Who knew, right? Alright, flash back to Hurricane Katrina. In the nightmarish aftermath (that some say was a bigger disaster than the storm itself), when Government response on all levels failed miserably, the public stepped up to the plate. Through the power of the Internet and websites like BoingBoing and Fark spearheading efforts, steps were taken to bring New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast into some form of operating order.

Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape thrown up by FEMA, the FCC, and other late-responding Government agencies prevented some of the more essential needs from being adequately met with any great speed. A low power FM station within the Astrodome was given the run-around by feceral agencies, as was community WiFi access for those displaced by the storm. Surprisingly, the FCC was more forgiving, granting most of the licenses applied for. FEMA, however, had by this time lost all control, and command descended into chaos.

But Community WiFi has hope! There are several bills being submitted by bi-partisan groups that would allow for the fostering of WiFi technology. While they may not be anywhere near enough for it to truely thrive, it's most certainly a good-sized step in the right direction. (Link -- via BoingBoing)