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Actually, it is one big thing going wrong. The scope of devastation which is beyond the ability of the local authorities - whether in NO or Gulfport - to address and which is hampering the speed of the response from outside - Fed and otherwise.

And, in NO, a few additional factors that are worsening that situation, including extremely limited access, a lack of communications, and a large urban population.

I would bet money that there is a plan, perhaps even a very thorough plan, that you could sit down and pick through, that is rendered null and void by circumstances on the ground. That happens with plans. And plans don't get things done all by themselves. FEMA had a great plan to pre-position resources, and executed it. But now getting those resources to where they are needed is near impossible - not because of the lack of a plan, but simply because of conditions on the ground.

Yes, it is bad. It is very, very bad. But it is easy for any of us to sit at a computer with electricity and food and telephones and a shower this morning and a car and family members and friends who are safe and sound and pontificate about how we'd do it better. Easy, yes, but a waste of time and breath.

I would bet money that there is a plan, perhaps even a very thorough plan, that you could sit down and pick through, that is rendered null and void by circumstances on the ground. That happens with plans. And plans don't get things done all by themselves. FEMA had a great plan to pre-position resources, and executed it. But now getting those resources to where they are needed is near impossible - not because of the lack of a plan, but simply because of conditions on the ground.

A most excellent analysis.

I would just hope that my elected officials would do a better job of protecting me and my community. This is a dismal failure in every sense of the word.

You are right that we can sit around and criticize, but, time will tell, facts will eventually come out, and we'll have to wait and see if more could have been done.

Meantime, if you wish to pick a fight with me, I'm not interested. I only know what I see and am reacting to it just like everyone else.

I would bet money that there is a plan, perhaps even a very thorough plan, that you could sit down and pick through, that is rendered null and void by circumstances on the ground.

I agree that there's no doubt a very elaborate plan. But it is beyond question that the local and state authorities are incompetent -- they're paralyzed. The feds are going in with real fire-eaters and clearing obstacles while the locals are wringing their hands.

I have a feeling we'll learn that a lot of "preparedness" jobs were actually patronage positions filled by buddies who had no inclination or ability to actually run an emergency operation.

Lugsoul - Is it your understanding the Mayor and Governor have not instituted Martial Law and thus our military cannot come help law enforcement in New Orleans?