My ex who was evacuated to Shreveport checked in with my daughter 4 days ago. Daughter says she cursed FEMA up one street and down the next. This was shocking to my daughter (and me) because my ex did not used ever to curse. Details are fuzzy (I hope one day to talk to her myself and clarify) but the drama is based on my ex's personal experience with FEMA. Being told to go somewhere - waiting all day - being asked why they were there and told to do something by phone at a particular phone number instead. Not being able to accomplish anything by phone but set up an appointment. Waiting all day at the appointment...

Compare and contrast to my Mom, Dad, sister and niece who lived in Sylmar at the time of the Northridge quake in '94. They had wonderful things to say about FEMA.

The thing is: our disaster preparedness and response is supposed to have gotten better since '01, not worse. We have thrown dumpsters-full of cash at it. Evacuees should not starve and thirst. It is not necessary in this universe, in this country that they do. Those responsible should be replaced.