I don't think anyone has mentioned yet that FEMA (the FEDERAL disaster department) is NOT a "first responder" rescue type of organization. It is their responsibility to hand out checks, coordinate shelter resources and most of the "after the fact" work of disasters.

The governor in LA is completely to blame for the lack of Nat. Guard presence in the area. Had she pre-emptively declared the area as disasterous, the guard could have mobilized much sooner in the area. She only declared a disaster area in response from the plea of the federal gov.

Oh and this is hilarious:
http://www.dailyhaha.com/media/default.asp?Genre=1&content=looting