I hope Louisiana makes it through Hurricane Isaac with a minimal amount of damage and no loss of life, but it really takes a lot of gall on the part of Gov. Bobby Jindal (R), who is always talking about smaller government and self-reliance, to complain that the federal government isn’t picking all of the costs of the hurricane.

The White House said Obama informed Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal of the emergency declaration in a phone call. The declaration makes federal support available to save lives, protect public health and safety and preserve property in coastal areas.

Jindal, a Republican, shot back late Monday in a letter to the Obama administration that the declaration fell short of the help he was requesting.

“We appreciate your response to our request and your approval,” Jindal wrote. “However, the state’s original request for federal assistance … included a request for reimbursement for all emergency protective measures. The federal declaration of emergency only provides for direct federal assistance.”

What is he, some kind of socialist?