The Posse Comitatus Act was passed during the reconstruction era and it makes no mention of a state having to make a request for federal troops. What it does say is that federal troops cannot legally be used for civilian law enforcement. Federal troops can provide equipmnt and supplies, transportation, technical assistance, training and other functions but they cannot be used for law enforcement.

There are, however, exceptions and congress has recognized the protection of civil rights where local authorities do not or cannot protect them as a valid exception.

So, Bee-Dubya-Ell, the Posse Comitatus Act does not appear to apply in this case. Bush could have and should have brought federal troops in before Katrina came ashore instead of waiting a week to do it.

Bev and Jerry