text: why is ray nagin still in charge down in n.orleans?  why not someone smart like colin powell?   ray nagin was democratically elected as mayor of new orleans. if he were for some reason removed from office, then the deputy mayor would be in charge. that is how 'democracy' works.  if you are looking to put the blame on what happened before, during and after katrina. a large percentage should be put on the local and state government. it was the govenors job to call for federal assistance before or even the day of the hurricane. she should be impeached.   with that said, the federal government did wait entirely too long to allow the resources to enter the city. everyone was caught up in their beaurocractic bs and failed to realise the urgency of the situation.  reminds me of love canal..