Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has long been vocal among governors in noting the risk of the Iraq war to National Guard readiness at home. That concern has come home in recent days with the confluence of the Greensburg tornado, other deadly storms and flooding around the state. On Sunday in Greensburg, Sebelius said that half of the Kansas National Guard’s Humvee and flat-bed trucks are in Iraq. "Not having the National Guard equipment is really going to hamper this effort to rebuild," she said. She also has been forceful in the past in saying the Pentagon should replace the dump trucks, front loaders and the like that went to Iraq and likely aren’t coming back. Some will see this as a Democratic governor criticizing a Republican administration, but it’s fair for the Kansas governor to think Kansas National Guard equipment ought to be available when Kansas needs it.
By the way, how appalling that four Fort Riley soldiers and a reserve police officer — among those entrusted with safeguarding the ruins — were arrested for looting cigarettes and alcohol. Sadly, such tragedies always seem to bring out the worst as well as the best in human nature.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
-
Registered?
Commenting on WE Blog now requires you to be a Kansas.com member. Use the links above to register, if you haven't already, or to log in. -
Contact us
Daily Archives
-
Recent Comments
- Rage on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
- beber on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
- Mr_Kia on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
- JMWalker on Democrats hit back on patriotism
- KSGolfnut on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
- Chrisfrommactown on Democrats hit back on patriotism
- beber on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
- BlueJay on Democrats hit back on patriotism
- Rage on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
- Mr_Kia on McCain’s surprise pick for veep
96 Comments
And we need KNG Humvee’s and flatbeds in Greensburg WHY? I drove by the armory on Edgemoor yesterday. They had trucks.
How is the effort hampered? Was the Guv going to let us borrow the KNG to do home construction?
I also would like to point out that the report you link says that the four Ft Riley soldiers and the RPO arrested for looting were not even supposed to be there. They apparently weren’t “among those entrusted with safeguarding the ruins” at all.
What a freakin’ crock. Is fact-checking a lost cause at the Eagle?
Thanks for the post, Rhonda.
Another warning we anti-war people have been shouting from the rooftops came true.
Big surprise.
Now wait for the reich-wing to whine that we want the US to “lose” in Iraq.
How about if we protect our country instead of invading other people’s?
How would that be?
Slow down on the Koolaid, Capn, it’s turning you green.
Seen some go thru eldorado today,Looks like she picked the rattiest looking equipment she could find. For bad PR.. There are trucks at the reserve center at Mcconnel..There are plenty of private contractors just wiating in the wings….
Round up the 12000 illegals to clean the town. Then deport them to messico…
I would like to see the ENTIRE cost of making all the National Guard units whole added to Bush’s war funding bill. Also FULLY FUND Walter Reed etc to provide for returning wounded vets.
Damn, can’t you guys quit sniping at each other long enough to show some respect for the people of Greensburg and the rest of Kansas, and the Governor?
I doubt that Gov. Sebelius “picked the rattiest” for PR. While entrusted to the states, the property of the Nation Guard is federal, and the Governors only have at their disposal that which the Feds grant.
You are a bunch of self-centered assholes that can’t look past your petty politics to help the people of Kansas in a time of natural disaster. Shame on you all.
Lil ol Me
Getting our troops bogged down in a never-ending quagmire so that we can’t respond adequately to natural disasters here is not “petty politics,” LOM.
Holding hands and singing Kumbaya is not going to get it done in Greensburg.
Having the full contingent of Nat’l Guard would . . . at least help.
Fortunately this is the sort of disaster where just mobilizing all the Sherrif’s departments within 200 miles could probably raise enough manpower to at least provide security for the City. And, as noted above, there is also a lot of private sector equipment in the region.
While I agree that not every thread needs to be turned into a discussion about Iraq, I also agree that the National guard units need to be just that. National guard units. The fact that they are relied upon so much for deployment generally pisses me off. Ir the actual military needs to be a certain size, DO IT! Don;t rely on the Guard for troop numbers. Size and fund the active duty military appropriately and send the guard home. However, I doubt that the KNG could do anything more had they not been deployed, but that is just speculation. I do not disagree that they should be home instead of Iraq. I just doubt that the KNG impact would be any greater. Fact is, there are a large number of KNG troops that are NOT in IRAQ, or in Greensburg.
I think the serious problem here is the TOTAL devastation of the whole community. I lived in Haysville when the ‘91 tornado came through, and since it hit just part of it, the rest of Haysville was able to chip in and help get things organized and rebuilt quickly. However, without having any part of the Greensburg left, they will have to depend on neighboring communities, which will definitely slow the rebuilding process.
At this point, I wonder about it being rebuilt at all. NO infrastructure, no work or businesses, no housing.
40,000 pound oil heavy Semi tossed. Brick, stone, concrete, steel and wood ripped apart. At night! In the darkness. Running and hiding from a tornado.
Haven’t experienced it and wouldn’t want to.
I can design a future custom built house to withstand some of those high winds. Who knows, direct hit, nothing will be left standing.
I reflect on older video, from the 90’s, TV crew in their vehicle racing away from fast approaching tornado. They were speeding on the highway, it was much faster. They made to an underpass, got out and with other people doing the same thing, tried to hold on as the tornado vortex nearly sucked them from under there while it passed over. Crazy video as it happened. Cars and trucks down the highways were tossed and tumbled.
That’s nutty to even think about.
What does Greenburg do long term? It could be some real thought, why rebuild.
I truly don’t trust the idea of FEMA trailers, long term. Cost of FEMA trailers is worse on individuals, they get less social dollars.
Gov wants to do something for people terribly affected by a tragedy like this on a large scale, just give value of the FEMA trailer to every affected family in cash.
Let people make the choice of staying or going and finding housing.
The town is completely broken with its infrastructure. Its going to be a long time fixing the city.
Schools rebuilt with state and federal money. Banks and stores, those with insurance. But many won’t ever live there again. The uneven building on blocks, next to large area’s on nothing constructed.
It has to be a group building idea with less individualism. All residential structures will have basements , city covenant. Could concrete walls and more wind resistance windows be demanded.
A lot of choices, in this time higher prices for construction, its best most people just find another town to live in, send their kids to another school system. Than hanging around waiting for Greensburg to be rebuilt, living in a FEMA trailer.
Sebelius hasn’t requested any help from the national guard.
therefore, how does she know that efforts are hampered?
