About FEMA, I need some answers...HELP!!

[serryjw]

We all know of every executive order that has become law in the last 20 years to give FEMA unprecedented powers under Martial Law. What happens NOW. IF * declared ML would FEMA have this power to take over the country?

[Kagemusha]

1. What do you mean, in the last 2 years?

I thought it went way earlier than that (source of conspiracy theories, mostly of the right wing, for what, a generation?)... and sure Bush can, but have you read about how chicken the Pentagon was of something of the sort actually being done re: New Orleans? Food for thought.

[pitohui]

2. fema can't even find its ass w. its elbow

fema is not going to take over the country

there has been a state of emergency (our term for martial law) in louisiana since before the disaster & so far fema has not even been able to take over a fart in a windstorm

i would be happy if fema had the power & ability to effect rescues & distribute supplies for survival or rebuilding, that's their freakin job & they can't even do that half the time

[rustydad]

3. Historicaly

Fema has always been a funding agency. It has no immediate reaction plans. It defers to local and state and other Federal agencies for immediate responce to disasters. It comes in after and funds the local resources and funds any repair or clean up. It is misnamed. Should be called the Federal Disaster Financial Managment Agency. It is and always has been staffed by political cronyism. Essentially worthless except for the checks they write. Bob

[gumby]

4. Maybe it's NOT an accident that we don't know

what OUR federal agencies actually do.

Like the "Energy Department" building nukes?

Ronnie Raygun's FEMA was all about the "Continuation of Government" - or something like that. They even built lead lined semi-trucks outfitted with the latest communication equipment to drive (save)around the "important people" who would "continue" the government if we were nuked by the USSR. There are apparently HUGE underground cities for the "important people" in any upcoming "disasters."

We The People know very little about what OUR government is REALLY doing.

[serryjw]

5. We know it all..

Everything you wrote plus a bunch more has been discussed ad nauseum on DU. ONLY 6% of FEMA budget ( Before DHLS was established) went to natural disasters.....that was my point of the post.

[gumby]

6. Well, let me say this about that:

Who knows what the "laws" are anymore?

I think Bush just tried to use FEMA for a military takeover. That's why the "response" to NO was so delayed.

The use of FEMA was just an attempt at "cover," just like the SCOTUS decision in the 2000 election.

Does it really matter about the "legal" prerogatives of FEMA when we have an Imperialist Government who creates their own reality?

I think the Governor of LA is very brave.

[serryjw]

7. Please explain

I think Bush just tried to use FEMA for a military takeover

[gumby]

8. Are you asking me to explain your premise?

The "military takeover" only applies to LA (as a start).

There is much "chatter" (some of it reliable) that Bush withheld the relief operations in order to get the Gov. of LA to grant him Federal/FEMA control of LA.

Isn't that a "military takeover" of at least one State with billions of "reconstruction" dollars at stake?

[gumby]

9. Based upon my conversation with you here,

I am considering you a "government" mole.

Either that, or someone who expects others to read your mind.

edit: It seems that your vague posts all revert to entrapment. "HELP" my ass.