Note the differences in Bush's response to Katrina this year compared

[snippy]

to his response to the hurricanes that hit Florida in an election year. In 2005 he continued his fundraising vacation as the hurricane approached. But in 2004 when he was facing re-election, and solely for political purposes, he mobilised FEMA before the hurricane hit and gave FEMA carte blanche to reimburse people for non-hurricane related expenses.

State records show Bush re-election concerns played part in FEMA aid

Consultant predicted a `huge mess'

By Megan O'Matz & Sally Kestin
Staff Writers
Posted March 23 2005


As the second hurricane in less than a month bore down on Florida last fall, a federal consultant predicted a "huge mess" that could reflect poorly on President Bush and suggested that his re-election staff be brought in to minimize any political liability, records show.

. . .


But politics was foremost on the mind of FEMA consultant Glenn Garcelon, who wrote a three-page memo titled "Hurricane Frances -- Thoughts and Suggestions," on Sept. 2.

The Republican National Convention was winding down, and President Bush had only a slight lead in the polls against Democrat John Kerry. Winning Florida was key to the president's re-election. FEMA should pay careful attention to how it is portrayed by the public, Garcelon wrote in the memo, conveying "the team effort theme at every opportunity" alongside state and local officials, the insurance and construction industries, and relief agencies such as the Red Cross.

. . .

"Communication consultants from the President's re-election campaign should be brought in," he wrote. "Above all, everybody's got to understand that no amount of flogging DHS/ FEMA will insure that the recovery will go perfectly. This is going to be a huge mess. The public needs to be prepared for it."

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-fema23mar23,0,5221240.story

In 2004 Bush pretended to care, but in 2005 Bush couldn't be bothered.

[blondeatlast]

1. But he really did care--that was Jebbie's home.

Have I mentioned lately how truly twisted and depraved this "president" is?

:mad:

[snippy]

2. You are right. He actually did care. But only about votes, not people.

Sadly for the people devastated by hurricane Katrina, there are no votes to be bought this year. And that is why the vacation was more important than the hurricane.

If you haven't "mentioned lately how truly twisted and depraved this 'president' is," you really should.

[Deep N RedLand]

3. Two other reasons.

1. The obvious...his pumpkin-head brother is governor here.

2. More of his hard-core base is here. It's as simple as all the low-paying corporations in Florida (supporters) vs. the largely minority population who he knew didn't vote for him (none-supporters)in New Orleans.

But, before one extols the virtue as his assistance to us last year, know that some of us were never given help from FEMA for obvious damage while at the same time people in Miami who had no damage were cut checks on the spot. The rest had to fight it out with insurance deductibles and arbitration and in our case, accept a low-ball settlement and eat the rest.