Something I'd never thought of

[jjmalonejr]

Johnny Wendell on KTLK (Air America's affiliate here in Los Angeles) just had a caller on who pointed out that the reason why the the White House and the Congressional Republicans are so dead set against an independent Katrina commission is because they CAN'T REDACT THE DAMAGING INFORMATION and claim that it's because of a national security concern.

This is why it's so important for us to demand this investigation. The results will be DAMNING and Bush Administration failures cannot be covered up, because there will be no so-called "classified information" to redact. It'll all be laid bare.

Let's get to work.

[hootinholler]

1. Good one! Recommended.

They will try though. Emergency preparedness actually is a national security issue if you're not prepared as it demonstrates weakness.

On another note, I had similar thoughts in this thread.

-Hoot

[jjmalonejr]

2. Yeah, I thought it was a great point. Wish I'd thought of it,

You're right that emergency preparedness is a national security issue, but the point is that Americans will not buy the idea that information can be redacted from any report on the federal response to Katrina.

At least the issues surrounding 9/11 had to do with intelligence matters that could arguably be sensitive from a national security standpoint.

No dice on Katrina. People will want the whole story and won't buy the black marker lines through the juicy parts.

[rosesaylavee]

3. Nominated. Kicked. n/t

[salin]

4. Oh sure they can... along the lines of:

"having information about our emergency preparedness become public knowledge, would give information to the terrorists who wish to do us harm."

Bank on it.

[jjmalonejr]

5. Oh, I have no doubt they'll float that idea.

It'll never fly.

[skids]

6. In fact, an independent investigation need not be federal.

The governors could get an independent panel together and turn them loose and they would be able to tackle 90% of the needed investigation.

Not as good as a federal commission, but less likely to be a whitewash.

[jjmalonejr]

7. But would a commission like that have the necessary subpoena power?

I don't think so.

[Jackpine Radical]

8. 2 of the Govs are Puggies.

Guess who they'd put on the panel. Matalin, Rove, Jim Baker & Jeb, with Ann Coulter to keep them honest.

[Usrename]

9. I'm thinking about the two nursing home owners that were arrested.

I hope that case goes to a jury. They need lawyers that will hound this White House. It should not be plea bargained away because it is an opportunity to find out the real cause of death for the 34 who died there. Was there death caused by the failure to evacuate, or the failure of the Army Corps of Engineers to upgrade the levees? Could they have been saved by appropriate response during the aftermath? Just wish somebody with subponea powers would use it.

Remember Paula Jones!