Interesting comment on NPR today. Author of a book on disasters points to Zeno, Ohio that was pretty much leveled as was Greensburg. It also wiped out the downtown and what was rebuilt was in his words, pretty much an ugly strip mall, much of which is empty these days.Glad those aren’t decisions I have to make.
Interesting point Dennis. A lot of the charm of Greensburg was the old downtown; a downtown that evoked memories of another time. Add the old Victorian houses; huge trees; etc.
Can that be recovered? I don’t know …
check this out from the National Guard.
Funny how they don’t mention any problems with the rescue and recovery effort.
when are people going to ask the governor these questions?
how long will she get away with saying anything she wants?
News fromThe Adjutant General’s DepartmentKansas Army National Guard Kansas Air National Guard Kansas Emergency ManagementKansas Homeland Security Civil Air Patrol
——————————————————————————–CONTACT:Sharon WatsonDirector, Public Affairs OfficeWork: (785) 274-1192Cell: (785) 806-4063http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneralFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2007
No. 07-060
RESPONSE AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS CONTINUE IN GREENSBURG
State and local agencies and volunteer organizations are responding to the devastation in Greensburg, Kan., caused by a tornado that struck the community at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday. May 4, damaging or destroying 90 percent of the buildings in the
town of approximately 1,600. Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared a State of Disaster Emergency for Kiowa County.”Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are dealing with the devasting loss this storm has brought,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
“The outpouring of emergency response from state and local agencies and volunteers is just tremendous. We, as Kansans, are pulling together, as we always do in times of crisis and adversity and that’s something we should all be proud of,” Sebelius said.
The tornado was tracked through Comanche, Kiowa, Edwards, Stafford, Pratt and Barton Counties. Emergency management officials are getting damage estimates to access whether affected areas will qualify for a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Eight storm-related deaths were reported in Kiowa County. One person was reported killed in Stafford County, but it has now been determined that person was from Pratt County. Early reports indicated the person was in Stafford County and was transported to Pratt County. Two other unconfirmed deaths have been reported.
Numerous injuries have also been reported. Sixteen persons are reported in critical condition and 50 people have been treated at area hospitals.
The American Red Cross has established two shelters in Haviland. Approximately 300 people were sheltered during the night. Red Cross officials are advising people concerned about the safety of friends and family to go American Red Cross website (www.redcross.org) and click on the “Safe and Well” link to enter information about the person being sought.
The Salvation Army is establishing a donations center, a social services center and a distribution center in Haviland. They are requesting donations of cash only at this time. The Salvation Army has also established three canteens in Greensburg to feed storm victims and rescue workers.
Kansas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating response and recovery operations. Soldiers and airmen from the Kansas National Guard are assisting with security, communications and shelter missions. The Guardsmen are from the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, 891st Engineer Battalion and 184th Air Refueling Wing. The 134th Air Control Squadron is supplying two 120 kW generators to assist in search and rescue operations and 1,500 gallons of water. Eighteen light sets from the 184th ARW have also been sent to Greensburg to provide light for response and recovery operations. The Pratt Kansas National Guard armory has been opened as a staging area for logistic support.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is also assisting with reestablishing communications and public safety issues.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has provided roadblocks and signage to keep out authorized persons from entering the area. KDOT is also involved in clearing debris from highways to so rescue vehicles can get into the affected areas. The State Fire Marshal is checking into any reported hazardous materials.
Wichita Search and Rescue has dispatched several teams to assist with search and rescue operations and Sedgwick County Public Health Emergency Team has been sent to the area with staff, consumable supplies and durable equipment, including two generators.
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger has contacted all major property insurance companies in Kansas. Claims agents will be making damage assessments as soon as it is deemed safe to return to the area, probably Monday.
Power outages have been reported throughout Kiowa and surrounding counties. Cell phones and land line communications were also severely impacted. The Kansas National Guard mobile incident command vehicle is on site, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation communications-on-wheels vehicle and the Kansas Highway Patrol sent its command and communications vehicle to assist in restoration of communication systems. 911 communications have been restored by the KDOT vehicle.
Sedgwick County sent a search and rescue crew to the city to assist in evacuation efforts at the local hospital, which was damaged by the tornado. Approximately 30 people were rescued from the hospital with minor injuries. Emergency crews from surrounding counties are also assisting with medical response. Two quadrants have been searched and two are still being searched.
The City of Hutchinson sent four police officers, two patrol cars and three pick-up trucks with portable generators to Greensburg.The Civil Air Patrol conducted several air reconnaissance flights to survey damages in coordination with flights by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Damage in Barton County included farm sheds, house windows and shingles. Major damage was reported to a field mill. Am oil pumping station was blown over and oil tanks blown ¼ to ½ mile away. A Sheriff’s Deputy reports that crude oil is leaking into a stream. Barton County Landfill manager has notified Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Topeka and is in route with a representative from the Hays KDHE office.
-30——
Here is some more.
Wish the wichita eagle and Rhonda Holman questioned Sebelius as well as she does people with “R”s after their names…
Currently, the Kansas National Guard has 88 percent of its forces available, 60 percent of its Army Guard dual-use equipment on hand, and more than 85 percent of its Air Guard equipment on hand, said Randal Noller, public affairs officer for the National Guard Bureau. Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a national partnership agreement that allows state-to-state assistance during governor or federally declared emergencies, Kansas has more than 400,000 Guardsmen available to it, he pointed out. However, Kansas has not yet requested assistance from other states.
National Guard Responds to Kansas TornadoBy Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2007 – More than 300 members of the Kansas National Guard have been activated in response to a powerful tornado that almost destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan., May 4.Guard members are assisting in search-and-rescue efforts in the wake of the tornado, which was classified as an F-5, the highest rating given by the National Weather Service.
The tornado wiped out much of the small town, knocking out power, water, natural gas and communications. To date, 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries have been reported.
The Kansas National Guard’s 278th Sustainment Brigade has established a joint task force near the incident site. In addition to search-and-rescue efforts, the troops are working on power generation, logistical support, debris clearing, support to law enforcement, supporting establishment of shelters and distribution of food and water.
