I have a question

[Dr.Phool]

Did New Orleans, like so many other major cities, lay off Police and Firefighters because of Bush budget cuts to cities, and Clintons COPS Plan?

I'm just curious if that added to the security situation there. I know that in Cleveland, where I used to live, they laid off over 700 last year.

[mcscajun]

1. I don't know about layoffs...but as of June of this year,

"...the New Orleans Police Department, despite repeated attempts to recruit new hires, is still operating about 200 cops below the department’s budgeted strength."

http://www.apbweb.com/articles-z75.htm

"Budgeted strength" is the key phrase here...if they'd had to cut their budget, then the actual manpower gap might be far greater than 200.

[CityZen-X]

2. What I Do Know

is that the N.O. cops are the most under paid P.D. in the U.S. which has lead to the one of the most corrupt police departments in Amerika.
No surprise when so many of them turned in their badges at the onslaught of this disaster. After all what good is a bribe if there is no infrastructure?