Originally Posted by davidd

I truly appreciate the time you spent on this post and I now have a clearer view of your perspective and viewpoint. A true rarity on GFY, but hopefully a sign of things to come.

With that said, you are correct, I was in my home glued to the TV (not jacking off as you suggest), watching the entire situation unfold. I would have been there in person if the airlines were not grounded. The event could only truly be understood on the ground, a vantage point you had.

With this said, of course the troops were on the ground. The command and control structure of the State of New York was in full action that day. From the first line of defense, the civil servants, you can not deny the efforts of the NYPD and FDNY in the first seconds of the event. This was key. Contrast that with New Orleans. The cops resigned, fled, and some killed themselves. Difference? Yes.

Did the Mayor of NYC take full control? Yes. Are you denying Guiliani did not control the situation with his comand structure? From the second it happened he was there and the first phase was being handled by those entrusted with public safety (NYPD, FDNY, etc.)

Contrast that with New Orleans' mayor. Did he have control?

Troops. If you recall the Governor of New York declared a state of emergency and the troops were in NYC within 24 hours. A governor's duty, not a federal duty.

Contrast that with the Governor of LA.

None of my statements are defending the actions of George W Bush, I was pointing out that your comments placed the blame solely on him which is not the case. The state and local governments are the first line in of defense in crisis. New Orleans and L.A. dropped the ball.

I will stand with you and criticize anyone in a leadership role, if you are also there to point the finger of blame from start to finish.