Currently, the Kansas National Guard has 88 percent of its forces available, 60 percent of its Army Guard dual-use equipment on hand, and more than 85 percent of its Air Guard equipment on hand, said Randal Noller, public affairs officer for the National Guard Bureau. Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a national partnership agreement that allows state-to-state assistance during governor or federally declared emergencies, Kansas has more than 400,000 Guardsmen available to it, he pointed out. However, Kansas has not yet requested assistance from other states.
The National Guard Bureau has offered liaison, operational, communications, contracting, search-and-rescue, public affairs and community relations support, and is prepared to support the governor in any way possible, Noller said.
The National Guard also has been activated in response to other severe weather in the Midwest. In South Dakota, 27 Guardsmen were activated in response to severe storms that moved through the region yesterday, destroying high voltage transmission lines and power poles and leaving several thousand customers without electricity. The Guard troops are transporting water pumps and generators and providing sandbags to prevent flooding.
In response to heavy rainfall last night and today, the Iowa National Guard deployed 47 troops in support of local authorities to assist in sandbagging operations in the city of Red Oak, Iowa. Iowa National Guard troops worked with civilian first responders moving sand, filling sand bags and building temporary dams to mitigate the effects of the rising waters.
Related Sites:National Guard Bureau
anyone?anyone?
can anyone explain the information I posted?
why is she not called on this?
I can well imagine they need some deuce and a halfs along with some front loaders pretty badly in Greensburg from the looks of the photographs and videos shown here on the Eagle.
I don’t know if the State is allowed to ask for usage of active duty equipment, but might be worth a try.
If the Feds will pick up the tab, they could go rentals, but that gets mighty expensive.
Rep - doesn’t the KNG have some ‘deuce and a halfs and front loaders”?
It’s bad enough that ill-informed people like Rhonda Holman write for this newspaper; it’s worse that idiots like CapnAmerica apparantly believe her.
Ben, I don’t know about anyone else - but we do - and we sent two loaders and men on Saturday to Ellinwood to help clear some roads.
The report out now - is that no one else is needed in Greensburg. In fact the Red Cross told us they had too many people there already in proportion to the town size. So we’re back home. But we sure would have lent a hand.
The article is not telling who the officer was that looted in Greensburg. So, I’m gonna tell. His name is Gary Novak and he is from McPherson. He is a former student of my husband. We are more than embarrassed at his lack of integrity. Disgusting.
What makes me madder than mad - is whoever the local-yokel was on Saturday night in Greensburg that called off the Search and Rescue?
What narcissistic planet did HE/SHE come from? There were STILL missing people. A large construction company (not us) offered HUGE generators - and lights. They were not taken up on their offer.
You never - I repeat - NEVER stop a search and rescue effort because you are tired when there are still missing people under the rubble. Call in reinforcements. That is major Boo Sheet. Someone needs to be strung up by the thumbs for that crap.
Heads should roll.
I’m gonna make sure they do.
Why do we have to continuosly show the world how imature our govornment is by all of their bickering back and forth about how things are always mis-handled? Hey gov.. why don’t you just do your job and shut up instead of drooling over the chance to be another in a long line of people who want to attack our president who obviously sucks. These people are wrecking our country (Rep and Dem). Wake up folks. The world is laughing at us
GS–
That was great that you tried to help out there.
I wonder about the “looting” though.
In New Orleans, the police let food rot in unrefrigerated bins rather than let starving people “loot” it.
Cigarettes aren’t worth much after they get rained on.
Somebody should make a distinction between “salvage” and “looting.”
Boy, this thread is really pulling in the hit-and-run post-ers, isn’t it.
Has all the insight of road side graffiti . . .
Hey Crap’n Poindexter: The Gov has requested, and received, assistance from the Ks Natl Guard. If she feels like it would do good to request assistance from the Guard in other states, I am sure she will.
However, it still remains true that Guard numbers are considerably lower than normal, and machinery numbers are also lower. That is a fact.
Don’t use your misguided, disguised, and wrong-hearted politics to denigrate the Governor in times of tragedy. If you have a problem with what the Governor says, wait till the tragedy is over till you puke all over everyone about it.
She’s handling the situation well, and she and the people of Greensburg don’t deserve your armchair half-wittedness. Focus on the people who lost their lives and loved ones, instead!
I hope you’re right, Capn. I hope Mr Novak acted impulsively and without intent.
We haven’t spoken to him. He was still locked up in the Pratt jail earlier today. He should be charged soon, however.
GS–
That was great that you tried to help out there.
I wonder about the “looting” though.
In New Orleans, the police let food rot in unrefrigerated bins rather than let starving people “loot” it.
Cigarettes aren’t worth much after they get rained on.
Somebody should make a distinction between “salvage” and “looting.”
Posted by: CapnAmerica | May 07, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Food certainly should have been distributed before going bad. No excuse for that.
Cigarettes may have been bad after being rained on, but it doesn;t excuse just taking them. Salvage and Loot should indeed be defined.
GS - “You never - I repeat - NEVER stop a search and rescue effort because you are tired when there are still missing people under the rubble.” AGREED!
I suspect that the problem they are having today is largely logistics - how do you direct so many people!
Maybe the looters should be made to wear a sign and stand side of the road for everyone to see, while folks are suffering from destruction shock.
Sign that says,
I’m a Looter in this community!
Their name on the sign too! What’s jail going to do, but ruin their record for a long time.
Give them the public sign if they don’t want the information on their private Fort Riley or Police record.
I hate the fake Red Cross people or those who will try to get benefits when they shouldn’t.
This kind of tragedy will have much fraud!
Their name on the sign too! What’s jail going to do, but ruin their record for a long time.
Posted by: Mrage | May 07, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Good.
I hear that our Fearless Leader is going to go to Greensburg on Wednesday to announce the FEMA plan to evacuate residents of Greensburg and resettle them in New Orleans.
“I suspect that the problem they are having today is largely logistics - how do you direct so many people!”————-
That might be a part of it - but they said the SAR teams were tired. I know another storm came through - but it blew over, and we now know there were live people under the rubble - people that spent the night hurt and trapped. They spent the night alone.
Part of my anger may be misdirected but I’ve tried everything short of hog-tying some of the SAR teams in the State to let me and my Saint in their groups. No such luck. We have to train alone. Never mind that Saints were the original dogs that were trained to sniff out survivors - all the new clubs want ONLY German Shepards. I like Shepards - but my Kate can pick up a cone long before they do - well, at least before most of them.
There is such a cliquey little thing going on.
