Hurricane season starts on June 1, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency admits it isn’t ready. Not only are emergency response plans not completed, the levees that failed in New Orleans in 2005 are still not up to code. The director of the National Hurricane Center, which is responsible for predicting and tracking hurricanes, complained about not having enough resources. And as was our own governor recently noted, the National Guard is missing people and equipment needed for emergency responses.
While states are preparing on their own, citizens along the east and Gulf coasts must be wondering if FEMA and the United States will be there to back them up. Don’t count on it.
Posted by Andie Clum
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53 Comments
FEMA and levees in New Orleans?
While FEMA might finance contruction of just about any type, after a disaster, I have a few questions for our lazy reporters at the Eagle:
Was FEMA responsible for the levees prior to Katrina? (The answer is NO! — In fact, several environmental groups have slowed state and local governments, and the Army Corps of Engineers, in building or maintaining the levees prior to Katrina. I am betting that heavy regulations are slowing the reconstruction, as well.
Beyond that, polical corruption was rampant in many of the local levee districts, prior to Katrina.
It is doubtful that Katrina turned these political sub divisions into models of open, honest government.
What is FEMA’s charter? Where is it written that FEMA supposed to take over local government and fix local problems that can’t be solved with money?
No way, Bush is just going to point at the self-reliant Greensburg example, and say it’s up to the citizens.
I didn’t think that it was written (in the article) that FEMA was supposed to take over local govt. and fix local problems. Just stated that FEMA isn’t ready to fulfill their charter.
Another in the long line of non-decisions this administration has caused to come to fruition. Bush goes after some tin-pot dictator, yet fails to protect this country by ensuring the process is in place to manage emergencies. For a guy who thinks from his gut, I don’t think the pearls issued are coming from his mouth.
No surprises there.
Those who wish for FEMA intervention might be very upset were they to get their wish.
Turning State and Local authority over to the Feds is a long and scary road, and one our Founding Father’s were smart enough to provide protections against.
Isn’t it just like the libbies to try and undermine all our Founders stood for?
GSheridan,
And Bush’s Federalization of the Kansas Guard troops, and sending them to Iraq to fight their civil war, protects what the Founders created…how?
Tom – you miss the point, there is a reason our Guard bears the title Kansas NATIONAL Guard. Because it can be activated by the President for national purposes.
Do you remember that nutty Cindy Sheehan? Her little commie-group, Code Pinko’s, or somethign like that, howled when FEMA wasn’t doing enough in New Orleans, and after they were in place – they howled that the ‘federal occupation’ of New Orleans cease.
FEMA can be activated as the main law-enforcing entity if Martial Law is enacted – as it almost was during the LA Riots.
If you think Kent State was bad – I’d like to hear what you would think after a full FEMA usurpment of local governing bodies.
What the libbies are doing is stretching the line between local and Federal.
And it’s going to snap right back in their faces. Very few, if any, realize the Pandora’s Box they are messing with. But that’s typical libbie mind-think. They ride bandwagons with nary a care as to the facts behind their ride.
Giving FEMA top billing – is a mistake.
GSheridan,
If GW Bush wanted to do away with all the emergency powers that have been granted to FEMA by executive orders, all he has to do is sign a new executive order restricting their power.
The Democrats in Congress, or anywhere else for that matter, have no say in what EO’s the President signs. It’s all up to your so-called “conservative” President. He can either act to restrict FEMA, or leave it just as it is.
Funny, I thought republicans were hammering the Louisiana governor and N.O. Mayor for DRAGGING THEIR FEET on federalizing things!
Now they say beware of federalization?
Hypocricy, thy name is…
“What is FEMA’s charter? Where is it written that FEMA supposed to take over local government and fix local problems that can’t be solved with money?
Posted by: Econ101 | May 25, 2007 at 01:42 AM
Turning State and Local authority over to the Feds is a long and scary road, and one our Founding Father’s were smart enough to provide protections against.
Isn’t it just like the libbies to try and undermine all our Founders stood for?”
Heheheheh. Seems the resident wingnuts are afraid of their own republican government.
