September 10, 2005

The argument ender.

We hear a lot about the Katrina response. The Whitehouse does not want to play the blame game, (while pointing their thumb over their shoulders back at the local officials, Gov. Blanco, Mayor Nagin et all.) This is something that fortunately for us all is very easy to de-bunk and actually assign the blame where it actually belongs. To FEMA and this incompetent administration, followed by the state and local government. In this order. How can one be so sure, you ask? Well, let's go through the timeline of the hurricane and document some of the key steps at which point some key decisions were made.

Friday, August 26. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco declares a state of emergency for Louisiana. 3 days before hurricane landfall.

Saturday, August 27. President Bush officially declares that a "state of emergency" exists in Louisiana and orders Federal aid to the affected areas to complement state and local relief efforts. This would indicate that the Federal Authorities (FEMA) has authority to preposition supplies, personnel and authorize relief efforts.

Sunday, August 28. Louisiana Governor Blanco sends letter to President Bush requesting various federal aid. One day before hurricane landfall. This is in effect, when grouped with the previous point, a pretty clear request for federal aid from the Gov. and a release of federal aid from the President. One day before landfall.

Monday, August 29. 6:10 AM: Katrina, a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds, makes initial landfall near Buras, La. FEMA Head Michael Brown urges emergency service personnel "not to respond to hurricane impact areas unless dispatched by state, local authorities."

This is the official argument ender on this subject. All the republican talking heads and Bush appologists can just relax and enjoy being just plain wrong about all this.