Obama: Gov't will not repeat mistakes of Katrina

[sabra]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Friday to prevent a repeat of the "failures" of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and promised a stepped-up commitment to Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts.

Obama took an indirect swipe at his predecessor's record as he extended the life of a federal office coordinating Gulf Coast reconstruction and ordered key aides to tour New Orleans and other areas devastated by Katrina more than 3 years ago.

Former President George W. Bush was widely criticized for the government's slow emergency response to Katrina, which hastened a slide in his popularity and left a lasting stain on his legacy.

"The residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast who are helping rebuild are heroes who believe in their communities, and they are succeeding, despite the fact that they have not always received the support they deserve from the federal government," Obama said in a statement.

"This executive order is a first step of a sustained commitment by my administration to rebuild now, stronger than ever."

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N20274383.htm

[DumpDavisHogg]

1. Obama's FEMA response to the Kentucky blizzard was excellent

I live in Kentucky, which had one of the worst blizzards in history on Super Bowl weekend. Everyone agrees that Obama's FEMA did excellent work.

FEMA was on the ball immediately.

Quite a switch from the Bush FEMA that reigned during Hurricane Katrina.

[uppityperson]

2. Does that mean I can finally change my sig line? eom

[pasto76]

3. FEMA Secretery used to be a cabinet position under Clinton

then Bush moved it under DHS. Where it behaved as a subordinate unit. It should be a high profile agency. Glad to hear the response was satisfying to you, the customer. You should write letter to FEAM director and President Obama simply expressing how you feel.

[Javaman]

4. meh, wasn't worth it. deleted. nt

[laconicsax]

5. Just to say, are we sure that *'s handling of Katrina wasn't intentional?

To say there were mistakes implies that they botched their objectives. I seem to remember a whole lot of inaction followed by a smattering of inadequacy and more inaction. Didn't that final presser that * gave have a bit along the lines of, "Why are you whining? We sent some helicopters." How can we be sure that * intended it any differently?

[No Elephants]

6. Louisiana Republicans have said that they prayed for change

in NOLA and that they consider Katrina/Rita God's answer to their prayers.

Bush's comment, as he was leaving office, on what he may have done wrong re: Katrina/NOLA:

"Maybe we should have landed the helicopter."


Lord, have mercy.