re: I think the main point is being missed.
I agree that disaster preparedness is the job of the locals.
But -- BUT -- the DHS was specifically given the mission to take control and coordinate relief efforts in large scale events like this. Sec. Chertoff even declared an Incident of National Significance. But what happened after that? A lot of flailing. You would think they would have all the reins in their hands. They didn't.
If the DHS is not performing its mission, or (I hear you tuning up for the No Terrorist Attacks Polka) only performing part of it, why is it there? Surely we have other things to do with the money. If its job is to coordinate and it didn't, have we no grounds for complaint?