be, would not hesitate to use such power as a means to achieve their own ends.

[OldFriend]

I had a long conversation with Susan Collins' office discussing her hearings on Katrina. Asked if Collins was willing to introduce legislation giving any President the right to usurp any Governor's powers with regard to the National Guard.

Of course, the aide was about as bright as the senator herself......had no clue. All Collins really wanted to do was blame the President for the loss of life in New Orleans.