And you wonder WHY Blanco was reluctant to federalize the situation? Oh but of course, in wingnut land, up is down and black is white. You criticize her for DOING what you agree with?
“Seems the resident wingnuts are afraid of their own republican government.”——–
Do you really know so little about long-standing Party policies?
Probably, but here’s a hint for you.
Republicans have long taken the position of small government, while the Dems have advocated for large, sweeping federal programs.
But don’t take my word for it – do your own research.
Yeah, I guess that’s why the repukes EXPANDED the powers of government with the Patriot Act. Why spending at the federal level increased wildly under this repuke congress and administration, why the feds have significantly expanded their power.
Hehehehhe. That old canard about repukes being for SMALL government and fiscal RESTRAINT just wont hunt anymore. You may want to cling to the past glories of the gop, but over the last six years, the feds have gobbled up power and money.
Sorry, you are now the party of war, big oil, religious bigots, and folks who grab power from the states.
But dont believe me. Do your own research :)
From the FEMA Website:”The results are evident in FEMA’s response to tornadoes this year in Florida, recently in Kansas, and across the country. Senior FEMA leaders were in regular contact with our partners in state and local government. Supplies were pre-positioned and made available even before states asked for assistance. FEMA staff was on the ground within hours assessing damage. In short, we are leaning further forward to assist state and local leaders and first responders.”John P. Philbin, Ph.D.Director, Office of External Affairs, Federal Emergency Management Agency
“Senior FEMA leaders were in regular contact with our partners in state and local government. Supplies were pre-positioned and made available even before states asked for assistance. FEMA staff was on the ground within hours assessing damage.”
Too bad that didnt happen in Louisiana.
If we had a Democrat President, FEMA will always be ready. We all know it’s just a plot by Bush and Rove to not extend help to poor people.
They need to cover their tracks, Bush and Rove. They blew up the levees and turned on the super secret huricane making machine.
GOOD ADVICE, GS!
I did some research–and what did I find?
1. NATIONAL DEBT
The national debt EXPLODED under Reagan, it continued to go up under HW Bush and it’s going up AGAIN under Worst. President. Ever.
Under LBJ, Carter and Clinton, the national debt went down.
see this graph–http://zfacts.com/p/318.html
2. GOVERNMENT SPENDING
Under Bush, Federal Spending Increases at Fastest Rate in 30 Years
“Since 2001, even with record low inflation, U.S. federal spending has increased by a massive 28.8% (19.7% in real dollars)—with non-defense discretionary growth of 35.7% (25.3% in real dollars)—the highest rate of federal government growth since the presidencies of Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson. This increase has resulted in the largest budget deficits in U.S. history, an estimated $520 billion in fiscal year 2004 alone. Furthermore, the projected spending for 2005 is a conservative estimate, since it doesn’t include at least $50 billion for the 2005 cost of the Iraq occupation.”
http://www.independent.org/newsroom/news_detail.asp?newsID=31
This was done under both a Republican President and a Republican Congress, so you can’t say that “Congress passes the budget” and get off the hook.
Looks like the last big Democratic spender was LBJ–
The last big Republican spender was pretty much every ONE OF THEM, especially Reagan and Junior Bush.
The DemoCraps appear to be having difficulty sticking on topic today.
Perhaps they have forgotten the purpose of the open thread?
CapnAmerica is at least right about that. Republicans are big spenders.
CapnAmerica is at least right about that. Republicans are big spenders.
Other than the anti-abortion, anti-gay and morality crowd that plague the Republican base, the Republican Party is better for the economy and liberty than the Democrat Party.
“The DemoCraps appear to be having difficulty sticking on topic today.
Perhaps they have forgotten the purpose of the open thread?”
Republican, glad to see you were able to drag yourself away from sucking the government teat long enough to sound foolish.
You know, a REAL conservative would get off the dole and get a real job. Screw that disability stuff! a really manly conservative would just suck it up! Remember, this is America where if you just apply yourself, you’ll get ahead.
Funny you should mention that, XXX.
I was doing some bone-digging awhile back and guess what I found JM-Republican wenching to JR about?