It shouldn’t be that way. I can understand that they have all the machinery and generators they need - but they QUIT searching at 8pm Saturday. They quit while mothers were STILL missing their children. While fathers were still missing.
Their searchers were tired. Too friggin bad. Folks were dying.
If they could organize a search in the daylight, they could organize it at night - with lights.
I don’t like this. It seems a little snooty to me.
hear that our Fearless Leader is going to go to Greensburg on Wednesday to announce the FEMA plan to evacuate residents of Greensburg and resettle them in New Orleans.
Posted by: Jed | May 07, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Well, I guess a visit from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES is fitting for a town that was completely demolished. Haysville was not, apparently, as they only got the Vice President Al GOre sent by the white house
LJ,Hey, don’t knock it; Gore was the White House expert on disasters!
Really I am not. I was being sarcastic due to the post reference. In my logical opinion, both should stay home and tend to business. There is nothing they can do by visiting that they can’t do elsewhere. However, as a morale booster, I can see it’s benefit. There are few things people want more than an understanding that somebody cares
GSheridan wrote:”If they could organize a search in the daylight, they could organize it at night - with lights. I don’t like this. It seems a little snooty to me.”
Really? And the Prez ignoring New Orleans for weeks didn’t? Right before and after Katrina, there were Hurricanes that hit richy-rich Florida, and the feds responded immediately: but predominately poor New Orleans didn’t rate high enough for those same services and responses: they STILL haven’t gotten the help they need and deserve!!
You’re too busy criticizing the folks on the ground in a very desparate situation to add anything constructive, but you won’t concede the even greater offenses of *your* president!??
Why don’t you get off your computer, and go donate some money or go out and help at a nonprofit that is supporting Greensburg??
The National Guard should not have ever been sent to Iraq. Their mission is to stand by to protect the people of the USA- not Iraq. They should stay here and let the regular military units take care of Iraq. God help us if we get hit with a major hurricane or earthquake this year. We will be on our own. Just more mismanagement by the incompetent stupid Republicans. BTW you can buy a “Bush Countdown Clock” which counts down the days, minutes and seconds until, thank God, he is gone! Mine reads 623 days, 17 hours, 13 minutes and 20 seconds!
If Kansas was not such a rabid Republican state Gov. Sebelius would probably be in the lead for a VP running mate for the Democrats. And the rest of the country would learn how to pronounce her name from reading it!
What would be nice, is if the legislators would mandate towns to have open, designated shelters spaced in decent proximity to x # of people (like church basements), and mobile home parks and complexes would be mandated to put in shelters.
The National Guard should not have ever been sent to Iraq. Their mission is to stand by to protect the people of the USA- not Iraq. They should stay here and let the regular military units take care of Iraq. Just more mismanagement by the incompetent stupid Republicans. !
Posted by: Kev | May 07, 2007 at 06:50 PM
I agree that the National Guard should not be forward deployed. However, as I recall, it was the Clinton Presidency military drawdown and “peace dividend” that began counting National Guard as part of the oveall military force response. The National Guard has been counted as basically part of the active duty military ever since. Again, wrongly, in my estimation
“I hear that our Fearless Leader is going to go to Greensburg on Wednesday to announce the FEMA plan to evacuate residents of Greensburg and resettle them in New Orleans. ”
He will go there, talk on TV, kiss a few elderly folks for the camera and leave. He isn’t about to pick up a hammer like Jimmy Carter would.
“What would be nice, is if the legislators would mandate towns to have open, designated shelters spaced in decent proximity to x # of people (like church basements), and mobile home parks and complexes would be mandated to put in shelters.”
Mobile home parks of more than 10 homes are required to have and maintain storm shelters. The shelters must have 10 square feet of space per home and must be within 1000 feet of every home in the development. They must be open and accessible and no storage is allowed.
“Well, I guess a visit from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES is fitting for a town that was completely demolished. Haysville was not, apparently, as they only got the Vice President Al GOre sent by the white house”
At least Gore spent the day there and did some work to help out didn’t he?
Kev, is there a grandfather clause in that or something? Because I know of one that doesn’t have any such shelter.
At least Gore spent the day there and did some work to help out didn’t he?
Posted by: Kev | May 07, 2007 at 07:00 PM
Publicity stunt. In both incidents.
Jimmy Carter only became active in habitat after his presidency
It does appear that the law does grandfather in parks that existed prior to 1994 and have not expanded. Here it is:
Section 26.04.135 Mobile home park shelters.
Mobile home park shelters. (a) General Requirements. Every mobile home park of ten or more mobile home spaces which is constructed after April 15, 1994, shall be provided with above-grade or below-grade storm shelters which shall:(1) Have a minimum floor area of ten square feet for each mobile home space in said mobile home park;(2) Be designed by a licensed structural engineer or architect and built in accordance with plans sealed by said structural engineer or architect;(3) Be designed and constructed to meet all Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and guidelines if the shelter is located in a floodplain;(4) Be designed and constructed to meet the minimum lighting, ventilation and exiting requirements of the city’s currently adopted editions of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code and National Electrical Code where applicable;(5) Be designed and constructed to meet all applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);(6) Be located no farther than one thousand three hundred twenty linear feet from the furthest mobile home space in the mobile home park;(7) Be designed with a perimeter drainage tile system and sump pump to remove water from the storm shelter (below grade shelter only); and(8) Be designed with an electrical service for lighting with emergency lights. All one hundred twenty-five volt electrical receptacles shall have ground fault circuit interrupter protection, except single outlet receptacles for sump pump or specified equipment are not required to have ground fault circuit interrupter protection.(9) Be marked in such a manner that the shelter is clearly visible to park residents. Signs shall state storm shelter with lettering at least six (6) inches in height.(b) Additions to Existing Parks. For any addition of ten or more mobile home spaces to any existing mobile home park, a storm shelter which complies with the general requirements of subparagraph (a) of this section shall be provided to serve such additional spaces. For any addition of fewer than ten mobile home spaces to an existing mobile home park which otherwise complies with the requirements of subparagraph (a) or (e) of this section, there is no requirement that an additional shelter be provided to serve such additional spaces; provided, however, that when two or more such additions of fewer than ten mobile home spaces results in a cumulative addition of ten or more mobile home spaces to a mobile home park which otherwise complies with the requirements of subparagraph (a) or (e) of this section, a storm shelter which complies with the general requirements of subparagraph (a) hereof shall be provided to serve such additional spaces.