[GraniteStateConservative]

It says that ultimately Bush had the power to step in and manage the relief efforts. He could have had a plan at the ready to force upon NO/Louisiana once it was clear that Blanco and Nagin weren't up to the task, as well as use the CRAF provision.

[NittanyLion]

It says that ultimately Bush had the power to step in and manage the relief efforts. He could have had a plan at the ready to force upon NO/Louisiana once it was clear that Blanco and Nagin weren't up to the task, as well as use the CRAF provision.

Disaster relief is best managed at the local level; I'd expect a conservative would agree with that. You can hardly hold Bush accountable for the total incompetence of Blanco and Nagin.

[nmh]

"It says that ultimately Bush had the power to step in and manage the relief efforts. He could have had a plan at the ready to force upon NO/Louisiana once it was clear that Blanco and Nagin weren't up to the task, as well as use the CRAF provision."

The only problem is, is that it is NOT the role of a President to micro manage a city. That is the responsibility of the local government. Now that they have totally screwed up - higher authorities can take over.

[Getsmart64]

I think your hypothesis is wrong. Presidents don't overrule Governors until it has gotten out of hand. I'm pretty sure by the time Bush flew over NO, he took it out of the Governors hands. And, hind sight is 20/20. It took quite awhile to figure out what happened and how to deal with it.

[Mo1]

It says that ultimately Bush had the power to step in and manage the relief efforts. He could have had a plan at the ready to force upon NO/Louisiana once it was clear that Blanco and Nagin weren't up to the task, as well as use the CRAF provision

If you noticed he did take control because those 2 failed to step up and be a leader

[dalight]

The problem with all of this noise is that it plays into the Lib's goals.. taking the National Guard away from the States and ultimately giving jurisdiction over law enforcement to the President and the Federal Government.. In all of this vicious recriminations, there is a power grab happening and "conservatives" better think twice about going along with this program.