See it here:
“Hey J R, what are you going to do when your cashed in 401K runs out?
“Get a job or go sleep under an underpass and then complain how no one has helped you?
“People do get jobs you know, even those with severe handicaps. What’s your excuse?
Posted by: JM | January 23, 2007 at 09:39 PM”
You can do what you want . . . but I’m through jerking this guy’s toliet chain.
I’m going to blog like he doesn’t exist.
Maybe one of these days the WEBlog can have an “ignore” feature and we won’t even have to see what he posts . . .
When are people going to be responsible for themselves and take care of each other instead of expecting the govn’t to do it for them. 100 yrs ago it was unheard of to get much if any support after a disaster. We are spoiled not into expecting free credit cards and new houses for nothing. The fed govn’t is there to protect our nation not respond to disasters. As far as I’m concerned anything they do in that realm is bonus.
Mike B – you’re totally right.
Somewhere along the line the nanny-state mentality kicked in and those who feel they are entitled to rewards when disaster falls started pointing fingers – and holding out their hands, and the powers-that-be, frightened that they may lose votes…capitulated.
In Katrina – the whining reached fever pitch, and to my disbelief, FEMA handed out those ‘cards,’ which were later spent on booze and titty bars.
Charity should be a private affair.
As a non-existent poster -
Thanks Mike for pointing out self initiative should be the premise for a response to an emergency.
I would also add that there is no substitute for emergency planning and contingency.
BTW, for those interested, FEMA offers a lot of certified courses in Disaster Preparedness.
The question regarding Katrina and New Orleans is not one of State v. Federal control. The issue was the levees that protect the City were breached. The Bush Administration claimed that “no one anticipated the levees failing” but many reports prior to the hurricane stated just that. The City would have been damaged, but not mortally wounded had the levees held. The massive flooding was, of course, a direct result of the breach, as the storm surge never actually topped the levees themselves to any consequence.
Regards of how you want to spin it, the levees were/are the responsibility of the Army Corps of Engineers.
When the levees were breached, the responsibility for New Orleans became a Federal issue.
The question regarding Katrina and New Orleans is not one of State v. Federal control. The issue was the levees that protect the City were breached. The Bush Administration claimed that “no one anticipated the levees failing” but many reports prior to the hurricane stated just that. The City would have been damaged, but not mortally wounded had the levees held. The massive flooding was, of course, a direct result of the breach, as the storm surge never actually topped the levees themselves to any consequence.
Regards of how you want to spin it, the levees were/are the responsibility of the Army Corps of Engineers.
When the levees were breached, the responsibility for New Orleans became a Federal issue.
I disagree, WS. Sure the Corps may bear some responsibility for the integrity of the leevees, but the risk-assesment, if it is true that there were warnings, is up to the City first, the State second.
Some folks seem to have forgotten that GWB actually called Nagin and said the City MUST be evacuated. Nagin dropped the ball – sort of – he made a half-assed attempt, but didn’t utilize the plan that was already established. If the Mayor doesn’t heed the warnings for his own City – who will?
Then we had the numerous residents who REFUSED to evacuate. Knowing now how ruthless the punks were there – I can’t say as I blame them – the looting reached a violent pitch in the days that followed. No one would want to leave their possessions to those jerks.
Had any activity occured on the leevees that compromised the integrity? I think so. Who approved that.
If the Feds had immediate authority – as you say they should have – why did the Governor have to give permission?
And do you remember what day it was (after the break) that she finally DID give permission?
Who was in charge when the folks fleeing were turned back at gunpoint?
Why were they turned back? Because therein lies the single BIGGEST reason for the subsequent suffering of those in the Dome.
And why did Cindy SheeRidesHerSonsCoffin insist that the Feds get OUT of New Orleans?
This is a long and hairy issue that won’t be solved by presenting either limited side.
So why are the residents of Greensburg sainted for asking for and getting federal and state assistance…
…but the folks of N.O. are whiney, selfish “nanny state” devotees?
I think private charity groups had a role in both communities.
And with N.O. the entire REGION was wiped out. There was no help 30 or 40 miles away.
