rarelamb shows evidence of the usual mis-information picked up by one not familiar with the labyrinthine interrelationships of the various levels of government in Louisiana.
1. Mandatory evacuation orders. There was no overall authority to enforce 'mandatory' orders. The State would have had to declare an emergency requiring martial law.
2. City selling munis- The 'city' only governs a part of the metro area. State and Federal bureaus are involved in changes to the River and navigable canals. Both State and Federal agreement is needed to effect any major change in the levees or wetlands.
3. Free buses to the Dome- Where would the drivers come from? Many paid drivers had evacuated. Citizen drivers would not be insured unless they had a license to carry passengers; in any accident they could be sued 'into the poorhouse.'
ALL kinds of volunteers, including doctors, were interferred with, delayed or turned away by FEMA employees.
4. Not shooting at rescue people- hard to control crazed drug addicts. With 1.3 million in metro, there are bound to be some thugs and crazies. The police and Guard did what was necessary- shoot some of them as a warning.
5. Most people would have had 3 days of supplies except the very poor, who live from meal to meal.
6. I would like to see a valid report about the Corps being sued in this instance.
7.Budget priorities were not involved in the busing problem. Fox put out much mis-information on this. Also see 3.
8. Some supplies were at the Dome, but the place was overwhelmed. It was never designed as a refugee center.

Finally, a personal hang-up of mine about the Red Cross. I remember that during WW2, the Red Cross charged the GIs for any food, etc., that they 'volunteered' to the troops. I donate regularly to the Salvation Army and other agencies, but I will not donate to the Red Cross. Just after the War, while still in camp awaiting discharge, the admin. tried to raise donations for the Red Cross, and the boycott was almost 100%. Old grudges never die.