Obama prepared to call for Congressional hearings on Feds re: Katrina

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said he would call for congressional hearings into the federal government's preparations and response.

"The response was achingly slow, and that, I think, is a view shared by Democrats, Republicans, wealthy and poor, black and white," the freshman senator said. "I have not met anybody who has watched this crisis evolve over the last several days who is not just furious at how poorly prepared we appeared to be."

The South Side Democrat called FEMA's slow response "baffling." "I don't understand how you could have a situation where you've got several days' notice of an enormous hurricane building in the Gulf Coast, you know that New Orleans is 6 feet below sea level. ... The notion that you don't have good plans in place just does not make sense," Obama said.

Obama said he expects his counterparts in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama will call for congressional hearings, but he is ready if they do not. "It's heartbreaking and infuriating and, I think, is embarrassing to the American people.''

http://www.suntimes.com/output/hurricane/cst-nws-daley03.html

[JuniperLea]

1. Good on him

I hope he follows through.

[Plausible]

5. They all need to be speaking up

this has been a national disgrace and Smirk needs impeached.

[JuniperLea]

8. Yep.. he needs his sorry, criminal ass impeached

that's for sure!

[tavalon]

10. Having read his book

I'd be mighty surprised if he doesn't.

[mattclearing]

2. Good for him.

Strangely, I think this is the first I've heard of him spearheading something since being elected.

[Wickerman]

3. nominated

Great to see a voice calling for acountability for this disastor

[terrya]

4. Great news. I'll call his office Tuesday and urge him to follow through.

[Pithy Cherub]

6. Senator Obama is finding his voice!

Hi voice shall be a powerful one that will resonate and reverberate in the halls of Congress. Speak strongly and stand proudly, Mr. Obama, the people are counting on you to be a voice for those who have no champion.

[Lilyhoney]

7. I have faith in Obama. nt

[jillan]

9. Didn't Obama come from poverty?

This could have have been especially hard for him to watch.