Damn the contradictions are in full swing today. Asking for FEMA help in KS = Good. Asking for FEMA help in Louisiana = Bad.
Got it.
And did anyone mention that the cards gs blithely dismisses as used for booze and titty bars were issued by… wait for it…
THE FEMA FOLKS APPOINTED BY BUSH!!!
Denial. It’s not just a river in Egypt anymore.
Hypocrisy, thy name is…
heheheh. Read gs last post then ask yourself, can I call ‘em or what?
“Funny, I thought republicans were hammering the Louisiana governor and N.O. Mayor for DRAGGING THEIR FEET on federalizing things!
Now they say beware of federalization?
Hypocricy, thy name is…
Posted by: ksfarmgrrl | May 25, 2007 at 08:33 AM
“but the risk-assesment, if it is true that there were warnings”
Sorry, GS, but there were significant warning PRIOR to Katrina that the levees may not hold if the City was struck by a significant hurricane, Category 4 or 5. Contrary to pronouncements after the fact, this was a known concern.
The levees, as with any major waterworks, was the responsibility of the Federal Government, via the Army Corps of Engineers.
It will take some significant research, but I believe I am correct in saying that the funds for levee updates were cut by the Bush Administration.
I will return later with proof of that or a retractions.
(Notice how that works, Republican. If I am wrong, I will admit it. If I am right, I will provide proof.)
“(Notice how that works, Republican. If I am wrong, I will admit it. If I am right, I will provide proof.)
Posted by: WSClark | May 25, 2007 at 01:05 PM
You might as well be speaking cat to a dog.
In fact, everytime I have an image of him in my mind, it looks like a dog slowly cocking his head at an angle with that “wtf” look on his face.
As I recall he did cut the levee funding (prior to Katrina).
“Sorry, GS, but there were significant warning PRIOR to Katrina that the levees may not hold if the City was struck by a significant hurricane, Category 4 or 5. Contrary to pronouncements after the fact, this was a known concern.
The levees, as with any major waterworks, was the responsibility of the Federal Government, via the Army Corps of Engineers.
It will take some significant research, but I believe I am correct in saying that the funds for levee updates were cut by the Bush Administration.”
————
I don’t believe this is the case.
I may be wrong, but I vaguely remember the integrity of the leevees was breached in the 90’s by some sort of walkway. I’d have to check – but that’s what I remember.
Still, how do we go from the Corp being responsible for the integrity – to FEMA being responsible for the immediate response?
Especially when the locals who were directed to follow specific procedures dropped the ball to begin with?
When you insist on placing responsibility squarely upon FEMA’s shoulders, you also give them incredible power.
FEMA isn’t only the little helper we see coming and going from disasters – they have a broad scope of operations.
Here in KS, we rallied – but that’s what we do. Sure, N.O. was devastated, but how much of that suffering could have been alleviated had Nagin just implemented the plan that was already in place?
GWB MADE the call to evacuate.
What kind of power do you WANT to give the government? Do you want them to call in the National Guard before the fact and drag the residents, kicking and screaming from their homes?
When we insist on the help, we’re going to bite off more than we can chew.
In my opinion, anyway.
And, no, nothing farmie said was relevant. Hopefully, you understood the gist of my posts.
Actually, the National Sierra Club brought a lawsuit against the Army Corp of Engineers preventing them from improving the levees.
The Sierra Club’s concern was for bottom land hardwood wetlands. That was in 1996.
The levee progress was stopped by the Army Corp of Engineers per the lawsuit while “research studies” were done to see any other alternative ways to do he levees without affecting the environment. Meanwhile the funding for that year and the following years for levee improvement was lost to the Corp of Engineers.
If you want someone to blame, look at the Environmentalists who once again took the value of wetlands over human life and property.
The Corp of Engineers was responsible for the levees and FEMA (as always) was responible for Federal disaster preparedness.
