So exactly how prepared was the LA Nat'l Guard?

We have been busy putting together the timeline of Katrina.  This is an important step in determining responsibility and accountability.  But another component that cannot be overlooked or underestimated is a solid determination of exactly what resources were available to the local and state authorities at the time.

You can issue all the emergency proclamations you want, but if you don't have the logistics in place, your words will be hollow and people will die.  As we well know now.

Join me below for more questions.

I've seen articles that say that most of the LA National Guard is serving in Iraq and that all of the critical equipment needed for Katrina was sent to Iraq as well.

Then I've been hit upside the head by conservatives who insist that Lousisiana had all it needed to address the ravages of the hurricane and that it was simply the incompetency of Blanco and Nagin that undid the relief effort.

I do not believe that for one moment, but I need to find the sources for the hard facts that are rquired to refutes such spurious claims.  I've tried google to little avail.

What to kossacks have in terms of hard facts?  And should we not add this to dkosopedia?

Thanks for you help.