This sums it up nicely.

Powerline puts it in perspective for us.

I want to add that my family lives in Mississippi. Mississippi hasn't been getting any press, but whole towns were also destroyed there. You haven't been hearing much because the local govt there did do an incredible job. While the Mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Lousiana were busy sniping at each other and at the President, The Governor of Mississippi and other prominent politicans were stepping up to the plate and providing leadership. We didn't have the deaths in Mississippi despite the destruction because most people heeded the warnings and left. And please don't try and tell me that Mississippi doesn't have it's share of the poor and elderly, yet they managed to leave. Jackson doubled it's population. And did you know that the city of Jackson was without electricity all week? Including the shelters. Not to mention all the towns that were destroyed and left empty. Yet we hear of no rioting and looting.

My Mom said she had never seen the state come together like this and help so many people at their hour of need. She said the Governor had done an outstanding job of leadership.

What is the difference here between the state government of Lousiana and the state government of Mississippi?

I'll let you figure it out.