I believe the "history" author is slightly bias, to say the least. Marble was prevented from going through the baracade, although close to his home, because the barracade was set up (I assume) for the protection of the vice president. Note I said Vice President not Cheney.The precaution would be used for any President or VP regardless of party.
Marble was detained then released after 20 or so minutes. He was not hurt, nor mentally or physically abused. He was not threatened. How else would you expect the authorities to check up on this individual. For all they knew, he went home for a gun or something. Obviously he didn't, but how were they to know. If he had and came back and shot at the crowd or VP, the liberals would be the first one to yell that they should have checked up on him. Sorry Rocco, but that's the truth. You can't have it both ways.
While we are at it, there is plenty of blame to throw around. Remember New Orleans has a democrate for a Mayor and Governer. It has been run by the Democrates for the last 60 years. It is a very corrupt state will billions having been mispent. FEMA's response was not much better.
Ya can't live 10 feet below sea level without having an evacuation plan that you can follow.
Please don't take this styatement in the wrong way! In a way this disaster has a mixed blessing. It shows us that we (all of US), are not prepared to handle a disaster of this magnitude. There should be many lessons learned to protect us from terrorist or natural disasters. We must learn to be responsible for ourselves as best we can and insure ourselves that our government, local, state and Federal have a sound plan to support us when needed.