(a) Restroom Facilities. Restroom facilities in required storm shelters shall be optional. Toilets may be either flush-type operating from normal water supply, chemical or other types as approved by the Wichita-Sedgwick County health department.(b) Access to Shelters. The mobile home park owner, or such owner’s designated agent or representative, shall be responsible for making the storm shelter accessible and usable in times of need. Such shelters must be accessible whenever the City of Wichita is in a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service. It is unlawful for any required storm shelter to be used for storage purposes if such storage reduces the minimum floor (a) area available for shelter of persons below the requirements of subparagraph (a) of this section.(c) Existing Nonconforming Mobile Home Parks.(1) Any mobile home park of ten or more mobile home spaces which has an existing above-grade or below-grade storm shelter as of April 15, 1994, which does not conform with the requirements of this section shall be deemed a nonconforming mobile home park with regard to the requirements for storm shelters and may continue to exist as a nonconforming mobile home park for so long as said existing shelter remains in place and usable; provided, however, that any mobile home spaces added to such park after April 15, 1994, shall require storm shelters as provided in subparagraph (b) of this section.(2) Any mobile home park of twenty or more spaces which existed prior to April 15, 1994, and which had no above-grade or below-grade storm shelter on the mobile home park site as of April 15, 1994, shall be required to provide a storm shelter which complies with the requirements of this section by April 15, 1999; provided, however, that any mobile home spaces added to such park after April 15, 1994, shall require storm shelters as provided in subparagraph (b) hereof,(f) Registration of Existing Shelters. By August 1, 1994, every owner or operator of any mobile home park of ten or more spaces shall submit a site plan and a written statement setting out the number of mobile home spaces in such park and a description of any storm shelters which existed on-site prior to April 15, 1994. This submission shall be made on forms provided by the office of central inspection and shall be annually updated with the mobile home park license renewal to show changes in the number of mobile home spaces and a description of any storm shelters constructed to serve such park.(Ord. No. 44-699 § 1, amended by Ord. No. 47-050, adopted June 20, 2006)
Well, Capn…88% of the KNG is available…no comment from you on that? You were quick enough to jump on the blame Bush bandwagon, but when the facts come out, you get strangely silent?
I think the primary issue that Sebelius and other governors have is the equipment that properly belongs to each states NG has been sent to Iraq and there has been no remuneration for it, therefore the states have not replaced the equipment.
Our Governor is not the only one that has spoken out about men and materiel being sent off to the Middle East. It is a bi-partisan issue that is one of the hidden costs of the war.
Jimmy Carter only became active in habitat after his presidency
Posted by: littlejohn | May 07, 2007 at 07:11 PM
—-Pardon me, but your ignorance is showing. President Carter was elected in 1976, the SAME YEAR that Habitat was formed!! Check your facts before you try bashing one of the best Presidents this country has ever had! Partisanship is such an ugly thing…
Half the equipment (trucks, front loaders, and the great majority of humvees and helicopters went to Iraq). She was also commenting on logistics, having the equipment in or not too far from where it’s needed. It’s a federal war, let them furnish the equipment, and troops.
Pointless Dexter and Crap-tor:
85%?? Where did this supposed press release come from? Any links? I searched the KNG and USNG and NGBureau sites, and nothing pops up!Check this out: From the ultra-conservative website, “freerepublic.com”:“By Associated PressMonday, May 7, 2007Greensburg, Kan.— Paramedic Annette Gasten and her German shepherd, Greta, had a grim weekend searching amid the piles of wreckage left by one of the strongest tornadoesKansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Sunday evening that the state’s response will likely be hampered because much of the equipment usually positioned around the state to respond to emergencies — including tents, trucks and semitrailers — is now in Iraq.“Not having the National Guard equipment, which used to be positioned in various parts of the state, to bring in immediately is really going to handicap this effort to rebuild,” said Sebelius.Sharon Watson, a spokeswoman for the adjutant general’s office, which manages state resources during emergencies, acknowledged the strain.“We are never at 100 percent because we are allocated a certain amount from the National Guard Bureau. With the war, we are much shorter than we would be. We have about 40 percent of what is allocated,” Watson said.She said the state has a shortage of heavy equipment transport trailers, pallet-sized loading systems, Humvees, dump trucks and other large equipment that would be help move massive amount of debris.”—–Funny: the Adjutant General’s office, who heads the KNG, affirmed the Governor’s concerns as factual!Just where did this other posting saying we were at 85% come from?????
In the interest of full disclosure, the blog site removed my note saying that I snipped a huge part out of the article; it was all stuff about the storm that we know. But I didn’t want to be accused of altering things the way Captain Pointless does…
Kev, that’s a city ordinance from how it reads. Not a state law.
Pardon me, but your ignorance is showing. President Carter was elected in 1976, the SAME YEAR that Habitat was formed!! Check your facts before you try bashing one of the best Presidents this country has ever had! Partisanship is such an ugly thing…
Posted by: honorablejr | May 07, 2007 at 09:55 PM
Didn’t say anything good or bad about Carter, didn’t say when Habitat for Humanity started. All I said was that he got involved with habitat for humanity after he served as president. Learn to read
What would be nice, is if the legislators would mandate towns to have open, designated shelters spaced in decent proximity to x # of people (like church basements), and mobile home parks and complexes would be mandated to put in shelters.
Posted by: political_mom | May 07, 2007 at 06:55 PM
i understand where you are coming from, but I think if the legislature is going to mandate something to the cities, then they should also step up and pay the bill for it
Funny: the Adjutant General’s office, who heads the KNG, affirmed the Governor’s concerns as factual!Just where did this other posting saying we were at 85% come from?????—————————
It came from the Pentagon - The American Forces Press Service.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=33080
Littlejohn: OF COURSE Carter got involved with Habitat after his presidency; it didn’t exist before! Your implication was that he was bad, and your statement was that Carter did these things as a “Publicity stunt”. You were wrong. Learn to think.
Carter’s Poll numbers were lower than Bush’s. Yeah…good President…
“It came from the Pentagon - The American Forces Press Service.”
Well, goodness knows, the press is never wrong, especially when it is tied to as fair and unbiased a source as the PR PERSON for the armed forces! (Tongue firmly in cheek).
