Congress: Hold Bush Accountable on Failed Katrina Response

[Ian David]

Congress: Hold Bush Accountable on Failed Katrina Response

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has devastated New Orleans and nearby communities in one of the largest disasters in our history. The full extent of the tragedy will not be known for some time now, but it's safe to say that the long-term impacts will be staggering.

Regrettably, much of the damage may have been preventable. Critically important work on upgrading levees was shortchanged out of the federal budget. Wetlands that could have mitigated the storm surge were filled and developed. Disaster mitigation funding at the Federal Emergency Management Agency was cut sharply in recent years. President Bush was on extended vacation and plaintively noted that "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees" - even though this was blatantly false.

Congress must hold this administration accountable for its mistakes and failures to adequately plan for this catastrophe, as well as delays in mounting an effective response. The vulnerabilities of New Orleans -- such as levees in desperate need of reinforcement -- were known for decades, but necessary preventative steps were never taken. Why not?

At the same time, if we as a nation are to mount an effective response and assist those in dire need, we need to hear a call for shared sacrifice from both Congress and the Administration.

Donations to charities will be helpful, but only the Federal government will be able to adequately address a catastrophe of this magnitude. When our nation is running enormous deficits, spending approximately $5 billion per month to occupy Iraq, and now facing a disaster response of unprecedented magnitude, further tax cuts to the wealthy are simply unconscionable.

Congress should also step in and hold hearings on oil company price gouging. Gasoline prices are expected to rise sharply in coming weeks -- but the oil companies are already making record profits. Rising fuel costs represent an enormous tax on all Americans; oil companies should sacrifice some of their profits to keep the American economy from going into a tailspin.

Call to action
Ask your representative and senators to hold this Administration accountable for mistakes in planning for this disaster, and call for shared sacrifice from all Americans to mount an effective response.

Go to:
http://www.workingforchange.com/activism/action.cfm?itemid=19560

[Vincardog]

1. WE must hold this administration and Congress accountable

WE the people have to take back our vote our voice and our power.
Remember they work for US