What I think is that we would do better without FEMA. Tell the states that emergencies are their responsibility.
FEMA did that, and were ready to step in to assist in coordination. When it turned out that LA officials had mismanaged things so much, Bush grabbed the blame himself and made it seem like FEMAs role was to have been there! Well, if FEMA had gone in originally, they would have rightfully complained about Federal interference in their jurisdiction.