bush Gets Emergency Phone Call From Blanco Mon. Nite and Goes to Bed!!wtf?

[leftchick]

This is a Killer article about our little boy king and how removed he truly is from reality. Outrageous and Scary....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9287434

How Bush Blew It


<snip>

But it is not clear what President Bush does read or watch, aside from the occasional biography and an hour or two of ESPN here and there. Bush can be petulant about dissent; he equates disagreement with disloyalty. After five years in office, he is surrounded largely by people who agree with him. Bush can ask tough questions, but it's mostly a one-way street. Most presidents keep a devil's advocate around. Lyndon Johnson had George Ball on Vietnam; President Ronald Reagan and Bush's father, George H.W. Bush, grudgingly listened to the arguments of Budget Director Richard Darman, who told them what they didn't wish to hear: that they would have to raise taxes. When Hurricane Katrina struck, it appears there was no one to tell President Bush the plain truth: that the state and local governments had been overwhelmed, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was not up to the job and that the military, the only institution with the resources to cope, couldn't act without a declaration from the president overriding all other authority.

<snip>Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a motherly but steely figure known by the nickname Queen Bee, knew that she needed help. But she wasn't quite sure what. At about 8 p.m., she spoke to Bush. "Mr. President," she said, "we need your help. We need everything you've got."

Bush, the governor later recalled, was reassuring. But the conversation was all a little vague. Blanco did not specifically ask for a massive intervention by the active-duty military. "She wouldn't know the 82nd Airborne from the Harlem Boys' Choir," said an official in the governor's office, who did not wish to be identified talking about his boss's conversations with the president. There are a number of steps Bush could have taken, short of a full-scale federal takeover, like ordering the military to take over the pitiful and (by now) largely broken emergency communications system throughout the region. But the president, who was in San Diego preparing to give a speech the next day on the war in Iraq, went to bed.!!!!!!!


So there you have it you repuke boy king enablers. Your cic went into dreamworld after getting an emergency SOS from a state in a country he swore to protect. Is it sinking in yet??

:grr:

[joanne]

1. Did Pickles read "My Pet Goat" to the Chimp at bedtime?

Nothing surprises me about the Chimp.

[johnfunk]

28. But it was way past Commander Bunnypants' normal bedtime!

Pickles should've taken the call. Then maybe something might have been done.

[barbaraann]

2. They haven't met her specific requests either.

http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=3826259

[jasmeel]

4. Blanco needs to bring non stop attention to * and FEMA's failure

to respond. NOW!

[barbaraann]

6. You're right but she's been laying low the last few days.

:shrug:

[leftchick]

10. She looked fearful to me

I hope she is talking with Landeraux because she looked scared to talk too much this morning. I am afraid they are threatening her in some way.

[jasmeel]

3. I've been trying to understand this part of the story

I don't understand why the national guard needs to be federalized to act? It sounds like the feds were doing a shitty job as it was so their taking over wouldn't have helped anything. Any thoughts?

<snip> According to Sen. David Vitter, a Republican ally of Bush's, the meeting came to a head when Mayor Nagin blew up during a fraught discussion of "who's in charge?" Nagin slammed his hand down on the table and told Bush, "We just need to cut through this and do what it takes to have a more-controlled command structure. If that means federalizing it, let's do it."

A debate over "federalizing" the National Guard had been rattling in Washington for the previous three days. Normally, the Guard is under the control of the state governor, but the Feds can take over—if the governor asks them to. Nagin suggested that Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, the Pentagon's on-scene commander, be put in charge. According to Senator Vitter, Bush turned to Governor Blanco and said, "Well, what do you think of that, Governor?" Blanco told Bush, "I'd rather talk to you about that privately." To which Nagin responded, "Well, why don't you do that now?"

The meeting broke up. Bush and Blanco disappeared to talk. More than a week later, there was still no agreement. Blanco didn't want to give up her authority, and Bush didn't press. Jindal suggested that Bush appoint Colin Powell as a kind of relief czar, and Bush replied, "I'll take that into consideration." Bush does not like to fire people. He told Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to go down to Louisiana and sort out the various problems. A day later FEMA's Brown was on his way back to Washington.<snip>

[leftchick]

7. I do not believe it does need to be

It wasn't in MS and Al and they have NG working in there. As Nagin pointed out in an interview last night NONE of these issues came up in other States affected. The Governor only needs to ask for help and the guard can come in with the Governor having control over where they go and how long they stay. chimpy capone was trying to strong arm her.

[jasmeel]

14. Do you have a link or info on that interview? I've only heard that

Nagin was criticizing Blanco's response. Thanks!