The flaws in the New Orleans levees that led to over 80% of the city’s flooding could have been found and fixed before Katrina hit had such a program been funded earlier.
http://www.hurricane-katrina.org/katrina_timeline_6_new_orleans_reopens/index.html
“Despite these expert warnings, the Bush administration made the decision to redirect the funding for hurricane protection to the “war against terrorism.” As Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for Jefferson Parish, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune (June 8, 2004): “It appears that the money has been moved in the president’s budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq.”
“A senior Bush administration official planted on the Washington Post the disinformation that FEMA could not act because the Louisiana governor had not declared a state of emergency. Hours after printing this disinformation, a red-faced Washington Post issued a retraction, which reads: “A Sept. 4 article on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina incorrectly said that Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D) had not declared a state of emergency. She declared an emergency on Aug. 26.”
http://www.lewrockwell.com/roberts/roberts121.html
” While states are preparing on their own, citizens along the east and Gulf coasts must be wondering if FEMA and the United States will be there to back them up.”
The answer is no. The government is currently using its available resources to protect the Israelis, while the Israelis face retaliation and reprisals for violating International Law.
The Israelis, through AIPAC, have placed their importance first, and to hell with whatever the American People need.
When the Levees break, just fend for yourselves and hope death finds you soon, to avoid as much pain as possible. Bush can give somebody another “Heck of a Job” and the thing will blow over, just as it did the last time.
As simple as that.
These are the new standards, as set by Bushco and the Israelis. It takes a little getting used to, but that’s the way it is.
Bullshit everybody knew the levees were not made for that severe of a storm..so unless the levees were constructed the year the president was elected it wasn’t his fault or problem
the Mayor and Governor knew the levees wouldn’t hold so as far as I’m concerned those deaths were on their hands and blame FEMA on Bush if you want, but the final responsibility is on the city managers and mayors since the day those levees were built..
If those People sitting on those roofs where lawyers wearing 3 piece suits, while Bush flew over in Airforce One, would he have called for Helos to extract them?
The 120 billion he’s now wasting on his Crusade would go along way toward solving problems we have right here at home.
The “Crusade” is not only costing over 500 billion so far, but sticking the middle class {along with the poor } with nearly 4 dollars a gallon gasoline. When Bushco took office, gas was a buck…
We do have priorities, you know…
“Bullshit everybody knew the levees were not made for that severe of a storm.”
It was well known, as my links state, that the levees would not handle a Category 4 or 5 hurricane.
Read the links.
The responsibility for the levees lies with the Corps of Engineers.
Read the links.
Ed – why must you turn every discussion into a hate-Jews tirade?
WS – I’m going to post a blip from the NRP (National Response Plan) that governs the actions of FEMA. It is my understanding that (at that time) FEMA had to wait for Blanco to make her decision which didn’t come until four days into the disaster. Sebelius requested help the day after the tornado hit Greensburg.
[NRP quote] “What is the role of State, local and tribal governments in the National Response Plan? A basic premise of the NRP is that incidents are generally handled at the lowest jurisdictional level possible. The NRP includes a section that summarizes the roles and responsibilities of State, local, tribal, and private-sector entities in the context of domestic incident management. In the vast majority of incidents, State and local resources and interstate mutual aid will provide the first line of emergency response and incident management support. When State resources and capabilities are overwhelmed, Governors may request Federal assistance. The NRP provides the framework for Federal interaction with State, local, tribal, private-sector and nongovernmental entities in the context of domestic incident management to ensure timely and effective Federal support.”[end NRP Quote]
Here is the link to download this 27 page booklet.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NRP_Quick_Reference_Guide_5-22-06.pdf
If you want the entire Plan documentation it can be downloaded here:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NRP_FullText.pdf
The second one is a biggie – 426 pages. Both are .pdf, so you’ll need acrobat if you would like to read them.
“Ed – why must you turn every discussion into a hate-Jews tirade?”
Good Jews don’t like what Israel is doing under their current leadership, and there is nothing wrong with the Jewish Religion, or People.
Regarding Blanco and a declaration: “she declared an emergency on Aug. 26″ which was actually two days prior to the hurricane making landfall, the same time Bush also declared a state of emergency.
