Red Cross relief efforts were hampered by State Homeland Security requests that they not enter New Orleans. Their stated position was that the Red Cross “would keep people from evacuating and encourage others to come into the city.” National Guard and Local Authorities are ordering them not to enter the city. (Red Cross Website)

The Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LHLS & EP); formally the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness (LOEP), was created by the Civil Act of 1950 and is under the Louisiana Military Department. In 1976 LHLS & EP via the Louisiana government reorganization, was moved to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 1990 LHLS & EP was transferred again to the Military Department. In 2003 the Agency name was changed to the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, reflecting the additional responsibilities to the State and her citizens. (Louisiana Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness website)

This was state and local officials. The Federal Response had nothing to do with this. Local governments failed those citizens, yet the Left will insist it was the Administration. A symbolic duty failure (by Bush) is nothing compared to the life and death responsibilities of the local infrastructure that completely failed (Local State Officials).