Clearly, the information provided by “Randal Noller, public affairs officer for the National Guard Bureau” is either wrong or misinterpreted. That may be the numbers ALLOCATED to the KNG, but it ain’t what is here now!
Littlejohn: OF COURSE Carter got involved with Habitat after his presidency; it didn’t exist before! Your implication was that he was bad, and your statement was that Carter did these things as a “Publicity stunt”. You were wrong. Learn to think.
Posted by: honorablejr | May 07, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Once again, learn to read. There was no implication, I STATED that Vice President Al Gores visit to Haysville and President Bushes visit to Greensburg were publicity stunts.
Myreference about President Carter and Humanity was inreference to this statement about Bush vs Carter.isn’t about to pick up a hammer like Jimmy Carter would.
Posted by: Kev | May 07, 2007 at 06:56 PM
JImmy Carter in fact would not have pickup up a hammer and went to work. He was busy being PRESIDENT!.
I never implied a simgle thing about Jimmy Carter or a publicity stunt. WHile I disagree that he was the bestr president ever, He has done laudable work, including Habitat for Humanity.
Once again, learn to read with comprehension or just be quiet
“Carter’s Poll numbers were lower than Bush’s.”
I thought that you Republicans didn’t believe in polls.
Steve,
In regard to your question about where the 88% of Manpower and 60% of eqipment was available to the KNG (Army) and that the KS Air Guard has 85% of it’s equipment available came fromMr. Randall Noeller of the National Guard Bureau (Pentagon) Washington, DC
“Carter’s Poll numbers were lower than Bush’s. Yeah…good President…”
Posted by: Republican | May 07, 2007 at 11:00 PM
Really? From http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/22/opinion/polls/main2384943.shtml
“Mr. Bush’s overall approval rating has fallen to just 28 percent, a new low, while more than twice as many (64 percent) disapprove of the way he’s handling his job. ”
“In January 1999, for example, just after his impeachment by the House of Representatives, President Bill Clinton’s job approval rating was 65 percent. In January 1987, President Ronald Reagan’s was 52 percent. In 1967, President Lyndon Johnson received a 47 percent approval rating, even as debate about the Vietnam War raged. ”
Other sites list Carter’s low as 39%, and nearly all historians now agree that Carter was beset by the economic problems of his predecessor, lowering his ratings below what he himself did. In addition, he is now viewed as one of the best presidents in history, having achieved many great things for this country and diplomacy within the world.
Now Bush, at 28% has the record for the all-time low of any US President: I suppose you think he is a “good president”????
As for me, and I am not answering the above question, I think Poll numbers and Popularity are not necessarily the mark of a “good” President. I doubt that Lincoln would have scored well, at least for part of the country. THough FDR may have scored well, and he may even done some good things, as I recall he tried to circumvent the constitution. Carter (according to the above) scored in the 30s, but is now “viewed as one of the best presidents in history.” I do not know whether polling existed back then, but my understanding the Grant administration (but not Grant himself) was one of the most corrupt in history? I have seen polls say all kinds of things, polls are not a good indication of greatness, at least in my opinion
“JImmy Carter in fact would not have pickup up a hammer and went to work. He was busy being PRESIDENT!.
I never implied a simgle thing about Jimmy Carter or a publicity stunt. WHile I disagree that he was the bestr president ever, He has done laudable work, including Habitat for Humanity.
Once again, learn to read with comprehension or just be quiet”
Posted by: littlejohn | May 07, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Littlejohn: I will give you the benefit of the doubt, in that the postings were spaced apart, with other postings between. Thus, it is possible that you INTENDED to posit something that you did not.
“I never implied a simgle thing about Jimmy Carter or a publicity stunt.” Yes, you did indeed state that Carter’s hammer swinging (with Habitat?) was a “publicity stunt”: “Publicity stunt. In both incidents.”
Learn to think with comprehension, and speak with honesty. And no, I will not be quiet.
USA Today/Gallup poll
A USA Today/Gallup Poll, taken December 8-10, 2006, asked 1009 adults nationwide, “How do you think each of the following presidents will go down in history — as an outstanding president, above average, average, below average, or poor?”
George W. Bush:
4% outstanding15% above average27% average,25% below average29% poor
54 percent say below average or poor
Bill Clinton:
12% outstanding,33% above average,29% average,15% below average,10% poor
25 percent say below average or poor
George H.W. Bush:
5% outstanding,27% above average,50% average,10% below average,8% poor
18 percent say below average or poor
Ronald Reagan:
24% outstanding,40% above average,26% average,6% below average,4% poor,1% unsure
10 percent say below average or poor
Jimmy Carter:
11% outstanding,27% above average,38% average,13% below average,9% poor,3% unsure
22 percent say below average or poor
Gerald Ford:
6% outstanding,17% above average,60% average,9% below average,3% poor,5% unsure
12 percent say below average or poor
*****
Conclusion: by a two to one margin over Carter and Clinton, well over half of all respondants rate George W. at “below average” or “poor.”
And that was over a year ago when he his approval ratings were higher.
The people have spoken, and they say “Worst President Ever.”
Oops, it wasn’t a year ago, more like 5 months ago.
But Bush’s approval was still higher than the all-time low it’s at now . . .
Thus, it is possible that you INTENDED to posit something that you did not.
What? I intended something that I did not?
I never implied a simgle thing about Jimmy Carter or a publicity stunt.” Yes, you did indeed state that Carter’s hammer swinging (with Habitat?) was a “publicity stunt”: “Publicity stunt. In both incidents.”
Learn to think with comprehension, and speak with honesty. And no, I will not be quiet.Thus, it is possible that you INTENDED to posit something that you did not.
Posted by: Been there, lost everything, done that | May 07, 2007 at 11:43 PM
Read it again. I was speaking with KEV. THe publicity stunts were AL GOres visit to Haysville and Bush’s visit to Greensburg. I can not make it any plainer than that. And so, you ar Honorablejr? THat is whom I was speaking to.
I have yet to speak with anything but honesty. It is only your not reading my posts incorrectly and then stating incorrectly what I sais that is not honest.
It’s no surprise the neo-cons would have the National Guard getting killed in Iraq rather than saving lives in Kansas. The equipment and people could be used digging people out from under the rubble and preparing people for the next disaster.
Twelve more Americans died in Iraq over the weekend. The neo-cons are failing us here and abroad but they’ll still keep on shouting, “Mission Accomplished.”
