Looking for a rebuttal

[Orrex]

I'm reading this piece and finding it to be full of the standard talking points about why Katrina is the fault of local Democrats and in absolutely no way the responsibility of FEMA, which did no wrong.

Has anyone read this, or a rebuttal to it? I know that the points can be addressed individually, but I didn't want to reinvent the wheel if they've been handled previously (and more articulately).

Thanks for any feedback and insight.

[nyhuskyfan]

1. FEMA's mission statement

DISASTER. It strikes anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms -- a hurricane, an earthquake, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, an act of nature or an act of terrorism. It builds over days or weeks, or hits suddenly, without warning. Every year, millions of Americans face disaster, and its terrifying consequences.

On March 1, 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.


The state and local government are responsible for their own jurisdictions, but when incidents escalate to the point that they overwhelm their capabilities, that's why FEMA is there. FEMA doesn't have thousands of rescue workers on their payroll, so they aren't going to be flying helicopters to save people off rooftops, but they are there to coordinate the federal efforts.

The reason for this is simple. If a tornado rips through Dover Delaware this weekend, the local officials are going to have zero experience in handling that type of emergency. They request FEMA's help, and FEMA comes in to run the show.

This article shows that people at FEMA itself understood that the organization didn't do enough. This is a quote from "Brownie" from before the storm hit...

"FEMA is not going to hesitate at all in this storm," Brown said. "We are not going to sit back and make this a bureaucratic process. We are going to move fast, we are going to move quickly and we are going to do whatever it takes to help disaster victims.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1108268&page=1

[Toots]

2. FEMA says a certain percent of people could not be evacuated

I am not sure of the number they used 25% or such. I think the Mayor of New Orleans accomplished a much higher percentage of evacuees than FEMA said was feasible. Either the Mayor did an outstanding job (which is absolutely true) or FEMA just doesn't know what they are talking about (which was made very evident).

[Imalittleteapot]

3. For starters see "Blame Nagin"

at http://www.snopes.com

and

"Eight Big Lies About Katrina"

http://www.alternet.org

[Orrex]

4. Thank you, everyone!

The links and suggestions are very helpful.

[underpants]

5. This too

http://www.thinkprogress.org/katrina-timeline