There's so much fun stuff going on in CA, that I'm not at all familiar with LA. Of course everyone knows that most of the politicians out there are corrupt.
I am surprised at the residents, though. Many got out while there was still time, but what about the rest? Is it distrust of government and fellow citizens? I don't want to generalize here, but some of the poorer folks are just not educated to be self reliant. Were these warnings broadcast on the local radio stations? I doubt they watch the Weather Channel on cable tv.
I don't think the residents themselves blame President Bush. OTOH, they could be made to blame him, with the usual disinformation. How much do they know about hierarchy and protocol between local, state, and Federal government? I didn't know as much as I do now, but the local government and the state failed these people. I don't think the poor can grasp the concept that ultimately you are responsible for you and your loved ones.
Which brings up something I forgot about. TV stations had PSA's telling residents that they would be cited if they left their pets behind. But, the shelters won't take pets. Ugh, what a mess : (
Saw an interview on 'A Current Affair' last night. There were showing a family checking out their home after they evacuated. They were upset and then very distraught. It was just about a total loss due to flooding. The mother of three then vented and basically stated that they have been spending money on the levee's for years. She stated basically that the money was pilfered by the corrupt politicians within Louisiana. That was from an actual resident. They know their situation better then the rest of the country.
Concerning California, after having lived in Los Angeles for both the LA Riots and the Northridge earthquake, I would take an earthquake anytime. Very little looting reported after the quake, but that was not the Big One. Power was restored quickly. It could easily get much worse though in an 8.0 on the San Andreas. If power is out for more then a couple of days, looting and riots will probably break out. Somehow though I don't think we will see Arnold Flying over Los Angeles, while crying into the camera for Stephanopolus. He performed very good during that nasty fire season we had. Visited with quite a few of the fireman.