What we will have to overcome in the near future:

[smartvoter]

1. RW talking points echoed in every corner of every form of media putting blame on locals. This drumbeat will go on for years, slowly rewriting history.
2. A fall guy at the federal level to take heat off of W.
3. A bogus panel that will spread as much blame as politically possible to the locals. Probably several panels, in fact -- the Republicans control the House, Senate and whatever independent body is appointed. The goal will be to be in a position to say, "Every investigation concluded xyz."

We all know this is coming -- it's as predictable as the sunrise.

If they are successful they'll confuse the public with smoke and mirrors and the public will decided everyone (which means no one) is to blame here. At the very least, this will translate to: "Bush didn't do well, but the others are no better."

I know the rescue efforts are still underway and we need to focus on those, but we need to be prepared to counter this. The Republicans will have no choice but to throw everything they have at this.

[jean]

1. lay blame ... how about 'take responsibility?' That could be our response

Who takes responsibility?

Who stepped up and took responsibility for search, rescue, relief?

The list is infinite, delineating the bush admin (homeland security, fema) reaction, which was to take no responsibility until they were forced, to sabotage local efforts, to stage photo ops and start catapulting their blame game propaganda.

How shocked would we all be if bush appeared on tv saying "I take full responsibility for the lack of preparation and response." Instead he simpers, "I don't think anyone anticipated ... (fill in the blank)."

[elehhhhna]

2. The FED will stand up when the locals stand down? THREE STATES got hit--

how are one mayor & one Governor responsible for THAT?