Nobody was stuck in their car in NO. As for lack of evac centers, so what? Just go, and try to get yourself before a camera, and say you need someplace to stay in BR, or Alexandria or whatever. At least you will live. What would I have done on Sat without an auto? I would have taken my bike and peddled to the airport. Even if dirt poor, have a bike. A motorcycle is better, but a bike is better than nothing. Granted if you have young children, then you are just screwed. You are left with the tender mercies of the dome, and hope that it ain't a Cat 5, or strong 4.
If not, I expect it is only a matter of time. They're obviously champing at the bit to lay this tragedy at Bush's doorstep.
If they do demand an investigation, I'm sure Bush will be all too happy to let them have their stupid investigation, because in the end, it will prove what we all know -- the mayor and governor "fiddled while NO flooded".
I would have taken my kids too. Even if it were on foot, bike or WalMart buggy... I would have gotten out of there. And, I would NOT have waited for them to tell me to evacuate. Unfortunately, many elderly wouldn't have that option.
Aside from the sick, infirm, etc., were the emergency responders who were told to wait AT HOME for the calls. This includes police, fire, and medical personnel as well as support staff. Another group who didn't evacuate were the students at the universities who didn't have cars--and couldn't rent because they were too young. Amazingly, the universities told them they would get them out, then at the last minute said they couldn't--no explanation why.
There is, however, one group I have no sympathy for. I know in my heart of hearts that the ones we saw looting stayed behind precisely for that purpose. To loot. I have NO doubt that as soon as people started to leave, they were breaking into houses as quickly as possible before the storm hit. I only wish more of them had "washed away."