[leftchick]

17. here you go....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4731395

[Roland99]

9. US National Response Plan

http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/NRP_FullText.pdf (PDF)

pp. 42-44

Immediate Response Authority
Imminently serious conditions resulting from any civil
emergency may require immediate action to save lives,
prevent human suffering, or mitigate property damage.
When such conditions exist and time does not permit
approval from higher headquarters, local military
commanders and responsible officials from DOD
components and agencies are authorized by DOD directive
and pre-approval by the Secretary of Defense, subject to
any supplemental direction that may be provided by their
DOD component, to take necessary action to respond to
requests of civil authorities consistent with the Posse
Comitatus Act (18 U.S.C. § 1385). All such necessary
action is referred to as “Immediate Response.”


Proactive Federal Response to Catastrophic Events
The NRP establishes policies, procedures, and
mechanisms for proactive Federal response to
catastrophic events. A catastrophic event is any natural
or manmade incident, including terrorism, that results
in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or
disruption severely affecting the population,
infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale,
and/or government functions. A catastrophic event
could result in sustained national impacts over a
prolonged period of time; almost immediately exceeds
resources normally available to State, local, tribal, and
private-sector authorities in the impacted area; and
significantly interrupts governmental operations and
emergency services to such an extent that national
security could be threatened. All catastrophic events are
Incidents of National Significance.

Implementation of Proactive Federal Response Protocols
Protocols for proactive Federal response are most likely
to be implemented for catastrophic events involving
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield
explosive weapons of mass destruction, or largemagnitude
earthquakes or other natural or technological
disasters in or near heavily populated areas.

Guiding Principles for Proactive Federal Response
Guiding principles for proactive Federal response
include the following:
■ The primary mission is to save lives; protect critical
infrastructure, property, and the environment;
contain the event; and preserve national security.
■ Standard procedures regarding requests for assistance
may be expedited or, under extreme circumstances,
suspended in the immediate aftermath of an event of
catastrophic magnitude.
■ Identified Federal response resources will deploy and
begin necessary operations as required to commence
life-safety activities.
■ Notification and full coordination with States will occur,
but the coordination process must not delay or impede
the rapid deployment and use of critical resources.
States are urged to notify and coordinate with local
governments regarding a proactive Federal response.
■ State and local governments are encouraged to
conduct collaborative planning with the Federal
Government as a part of “steady-state” preparedness
for catastrophic incidents.

Implementation Mechanisms for Proactive
Federal Response to Catastrophic Events
The NRP Catastrophic Incident Supplement (described in the
Catastrophic Incident Annex) addresses resource and procedural
implications of catastrophic events to ensure the rapid
and efficient delivery of resources and assets, including special
teams, equipment, and supplies that provide critical lifesaving
support and incident containment capabilities. These
assets may be so specialized or costly that they are either not
available or are in insufficient quantities in most localities.
The procedures outlined in the NRP Catastrophic
Incident Supplement are based on the following:
■ The pre-identification of Federal assets and capabilities;
■ The strategic location of pre-identified assets for
rapid deployment; and
■ The use of pre-scripted mission assignments for
Stafford Act declarations, or individual agency
authority and funding, to expedite deployment upon
notification by DHS (in accordance with procedures
established in the NRP Catastrophic Incident
Supplement) of a potential catastrophic event.
Agencies responsible for these assets will keep DHS
apprised, through the HSOC, of their ongoing status and
location until the JFO is established. Upon arrival at the
scene, Federal assets will coordinate with the Unified
Command, the SFLEO, and the JFO (or its forward
elements) when established. Demobilization processes,
including full coordination with the JFO Coordination
Group, are initiated either when the mission is
completed or when it is determined the magnitude of
the event does not warrant continued use of the asset.

That means the Federal Gov't could have waived the requirement for a State's Gov. to formally request specific assistance and send in the US military to conduct relief operations (but not engage in law enforcement). This would not have been in violation of Posse Comitatus and the Insurrection Act would not have needed to be invoked, either. The military would have been acting as no more than bodyguards and, likely, would not have encountered any resistance if they showed up in force (if you're a looter...the real looters, that is...are you going to engage the freakin' MILITARY?)

Countless lives could have been saved as well as political face for this admin.

[journalist3072]

5. He likes to go to bed by 9 PM

Remember when Bush was first coronated, there were 2 things he told White House staff: 1) he likes to go to bed by 9 PM and 2) he's not a big reader, so try to keep written briefings to 1-2 pages.

[Inland]

8. All her fault, didn't say "mother may I?"

[Infomaniac]

11. Let us Whine in the Republican Way....

Itza haaaarrrdd wheerrkk bein' presnident. Whhhaaaahhhhh.

Seriously, this man's sleep, vacation and time to exercise requirements do not gel with the work habits or work ethic of most Americans. He vacations like a french aristocrat, exercises like he's training to run a weekly marathon and spends more time in his bed than a hooker at the Mustang Ranch.

