Hey Bill, that local TV station's website is at:
http://wafb.com/
You know, I'm not much into politics as I stated earlier. My guess is that the governor is incompetant and that she didn't want to give up power to the federal government because she thought that she'd never win another election if she did. Unfortunately for her, she probably won't anyway.
Having 1 central authority that controls all of the forces that you mentioned earlier is probably a good idea. Too many chiefs usually means that there is alot of arguing and not enough results. That said the federal government is such a behemoth that it would be amazing if they truly accomplished anything any faster than what is currently being accomplished.
I still say that our contra-flow worked exceptionally well and that the majority of people that wanted to get out, got out.
We'll know more about the shootings and looting over the next week or so. I will keep ya'll informed when I hear things that are confirmed...such as when my friends in the reserves or police departments tell me things that they've seen first hand.
Good night all.