I really don't want to come down too hard on anybody in this. The fact is that NO ONE on earth has had to deal with the magnitude of this disaster. It is of epic proportions. It could have been lessened somewhat, but not really a great deal. The most tangible thing that I keep saying really OUGHT to have been done by the failed leadership is declaring martial law on Tuesday evening, with a "shoot to kill" looters and criminals by Wed afternoon... that would have given the rescue crews some cover and breathing room. All the rest is very tough, and very little could be done after the decision was made many years ago to build Cat.3 levees, and not to improve on them because of the environazis' pressure.
I don't know about a "shoot to kill order", imagine if you'd gone 3-4 days with no food or water, wouldn't you be tempted to help yourself to something out of a supermarket, I know I would, especially if I had children to feed. Marshall law yes, but only when the situ is somewhat under control, which right now it ain't.