CarolC, I had this thought for some time now but didnot want to mention it, While I think you are an intelligent person, you don't have a clue as to how some thing operate.
First of all, We must agree that the Federal Government is too big and is one over grown mass. It takes that long to respond to a major disaster. Again, the initial first response is always by local and state government.

As I mentioned somewhere, the city of NOLA screwed up by not following their prepared evacuation plan. The Governor was too hesitant and did not accept offers from GWB who called her before and after the strike. Remember the 2000 buses now under water? They were not used and the Governor defended the Mayor by saying he had a "difficult enough job getting the drivers to work during the week, let alone on weekends". And then there was a third or more of the "to protect and serve" bunch who quit. Remember one thing, it is against the law for the Federal Government to go into any state without that states permission. As it should be!

As I said before, GWB is not my idol - the lack of action on immigration and the hugh amount of spending is a disgrace to me.

Before I forget, why don't all of you go to the thread "Hurricane AFTERMATH" and re