Keep Politicizing Katrina.

[reprehensor]

Plenty of reasons why.

The Washington Monthly

September 1, 2005

CHRONOLOGY....Here's a timeline that outlines the fate of both FEMA and flood control projects in New Orleans under the Bush administration. Read it and weep:

January 2001: Bush appoints Joe Allbaugh, a crony from Texas, as head of FEMA. Allbaugh has no previous experience in disaster management.

April 2001: Budget Director Mitch Daniels announces the Bush administration's goal of privatizing much of FEMA's work. In May, Allbaugh confirms that FEMA will be downsized: "Many are concerned that federal disaster assistance may have evolved into both an oversized entitlement program...." he said. "Expectations of when the federal government should be involved and the degree of involvement may have ballooned beyond what is an appropriate level."

2001: FEMA designates a major hurricane hitting New Orleans as one of the three "likeliest, most catastrophic disasters facing this country."

December 2002: After less than two years at FEMA, Allbaugh announces he is leaving to start up a consulting firm that advises companies seeking to do business in Iraq. He is succeeded by his deputy, Michael Brown, who, like Allbaugh, has no previous experience in disaster management.

more@link

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[applegrove]

1. It doesn't need to be politicized. It is a tragedy and a lesson

for all Americans.

[NoPasaran]

4. If this is not to be politicized there is no reason for politics

Bush and his cronies are to blame for a large proportion of the human suffering from this disaster and they need to be held accountable.

[reprehensor]

6. It's a fact.

Cronyism and budget cuts helped to drown New Orleans.

There is no hope for Republicans who cannot see this.

The only question is, when will Shrub promote Brown?

(How's it goin', BTW?)

[Faygo Kid]

7. Holding people responsible is not politics.

[annabanana]

2. (wrong link)

[newscott]

3. This is the same thing that happened on 9/11

The head of Massport security at Logan was a political appointee. She had no experience whatsoever.

The hurricane disaster is that scenario writ large where all of America can see it.

[reprehensor]

5. How many disasters will it take?

FEMA sure as f*ck isn't going to save our asses next time. Now that the Shrub has screwed it to hell.

Look for Shrub to promote Brown when this is calmed down a bit.