Florida/2004=FEMA okay! Louisiana/2005=FEMA sucks!

[ktowntennesseedem]

So what's the difference? The same FEMA leadership did a fantastic job getting relief to Florida last year after four hurricanes ripped across the Sunshine State. But this year you will find more skills and competence in a Three Stooges Film Festival! I guess having a natural disaster in a non-election year wasn't such a good idea; and of course having a Governor named Bush doesn't hurt either.

My apologies to any other DU'ers who have noticed the same about-face from last year; this is in no way my original idea. But I haven't seen it discussed much at all, here or otherwise. Most everything I read and hear speaks of this as if it is their first time dealing with such a situation, and their incompetence has been exposed. As bad as that is, it is even worse to think that they actually ARE up to the job and failed this time around.

(I'm sure Florida was no picnic in 2004, but from what I hear the response was quite swift and broad. Florida DU'ers, please correct me if I'm wrong!)

[whistle]

1. FEMA was not ok in Florida in 2004...it was very selective as to....

...who got financial help and who did not. If you were wealthy or living in republican neighborhoods you got help. If you were not any of these FEMA passed you by.

[ktowntennesseedem]

3. Thanks for the clarification.

Again, much of what I've heard is that FEMA at least did a better job in '04 than the recent debacle in the Gulf region. But I think any contrast between Florida and Louisiana, even from bad to really bad, will help further condemn the administration that hired them, called all the shots, and ultimately are resposible.

[Totally Committed]

2. When is everyone going to get the fact that FEMA

had less to do with what happened in NO than the fact that the people effected were Black and Poor. This was a response based on the Bush government's perception of the worth of the people. Don't let anyone tell you it wasn't.

Also, Bush's brother is the Governor of Florida. After all Jeb did to steal the 2000 election for Bush, my guess is his state gets carte blanche when in harm's way.

This was abour RACE.

This was about CLASS.

This was about POVERTY.

FEMA would have acted like a house on fire if the President had instructed it to. We owe it to the people of NO who lost everything and suffered unimaginably to NEVER FORGET THAT.

TC

[peacetalksforall]

4. The difference is race and religion and a wild card.

Race - 2004 Florida - mixed race - heavily white

Religion - There is no better pay off to the loyal religious faction of the right wing party than to obliterate New Orleans.

Wild card - if you deprive black victims of food, drink, peace of mind, health and you terrorize them and lock them up, block them off, shut them up, separate them from family, friends, and pets, then not allow helpers, photographers, aid, closure - another large contingent of bigots are satisfied. We know they are there and they are still calling into C-Span. Then, if you don't allow anyone in part of all of the affected areas you get to loot the money and treasures for your Party or a portion of the leaders as appears to have been done on 9-11 and/or in Iraq.

[tanyev]

5. 2004 - Upcoming election.

George Bush immediately rides in to the rescue, personally handing out bags of ice with brother Jeb.

2005 - Stupid hurricane interrupts the boy king's vacation.