The worst about katrina, is coming now

[Rocky Raab]

I'm confused by one statement: "the clever way they used existing law to explain why they didn't leap into the fray."

They obeyed the law. If you're suggesting that they should have IGNORED the law, then the rest of your argument is facetious. They can (or should) ignore any other law as well.

I'm reassured by the fact that they DID conform to the law - even though they knew that it might mean added suffering. They did NOT try to justify an end (even a good one) by using illegal means.

I'm as deeply committed to personal, local and state rights as anyone, but I don't see this particular example as threatening to any of them.

IF there were an attempt to repeal the Posse Comitatus laws or the 2nd Amendment or any of a number of other such laws, I'd rebel in a heartbeat. But none of those things has happened yet. Nor do I think the Homeland Security Act has changed much or removed any liberties. Law enforcement could do anything in the HSA before, but only for criminals. The HSA expands those limited powers to terrorists - which seems wise to me.