Even President Bush, and FEMA head, Chertof, have acknowleged that the severity of this disaster was beyond the resources and capabilities of the state and local governments. That's why we havea FEMA and a Department of Homeland Security. That's why they exist. And most of the posts I've put in this thread, including the quotes from Trent Lott, say that in this particular disaster, FEMA PREVENTED local people and others not acknowleged by FEMA from providing help on their own initiative. It doesn't help to have people trying to use their own initiative if they are going to be blocked from helping and/or turned away by FEMA.

Your hatred of Democrats is clouding your judgement, rarelamb.