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Let the Hurricane Blame Shifting Begin: Landrieu Presses Bush for Aide Coordinator
Sen. Mary Landrieu called Friday for President Bush to appoint a cabinet-level official to direct the federal response to the devastation along the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina. Landrieu, a Louisiana Democrat, said she asked Bush during his tour of New Orleans on Friday to act within 24 hours to put a single official in charge of the overall relief effort who would report directly to him. ''The suffering has gone on long enough,'' she said. ''Now is the time for action.''You tell 'em Landrieu. Why this had nothing to do with the ineptitude of the democratic governor, the mayor and police chief. Right? There also were calls from Republicans for Bush to name a prominent official to oversee the recovery effort. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich suggested former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Rep. John Sweeney, R-N.Y., suggested Giuliani, former Secretary of State Colin Powell or retired Gen. Tommy Franks to take charge. President Bush acknowledged Friday before leaving Washington that ''the results are not acceptable'' and promised that the government would restore order in lawless New Orleans. He has faced increasing criticism from state and local officials for the government's slow response to the disaster. Landrieu joined the chorus Friday. ''The people of Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have suffered in a desperate and unprecedented way, waiting for the administration to employ the full resources of the United States government, resources which, for whatever reason, have yet to arrive,'' she said. ''Hopefully, after today's visit, President Bush understands the enormity of our situation here on the ground and will put the full weight of his office behind our recovery efforts,'' she said. Wasn't it President Bush that convinced the lame governor to proclaim a mandatory evaculation? Well, ya Before the creation of the Department of Homeland Security following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported directly to the president. FEMA was folded into the new department and its head now reports to Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff, rather than to Bush. Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., said Friday he intends to introduce legislation next week to separate FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and to call for a complete review of FEMA operations. Posted by: Captain America 2005-09-03 |
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