[livvy]

26. "Spends more time in his bed than a hooker at the Mustang Ranch"

:rofl: Thank you for that line. I've been really upset all day. The nitwit and his malicious troop, Katrina's devastation...it's all kind of swirled around my head today, until I've felt like I'm about to blow. I needed a good chuckle, and that was it. Spent more time in his bed than a hooker at the Mustang Ranch....indeed! Still chuckling...

[Infomaniac]

30. In these troubled times...

we all have to do what we can to find a few yucks. Unfortunately, the Busheviks give us so much material.

[Spiffarino]

12. Kicked and nominated

I'm kicking all the "he went to bed" posts. Please share this with your right wing friends and neighbors. It's a complete and total outrage.

[DoYouEverWonder]

13. Bush could have ordered the military to take over?

Apparently he did but no one hardly noticed. It was reported on AP that the Pentagon took control by Wednesday at the latest.



Pentagon Coordinating Katrina Response

August 31, 2005

WASHINGTON - An additional 10,000 National Guard troops from across the country began pouring into the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, adding new soldiers and airmen to shore up security, rescue and relief operations in the region ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The new units brought the number of troops dedicated to the effort to more than 28,000, in what may be the largest military response to a natural disaster.

Fully one-third of the 21,000 National Guard troops descending on the Gulf Coast from across the country will be used for security, to prevent looting, enforce curfews and enhance local law and order, said Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, commander of National Guard forces.

In a massive response that was still unfolding Wednesday, the
Pentagon was sending a broad contingent of ships, aircraft, trucks, medical support and other personnel to support federal agencies already providing aid to the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1741738

[Bluebear]

15. He was asleep by 11pm on September 11, too.

As the nation lay wide awake.

[jasmeel]

16. Fuckin' criminal. eom.

[lateo]

18. Give the guy a break ok?

Its "hard work" being a president on vacation...for 5 weeks.

[Botany]

19. Key question

When exactly did * know that the levee was breached?

:grr:

[katinmn]

31. just after he approved the order to detonate the dynamite

[Blue_Roses]

20. this "employee" of Governor Blanco

sounds real loyal:eyes:

Secondly, this is a disaster that not only GREW in proportions to the "available" resources, it was unforseen that the levees would break aka:Bush. :sarcasm:

[AnnInLa]

21. And, before she was able to even talk to him at all,

http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/9/11/14128/8887

The day the storm hit, asked President Bush for "everything you've got." But almost nothing arrived, and she couldn't wait any longer. So she called the White House and demanded to speak to the President. George Bush could not be located, two Louisiana officials told Time, so she asked for chief of staff Andrew Card, who was also unavailable. Finally, after being passed to another office or two, she left a message with DHS adviser Frances Frago Townsend. She waited hours but had to make another call herself before she finally got Bush on the line. "Help is on the way," he told her.

Kos quotes from Time Mag...reg required

[redacted]

22. Must Read NT!!!!

[Helga Scow Stern]

23. "Life inside a bunker..."

"Late last week, Bush was, by some accounts, down and angry. But another Bush aide described the atmosphere inside the White House as "strangely surreal and almost detached." At one meeting described by this insider, officials were oddly self-congratulatory, perhaps in an effort to buck each other up. Life inside a bunker can be strange, especially in defeat."

I guess that reporter had watched the movie about Hitler's last days, Downfall.

[leftchick]

25. yes , in a bunker is fucking perfect

:grr:

[TheCentepedeShoes]

24. Why do I think

"deja vu all over again?" (Sorry, Yogi). By the time Prez Pretz went to bed the levee hadn't yet broken. Kind like the Pet Goat episode with planes (that took off late) still in the air.

[Nothing Without Hope]

27. Nagin tried unsuccessfully to reach Bush to beg for the missing copters

to mend the levee breach before New Orleans was drowned. The helicopters were promised, the huge sand bags were ready, but they did not come. Neither did FEMA or anyone else from the Administration who promised to be there with help.

And the city drowned, along with many of its people.

It never had to happen, could have been prevented at multiple time points. And if fact, I've always wondered if that levee weren't blown up by Bush Administration agents. Could have been done easily. With everything else they've done to deliberately prolong the suffering and increase deaths and thoroughly destroy the city - why not? As I understand it, no one noticed that huge gap until it was too big for easy repair - though the helicopter drops could still have done it if they had shown up as promised. You'd think the levee would have been monitored and guarded with sandbag teams....but no.

Nagin's early frustration over the levee in this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4523783

[indepat]

29. It will never sink in to the RW religious zealots and other brainwashed

ideologues, the brain-dead, the ignorant, and the apathetic and, God, this nation is eaten up with those types.

[Mr_Spock]

32. Why isn't Bush's negligence in Iraq and now Katrina grounds for impeachment

He is guilty of involuntary manslaughter due to his negligence. I'd say that he could be convicted of ~10,000 cases of negligent manslaughter. Even with a minimal 5 years per person killed, he should be doing a good 50,000 years in jail for his crimes.