I seriously did a double take reading that "Howdy" bullshit.

But I think the shit flows to the White House, as you put it. Blanco declared two or three days before - can't remember the exact date - the storm hit that it was "beyond the capabilities of state and local governments" to handle the preparation and aftermath and pressed the federal gov't for assistance. Actually, she sent two letters on successive days to that effect. At which point DHS Sec. Chertoff did jack shit, when it was his job to authorize Mike Brown to do something.

There's enough blame to go around on this, I agree with that. Nagin and Blanco both should have had independent plans to at least attempt to deal with catastrophe. After all, how secure can anyone be with W at the helm?

At some point though, one must look at W as the final authority. It was his reorganization of departments that created the snafus when we're supposed to be ready for anything, his people that did it - or, spefically, didn't do it - and his lack of leadership and sense in the days immediately following. Not to mention his Corps of Engineers budget cuts.

That's just my take though. I'm frankly tired of it both ways. Just hearing the name Katrina makes me cringe now.

Oh, and about "Duct Tape Man." The new FEMA director, R. David Paulison, is the guy who told everyone that in the event of a chemical or nuclear attack, to use duct tape to seal doors and windows.

Nice, huh?