It wasn't a question of the ability to be effective - it was the attitude of the government and the government agencies that was a factor in how New Orleans was not given enough aid.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. We have nations which can move mountains if they choose to - mobilise thousands of men and equipment thousands of miles to fight a war, for example - but choose not to in other situations.

The Victorians ammassed an empire, plundered the world's resources, conquered nations - but were totally impotent to do better in a national emergency on their own doorstep, just a few miles across the Irish sea.

Hmm... 'nuff said from me on this.