Shameful. Absolutely shameful. Why do you all hate each other so much? Why do you demand that other posters answer for the unknown (and unknowable) motivations of others?
Do something that matters: volunteer for Hospice. Hold the hand of someone dying.
Stub your toe. Bleed. Do *something* to show some humanity.
Lil ol Me, returning to lurker mode
The Republicans and all they stand for and an afront to humanity itself. I hope and pray for the day that they are totally removed from power and forever banished from any lever of power. Only then will we find peace, prosperity and the unity our country so badly wants. As bad as Osama Ben Laden is, he cannot do half the damage to the USA that the Republican Party has done.
“crap-tor”??? What in the world is up with the 3rd grade insults? Never once did I personally insult anyone here. While I might disagree with opinions, I have not found it necessary to debase myself or others with such ridiculously childish actions.
That is the biggest problem with this blog…immature postings by people who cannot carry on a rational discussion and must instead resort to the grade school tactics of insults, name calling, and avoiding the facts.
Whoever you are, posting under the nic of lost everything or whatever, I will never respond to your childish, idiotic or inane comments again. You are pathetic.
the adjunct general of the kansas national guard is a good friend of sebelius, he wouldn’t openly disagree with her on her comments.
been there done nothing…
I think our point has been made, the pentagon has released the actual figures, you can’t claim that the pentagon is political without pointing out that General Buntin of the KS national guard is political as well.
this isn’t the only time buntin has backed up the governor…
check on the emergency preparedness of the state and you will find sebelius and buntin complicit in making kansans less safe…
THE REAL QUESTION IS WHEN IS THE EAGLE OR RHONDA HOLMAN GOING TO PRINT THE FACT THAT SEBELIUS’ NUMBERS ARE WRONG AND GET THE TRUTH OUT.
that would just be too fair to be the eagle though.
“Part of my anger may be misdirected but I’ve tried everything short of hog-tying some of the SAR teams in the State to let me and my Saint in their groups.”
Cliques? Not invited? Hog tieing them so they bend to her will?
heheheheheh. Yet another group rejects GS, perhaps because she cant play well with others? Maybe it isnt the DOG they dont want?
Is there a pattern here?
My my my, the republican cons are testy today! Poor things. It is indeed tough to be a con these days…
This topic brings up a good quesiton, at least for me. Whose equipment is it really? Did KNG purchase it? Is it “excess” DOD equipment? Governor Sebelius wants “her” equipment back. It is really hers? I am not arguing any point here and have already stated my opposition to National Guard troops being part the active duty mix, but I really would like to know whose equipment it is.
Or is it on loan from DOD?
Little Old Me–
If you don’t like it, stop reading.
Only popping on to spout off about how much better you are than everybody else, while you clearly enjoy reading everybody else or you wouldn’t do it, strikes me as hypocritical.
If you don’t post, you don’t contribute.
Put up or shut up.
I thought it was a insensitive political stunt to use Greensburg for a forum on the KNG use in Iraq. There are only 800 deployed over there at this time.
I understood her comment to be related to lack of equipment, not lack of personnel.
Perhaps the Gov. expanded the truth?
National Guard Responds to Kansas TornadoBy Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2007 – More than 300 members of the Kansas National Guard have been activated in response to a powerful tornado that almost destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan., May 4.Guard members are assisting in search-and-rescue efforts in the wake of the tornado, which was classified as an F-5, the highest rating given by the National Weather Service.
The tornado wiped out much of the small town, knocking out power, water, natural gas and communications. To date, 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries have been reported.
The Kansas National Guard’s 278th Sustainment Brigade has established a joint task force near the incident site. In addition to search-and-rescue efforts, the troops are working on power generation, logistical support, debris clearing, support to law enforcement, supporting establishment of shelters and distribution of food and water.
Currently, the Kansas National Guard has 88 percent of its forces available, 60 percent of its Army Guard dual-use equipment on hand, and more than 85 percent of its Air Guard equipment on hand, said Randal Noller, public affairs officer for the National Guard Bureau. Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a national partnership agreement that allows state-to-state assistance during governor or federally declared emergencies, Kansas has more than 400,000 Guardsmen available to it, he pointed out. However, Kansas has not yet requested assistance from other states.
The National Guard Bureau has offered liaison, operational, communications, contracting, search-and-rescue, public affairs and community relations support, and is prepared to support the governor in any way possible, Noller said.
The National Guard also has been activated in response to other severe weather in the Midwest. In South Dakota, 27 Guardsmen were activated in response to severe storms that moved through the region yesterday, destroying high voltage transmission lines and power poles and leaving several thousand customers without electricity. The Guard troops are transporting water pumps and generators and providing sandbags to prevent flooding.
In response to heavy rainfall last night and today, the Iowa National Guard deployed 47 troops in support of local authorities to assist in sandbagging operations in the city of Red Oak, Iowa. Iowa National Guard troops worked with civilian first responders moving sand, filling sand bags and building temporary dams to mitigate the effects of the rising waters.
Sotheysaid,
Sebelius’ specific complaint was about the shortage of KNG’s flatbeds, half of which are in Iraq. I doubt KC135R’s are going to be much use in a place like Greensburg.
This piece ran in the Iola Register Tuesday afternoon:
A convoy of buses, transport vehicles and heavy equipment left Iola early this morning for Greensburg, the second wave of help from the Kansas Army National Guard 891st Engineers Battalion.
Guardsmen assembled at the National Guard Armory here before 7 a.m. to get assignments and instructions before starting a five-day stint in the tornado-ravaged town about six hours west on U.S. 54 Highway.
“The troops are pretty motivated,” said Capt. Mark Penrod of Topeka, commander of the Headquarters Service Company. “We had weekend drills, and some of our people live quite a ways away, so they had to hurry home, get some sleep and grab a few things and hurry back this morning. Some of them didn’t get a lot of sleep, but we’re ready to help.”
The troops will assist in cleanup efforts after a tornado leveled the town Friday night.
About 300 members of the battalion will be in Greensburg this afternoon, according to Col. Shawn Manley, 891st commander. Two charter buses and several Guard and personal vehicles were en route today, following a smaller contingent of soldiers and equipment from the 891st Forward Support Co. that left town at 8 p.m. Sunday.
