Yes, it is very true that the Bush administration decreased money for the levees. It is also true that in 1998 there was a blue ribbon commission that developed a plan for the coast. It was never implemented. It isn't just Bush--it is every administration for 50 years.
The response from the government has been awful BUT troops cannot be sent in unless requested by the state and local officials.
WHO did the planning for taking care of the people in the dome and the convention center? The government had NOTHING to do with that debacle. If you tell people to go to those places you might think there would be plans for supplying them.
Where has the Red Cross and Salvation Army been?
I am not excusing anything, but there is plenty of blame to go around.
And yes, NC is running out of gas, but the Colonial pipeline is back on line which will help--but there are going to be shortages.
AAA said several days ago that the price of gas was close to the $3/gal. being charged.

Watching business news on a British channel this morning, it was noted that while the Saudis, etc., are releasing more oil due to the crisis, the cost of transporting that oil has just been doubled by the independent shipping companies (some of which are Saudi owned).
Is there anyone who can prosecute price gouging BEFORE the pump? Probably not.
Unfortunately, a lot of gas stations, esp. the independent ones are just passing on what they're charged.
Gas prices may not be the only thing rising...I believe the ports in the Gulf also handled much of the coffee imports, among other things.

People, where are your priorities?

For six days I have been watching TV pictures of people who have lost everything -- homes, jobs, even loved ones?

And you are whimpering because you can't find more gas? Give me a break.