It's pretty plain to see that neither the Mayor of New Orleans, the Governor of New Orleans, nor the State Legislature of NO had in place any emergency plans.
The President cannot override a sitting Governor. He cannot just Federalize a state. The Governor, Katherine Blanco, has to give the order to engage the looters and thugs. She has to say what type of force is to be used against them. If she says, "Shoot to kill," they can. But she hasn't given any indication of determination or strength or leadership other than begging the thugs to stop.
Can't these reporters understand this?
This is a horrendously huge undertaking. Note to news people: It isn't something that can be helped in a 15 minute newscast or in an hour. The logistics, if you think about it, are daunting.