“We’ve been told the entire battalion will be initially mobilized for five days, with the possibility of a company (about 120 guardsmen) staying for up to two weeks,” Manley said.
The Iola-based Engineers Battalion, which comprises nine armories from across southeast Kansas, was taking chainsaws, three bucket loaders, three track hydraulic excavators, several small skid steer loaders and 20 to 25 dump trucks, Manley said.Area soldiers were joining guardsmen from central and western Kansas in recovery efforts at Greensburg. Manley said the Kansas Air National Guard 184th Air Refueling Wing based at McConnel Air Force Base in Wichita had the lead role of organizing Guard assistance, but the 891st’s engineering assets made it unique enough in the state to activate the entire battalion.
“We help with natural disasters quite often,” he said. “Just last winter, about 30 of our troops went to western Kansas to help utility trucks move around after the blizzard and ice storm out there caused so much damage to power lines and towers.
“But in the 24 years I’ve been in the Kansas Guard, this is the first time the entire battalion has been mobilized to assist with cleanup efforts.”
No matter in what blog topic, someone always has to bring in Jimmy Carter’s name.
Jimmy Carter did have low poll numbers (such as George Bush’s right now). But I also remember how Ronald Reagan and Daddy Bush did their best in dirty politics to the best of Jimmy Carter. (even if it meant giving weapons to Saddam Hussein).
The reason Jimmy Carter’s poll numbers were low was because he was the first president that told the Americans the truth and not just what they wanted to hear. Carter warned Americans to start conserving energy and to put on a sweater if they were cold rather than turning up the heat.
People don’t like being told the stark truth. They would rather be led around by the nose by some smooth talker, pie in the sky, optimism flowing tongue like Ronald Reagan.
I just read today’s Eagle op-ed by Senator Roberts. http://www.kansas.com/205/story/64227.htmlHe’s taking credit for Sebelius doing her job. Doncha just love how these Republicans up for re-election next year are grandstanding all over this issue? Doncha just love how they don’t even blush at the fact that they’re using the tragedy of people’s lives to make themselves look good?
Gag.
Kev first brought up his name, but I continued. And you prove my point. Poll numbers are not exactly a good gauge of how “great” a President is. He had low poll numbers, you (and apparently many others) consider him a great president. The poll numbers apparently lie.By the way, I said nothing either good or bad about President Carter.
Cat,
The reason Jimmy Carter’s poll numbers were so low were because of some other “stark truths,” to borrow your phrase. Inflation over 13%, long term mortage rates at 18%, the economy in a nosedive, and the US humiliated in Iran. Those are the “stark truths” that cost Carter his job.
To follow-up on the above piece from the Iola Register, regarding deployment of the 891st Engineering Batallion to Greensburg:
– I suspect the “ratty” equipment another poster saw traveling through El Dorado was the 891st convoy. I’m frequently in Iola and passed the NG armory today. The cupboard is bare. All the equipment they have (after a year-long deployment in Iraq) and all personnel (trained to operate all the heavy equipment) are on the ground and working in Greensburg. Kathleen Sebelius did not “pick the ratty equipment for PR purposes.” It’s all they’ve got. When the 891st went to Iraq, they took their best equipment with them; when they returned, only the soldiers (and not all of them, btw) came home. Their equipment remains in Iraq.
– Another point: Not *all* National Guard troops are trained the way the 891st Engineering Batallion is. For sure, it’s part of NG service to respond to whatever crisis the Governor calls them to, but in a situation such as Greensburg, the 891st is an appropriate response whereas dispatching pilots and jet mechanics from the Air National Guard seems a bit silly. So the mumble-mumble percentage of “available troops” and the mumble-mumble percentage of “available equipment” is a classic red herring argument. Remember when you were defending Rumsfeld’s “You go to war with the army you have” comment?
The NG responds to disasters with the equipment and qualified personnel it has. And after deployment in Iraq, the Kansas National Guard is worse off than it was before. Thanks, Shrub.
– The vast majority of National Guard troops signed up for “One weekend a month and two weeks every summer.” They’re mostly dedicated and patriotic and accepted deployment in Iraq as “one of those things that happens.” They and their families have suffered extreme hardship because of the Iraq War. George WMD Bush has abused and misused some of America’s most important assets: people who are willing to serve.
– Tragedies such as Greensburg attract a lot of well-meaning people, but sprinkled in the crowd is the usual batch of looters, lookie-loos, gypsy con-men, and scavengers. It’s much more responsible to send trained NG troops, with the eqipment, logistics, and command structure best prepared for response. Turning disaster response over to the “private sector” is exactly what made New Orleans the city it is today.
Jimmy Carter faced then (Post Vietnam and Nixon) what our next POTUS will face. I truly believe whoever is elected in ‘08 will only be a one term president.
So does anyone know the answer to LJ’s question, who owns the KGN equipment?
KGN = KNG
Bush was told there would be civil unrest in Iraq if we invaded. He did nothing and blamed it on a lack of military intelligence.
Bush was told the levees in New Orleans couldn’t stand a huge hurricane. He did nothing and blamed in on the governor and mayor.
Sebelius in 2006 told Bush we needed more National Guard equipment. He did nothing and blamed it on the governor.
So much for “The buck stops here” and onto, “Who me?” Bush fails us home and abroad, so what do we have to show for the billions of dollars the “fiscally conservative” Republicans wasted?
Our Gov. Kathleen S. had the good sense to back down.
(Unlike the Louisiana Kathleen)
Tony Snow and our President are trying to avoid a show down, as well.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070509/D8P0H7DG0.html
I’m thoroughly disgusted that our esteemed Gov. would stoop to using the Greensburg tradegy to air her liberal views of our continuing National obligations in Iraq. Apparently, the human drama all around her wasn’t enough to derail her focus on digging at President Bush. A member of our staff is out in Greensburg at this time with the KSNG assisting the community and I believe they are quite capable of providing the assistance needed. As a local utility worker, his professional skills are greatly in demand as are those of the many “working warriors” of our guard units. The national guard isn’t the only relief agency helping in this action. My church has sent two teams of workers with loads of supplies to aid Greensburg. Many more will be coming from our church and others in many KS communities. When we get the clearance, our Boy Scout Troop may be able to render some service, too. This is not a time to air your partisan politics. Shame on you Governor Sebelius! I hope the President puts you in your place tomorrow, but I’d bet he exercises more class!Real Concern for Greensburg