Katrina's POLITICAL aftermath (keep the political discussions HERE)

http://www.livejournal.com/userpic/34583447/8201593

Donald Rumsfeld: "We're not, uh... we won't be involved with that. We'll be leaving that up to local law enforcement and uh... to delegate that."

Rumsfeld then goes on to save face by listing what the Defense Dept. will be involved with, which includes everything BUT defense. Is this just a lame strategy to cover up the fact that everyone's over in Iraq?

Louisiana officials are getting stretched too thin and need help, she said. "I like to hire the smartest people in the country," she added.

the local radio just said she also refused to turn over control of the Natl Guard to FEMA, but there's no confirmation of that.

nytimes.com also mentioned that, but I don't remember which article it was.

As this guy writes:

Because, as well all know, the buck stops with the FEMA director and not the head of Homeland Security (his boss) or George Bush (HIS boss).

"We had the USS Bataan sailing almost behind the hurricane so once the hurricane made landfall, its search and rescue helicopters could be available almost immediately So, we had things ready.

"The only caveat is: we have to wait until the president authorizes us to do so. The laws of the United States say that the military can't just act in this fashion; we have to wait for the president to give us permission."

BUSH'S OWN PLAN: The 2004 National Response Plan explicitly states that, at times of

any natural or manmade incident, including terrorism, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, and/or government functions,

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

(The National Review)
September 03, 2005, 4:54 p.m.
New Orleans 2008

The wind had barely stopped blowing before Katrina and the storm's aftermath had become the latest front in the nation's political/cultural war. Bush critics are already undermining their own cause with overreaching, as they denounce the president as a racist for his alleged unconcern about the suffering of so many black people in New Orleans. But an administration whose FEMA director knew less about on-the-ground conditions in the stricken city this week than the average TV viewer has a real vulnerability.

It will only address that vulnerability with a performance in coming days and weeks that is more in keeping with the GOP's image as the "daddy party," the party of competence, the party that can be trusted in times of crisis. That is the main thing. But symbolism will matter too. No single step would go further to dramatize the GOP's commitment to rebuilding New Orleans than announcing now that the party's 2008 convention will be held in the recovering city. Such a move would signal the party's confidence in the Big Easy's renewal, and put it at the forefront of what should be similar commitments from private actors to do their part to help New Orleans come back.

Critics will call it a transparent attempt to burnish the party's image after the Bush administration "failed" with the initial relief effort. The gesture would, however, reflect the genuine sentiment of Republicans who, like all Americans, want to help a city facing such a bleak future. We heard similar complaints — easily brushed off — about the Republicans' coming to New York for last year's convention.

No doubt there will be logistical problems. There were logistical problems putting on big events in New Orleans even in the best of times. But the Republicans held their convention there in 1988, and should return 20 years later. They will go to a city that then will, no doubt, still be scarred by the catastrophe of the last week, but back on its feet, and a perfect venue for a testament to the American spirit.

http://www.nationalreview.com/editorial/editors200509031654.asp

i imagine that there were similar conversations in the kremlin circa chernobyl.

Interdictor's boss when out with his camera to get some shots of the street. check out that water.

Firing Michael Brown and/or Chertoff might please some, but anyone with half a brain will ask "Who appointed these clowns?"

Still, I wouldn't underestimate Karl Rove. From a purely political standpoint, the Democrats had better strategize hard about how to handle this.

Washington Post asks questions of all concerned (is this the first time Rice's NY trip has been mentioned in the 'serious' papers?)

To plan a strategy for (a business or financial venture, for example).

v. intr.

To determine strategies; plan: “a lot to think about and strategize about and anticipate” (New Yorker).

i'm trying to find an archive of that show, maybe get it to the guy at crooksandliars for any relevant audio.

Suddenly it all makes sense.

let's see how long either Brown or Chertoff survive. Will Brown fall on the grenade, or will they feel they sacrifice Chertoff to get heat away from El Doofus?

Place your bets now.

Also, lets see how long the Army CoE taking the blame will last, or suffice...

Bush to lead inquiry into Katrina

US President George W Bush says he will lead an investigation into how the Hurricane Katrina disaster was handled.

"I'm going to find out over time what went right and what went wrong," he said in reply to criticism that the authorities were too slow to respond.

His focus, he added, was on helping the victims but there would be "ample time" for an investigation.

Officials in New Orleans have urged its last residents to leave the swamped city, saying it is now uninhabitable.

In an open letter, the city's Times-Picayune newspaper has demanded the sacking of top emergency service officials.

Ex-President Bill Clinton, and his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, have been among those to call for an inquiry.

No blame game

How the different levels of government had reacted to Katrina would be examined, Mr Bush said, but he refused to "play the blame game".

"We got to solve problems - there will be ample time to figure out what went right and what went wrong," he said in Washington.

America, he added, had to be sure it could respond properly to another disaster, whether natural or an attack with weapons of mass destruction.

Stressing his focus on victims, Mr Bush also pledged not to allow "bureaucracy... to get in the way of getting the job done for the people".

He also announced that Vice President Dick Cheney would visit Gulf Coast region on Thursday to help assess the government's work.

I'm guessing nah.

"I'm going to find out over time what went right and what went wrong,"

See you in five to eight years then.

Al Gore's gunna be in Portland tonight

Straight Talk - A Real Look at Global Warming"
Presented by former Vice President Al Gore

This is a unique opportunity to see Al Gore present on an issue of vital local, national, and international importance.

I'm heading to this with my camera. Will report back later tonight.

That's compassion.

I agree that the administation and the federal gov't reacted very poorly, but is there anyone here that will agree with me that Nagin isn't invulnerable to criticism here. I mean, he is the Mayor of New Orleans. Did he execute any real plans prior to this storm hitting?