And it's important to remember (well, it wouldn't be if 
    certain people crazed with partisan venom weren't 
    slinging stupid accusations non-stop) that the 
    responsibility for planning for a predictable disaster is 
    local. Not federal. It is the job of San Francisco to 
    plan for earthquakes (and we do); to have the necessary 
    communications and organization to coordinate emergency 
    response. Including asking for and coordinating state and 
    federal help when needed. New Orleans has been facing the 
    possibility of flooding for at least 40 years, with the 
    Mississippi flowing right through town, well above the 
    height of many buildings. ...

    The thing is, it is extremely difficult for outsiders to 
    accomplish much when they are groping around unfamiliar 
    territory. They can spend days just finding out what's 
    needed, and establishing communications.