Monday, September 05, 2005

On Federal Lethal Ineptitude

Paul Krugman's editorial in today's New York Times labels the federal response to hurricane Katrina "lethal ineptitude." That's putting it mildly.

Those who have seen video of Aaron Broussard (in Quick Time format), president of Jefferson Parish, on yesterday's Meet the Press might begin to wonder if the ineptitude wasn't criminal in its negligence.

The video of Broussard is "must see" viewing -- even if you are on a slow internet connection. It is five minutes of video that is worth whatever time it takes to download.

Here's video of Broussard's interview for Windows Media Player.

Thanks to the Crooks & Liars weblog for providing the video.

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6 comments:

That guy said...

Factually speaking, hurricane rapid response was indeed better under Clinton. This article from USA Today (Sept 9, 1999) is one demonstration of that.

Bruce Prescott said...

Snoofy, Harold & Green Knight,

Thanks for your posts.

The article about the response to Hurricand Floyd in the Clinton administration shows a dramatic difference in leadership. Proactive instead of reactive.

Bruce Prescott said...

Snoofy,

Here's link that may give you a different perspective:

Rita Cosby interview of .

This link along with the one from the Green Knight above show a marked deterioration in response between the Clinton administration and this one.

Bruce Prescott said...

The interview above is of James Lee Witt, Director of FEMA under Clinton.

Marty said...

As one who is in the trenches working at a Red Cross Shelter, I can testify to the ineptness of FEMA. 90% of the constant all day, one right after another phone calls we get are from Katrina victims who were given our church phone number BY FEMA for financial aid and vouchers for housing. Someone is messing up big time.

Marty said...

Oh...and the Red Cross isn't much better...we get the same calls from victims who have called their get help line..only difference is the Red Cross is trying to solve the problem.