Did anyone catch the irony of the two stories in today's Springfield News-Leader?

In the first story, FEMA--that federal monolith that takes care of people after major disasters--turned down Missouri's request for an additional 30 days in which to clean up storm debris.

The second story was about the new public housing prototype in New Orleans--also managed and subsidized by the federal government.

Never mind that Joplin suffered the highest force tornado in Missouri history.  Never mind that a good chunk of this city was shredded into pieces about 4" x 4" and had to be cleaned up.  Rather let's ask--how many extensions has the federal government provided to itself, other agencies, and other states and municipalities?  A thirty-day extension after an EF-5 tornado is hardly some wild-eyed rip-off.

Rather--if FEMA grants the extension, it's on the hook for 90% of the debris clean-up. If no extension is granted, then that "hook" drops down to 75%.  Pretty crappy way to save some money.  Want to compare the bills run up by Katrina vs. Joplin?

What was Joplin's mistake?  Instead of holding up signs that said, "Send help," someone spray-painted a sign that said "Put down your damn camera and pick up a shovel."  Instead of mugging for the media, the folks in Joplin left the shelter each morning and went to work--either at their jobs or at their homes.  That's why the national news anchor was surprised at 2:00 pm when he couldn't find anyone to interview.

A 30-day extension rejected.

Seriously?