I don't know, reading the 'lesson's learned' from the event, I think Phil needs to learn how the systems work and why. His critique of the situation at one or two gathering points and along the way doesn't create a clear bigger picture to judge a thing by. The chaos that ensued, the political press that came in the aftermath was from a knee jerk reaction with groups screaming racism because Bush and FEMA wasn't there fast enough. What we have as a result is a city where 40% of it's inhabiants still havent returned.
Criticizing the feds is a popular thing, because there is no accountability when you come down to it. Mistakes are always made but seeing that N.O. right from the start was about finger pointing, FEMA still gets most of the blame.
They should fear what is going on right now, they should know from previous experince that if it is expected to hit landfall, evcuation is the only choice. If this puts a cramp on people's plans, like some stupid festival, well too bad.
If this was say Charleston, a city hit by Hugo, I think Mayor Riley would have people moving quickly without hessitation, and the people would be adults about it, not screaming racism or wanting billions to build parks. Mayor Riley did with Hugo and handled things right, no BS, the city recovered without the fanfair or cr*p.
The positive side is that Jindal is not messing around like Blanco did, his Disaster Advisory Team has been working since last week, he has activated the state's catastrophic action team and put the national guard on alert. The problem is that that POS nagan needs to move on evacuation, and I bet you that there will be a large number of people who will not leave.
Also I think that if Gustav makes landfall in N.O., the levees will not be enough if the storm is a cat 3 or better. In that case, let the city go this time.
You all do know we spent enough money trying to rebuild the city that we could have bought every man, woman and child at the time of Katrina a new home?
