National Response Plan discussion thread

[Fleshdancer]

I just downloaded the National Response Plan written in Dec.2004 (I got it from the wonderful thread about Larry Johnson's response). I thought it would be nice to create a thread for DUers like myself who is reading it and would like to bring up specific points.

http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/NRPbaseplan.pdf


I'm reading page 43 (bottom of the page) and the title is: Proactive Federal Response to Catastrophic Events. Good title, isn't it? Anyway, since Katrina was a large natural disaster in a heavily populated area, the proactive federal response should have been implemented according to this document.

And this is when it gets interesting. The second bullet point for the guidelines is this:

Standard procedures regarding requests for assistance may be expedited or, under extreme circumstances, suspended in the immediate aftermath of an even of catastrophic magnitude. (The Gov. requested assistance two days before the hurricane. It took 5 days for NO to begin receiving assistance.)

I urge you to read all the guidelines listed on top of page 44. This is infuriating.

[justiceischeap]

1. The one you should try to find

Is the one in place during the Clinton years. FEMA was at its best at this time. When Shrub took office he gutted FEMA, cut its budget and installed a "Ranger" as the head of FEMA (I'm guessing).

[Fleshdancer]

2. why was there a battle between the Gov and Feds?

I'm reading rumors of a battle between the Governor and the feds over who gets control? Is that right? Anyway, according to page 2:

Existing Agencies

Nothing in this plan alters or impedes the ability of Federal, State, local, or tribal departments and agencies to carry out their specific authorities or perform their responsibilities under all applicable laws, Executive orders, and directives. Additionally, nothing in this plan is intended to impact or impede the ability of any Federal department or agency head to take an issue of concern directly to the President, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or any other member of the President's staff.

[justiceischeap]

3. There is an anonymous source

in Baton Rouge I believe that said that Shrub wanted to take federal control of the military and Blanco said no.

[Fleshdancer]

4. according to this, it sounds like the Gov. was right.

This document is 114 pages and I just started reading it, but it constantly refers to the cooperation of all levels of government.

:shrug:

[GettysbergII]

5. kick