From the Atlantic magazine: It’s (Mostly) Not FEMA’s Fault. “The problems blamed on emergency managers are often caused by the shortcomings of other governmental bodies, both before and after disasters.”
This article reinforces the points made in the June 21 posting on this blog, which cited a study documenting the failure of many Gulf Coast states to take the needed steps to mitigate known problems.
Recovery Diva 
Amen! Brock Long is right. FEMA was never intended to be a response agency. However, they are left to pick up the pieces and take all the blame and criticism from spectators who have never played in the disaster game when any disaster area falls flat on its face due to whatever shortcomings or failures manifest themselves due to neglect and passing the buck. Puerto Rico is a perfect example.