Contrary to frequent reports, most notable from Fox News, Blanco did not wait and she made her declaration the same day as Bush.
Katrina was formed in the Atlantic on August 23, 2005.
Thank you for the links, GS, I will read the shorter version this evening – and peruse the longer one later.
WS – I only read the short version, myself, my little dialup would take all night to get the other one.
There was a news report about Blanco and GWB flying around on a plane – the third day after the disaster, and she had still not given permission for FEMA to take control.
I never did fully understand the significance of that. Did she want to retain total control? Partial control?
I know FEMA can usurp local authorities in certain situations, such as Martial Law.
As I understood it – during the LA Riots, we were VERY close to having Martial Law declared, and had the violence spread outside LA it would have qualified.
I don’t know if FEMA serves at the pleasure of another entity. But they have expansive powers.
I don’t care if it is a Republican or Democrat Congress – or President, I don’t want them sticking their fingers into every piece of pie.
I’m not sure how the 14th Amendment treats this specific area, but I would be interested in knowing.
All for now – I’m grilling some stuffed jalapeños, pork chops and potato packs on the grill.
Have a great holiday weekend.
“All for now – I’m grilling some stuffed jalapeños, pork chops and potato packs on the grill.”
I’ll be right over……
All of you need to study political subdivisions in Louisiana.
It is just a FACT that most of the levees, even if BUILT by the Army Corps of Engineers, are MAINTAINED by LOCAL taxing authorities, for things like mowing, litter removal, etc. There are “levee levies” no pun intended, taxes on the people to pay fot these services.
The local districts were also responsible for repairs. More than one district was so poorly managed it went into court receivership, prior to Katrina.
The Gov and the Mayor refused to fix the corruption of the levee districts, or to fight the enviro-green nuts who would not allow improvements to the levees.
As usual, Paul, you look to blame the “dark people” and the environmentalist rather than look at the facts.
As I have stated before, if I had video of Bush eating a live baby, you would claim that it was in our National interest.
There is no point in discussing anything with you – according to you, the world would be perfect as long as there were no Democrats.
Christ.
“Damn the contradictions are in full swing today. Asking for FEMA help in KS = Good. Asking for FEMA help in Louisiana = Bad.
Got it.”
Yeah, that is SO irrelevant to the discussion. Only because the wingnuts say so? Or because they cant refute it?
Paul F. Rosell,
“or to fight the enviro-green nuts who would not allow improvements to the levees.”
You should learn the TRUTH, instead of posting false talking points.
‘BLAMING ENVIRONMENTALISTS FOR KATRINA: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!’http://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/releases/pr2005-09-13a.asp
Look in the Congressional Record cosmos, not the Sierra Club. And look at Justice Department reports.
You will find that the Army Corp of Engineers had to delay projects and subsequently lost the funding for those projects for those Fiscal years.
The truth hurts when told, the Sierra Club screwed the Levees in New Orleans.
Republican,
“The truth hurts when told, the Sierra Club screwed the Levees in New Orleans.”
You made the claim, so you have the evidence, and can easily prove it.
Are there other lawsuits besides these two, listed in my link?Save Our Wetlands v. Rush – 1977Mississippi River Basin Alliance, et al. v. H. Martin Lancaster — 1996
Republican,
Are there other lawsuits? You made the claim, so tell us the “truth”.
Jim Ryun is a huge expense to Kansas no matter how many of those special interest dollars he can collect. That seems to be his new job while living off of the taxpayers retirement fund from big government.
For someone who hates big government ….while loving the pay and perks…. it seems he cannot get enough of big government. Big government has only expanded under the watch of those soconcerned about big government. How did Ryun reduce the size of big government by supporting the creation of a monster Homeland Security for instance?
Did the USA really need a monster Homeland Security Department simply because neocons were not paying attention thus 9/11/01. Homeland Security is a bogus show in effort to distract the nation from the monster screw up aka 9/11/01. Talk about increased spending but on what?
The answer to my question to Republican upthread on May 26, 2007 at 02:17 PM is no!!!
http://blogs.kansas.com/weblog/2007/05/open_thread_28.html#comment-71041282