Maybe Chertoff is starting to get FEMA's incompetence
Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff lashed out at Federal Emergency Management Agency for its latest misstep. This time FEMA officials held a phony news conference to make it appear that the disaster agency did a great job during the Southern California wildfires. FEMA employees played the part of reporters, who asked softball questions of their FEMA bosses.
So Chertoff is angry. But that doesn't solve the basic problem. FEMA is a mess and every time there's a disaster, something goes wrong with the agency's response. Maybe we should change the name to BFIDA: Big Fat Incompetent Disaster Agency. At least it would be living up to its name.
The Los Angeles Times also reports on the latest FEMA crisis. Here's the Times' story.
Here's a later story from CNN.
Comments
To term this,a PR problem, a crisis is ridiculous.It's unfortunate that it happened but maybe the media should focus on the relief effort and see if FEMA has improved their response.They are not first responders but 2 to 3 days after a disaster they should be in place.The biggest difference between this and Katrina was the response of those affected and the local and state agencies.They did a decent job. It might take a couple of weeks to more accurately assess FEMA.No reason not to take a shot at the Bush administration though. So predictable.
Posted by: Brian Murray | October 29, 2007 7:21 AM
2-3 days? We're not a third world country (yet). They sure didn't wait that long to respond to Hurrican Andrew in Florida. They were right there on the spot, taking care of evacuees and handing out money like candy. Of course, that was a swing state governed by GWB's brother just before the 2004 elections.
Posted by: Mike D. | October 29, 2007 7:54 AM
Brian,
Last I heard the Department of Homeland Security and the White House Press Secretary are part of the Bush administration (one is a Cabinet position no less). It appears the Bush administration is taking a shot at itself, as they should. On the Homeland Security website under Strategic Goals is the following statement: “Response — Lead, manage and coordinate the national response to acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.”
“Lead, manage and coordinate” don’t sound like things to do 2 or 3 days after a disaster.
Posted by: Wayne | October 29, 2007 2:51 PM
Day 1 is the disaster.Day 2-3 is acceptable unless they have a crystal ball.Get real-you are gonna be on your own Day 1.Better be prepared and have your own action plan.Mike D.-I guess you chart these things or are you you going from memory?Isn't the local and state response going to have more immediate impact Day 1-2.I'm disappointed with the faux reports too-but calling it a a crisis, that's just as bad.
Posted by: Brian Murray | October 31, 2007 7:52 AM
Blackwater got there on day 1...
Posted by: john swift | October 31, 2007 9:29 AM
So why did they get there quicker after the fires than they did after the hurricane? They knew the hurricane was coming days before it hit. They knew it was going to be really bad. No crystal ball was needed. Anyone with an ounce of common sense should have known that local responders would be overwhelmed.
Posted by: Mike D. | October 31, 2007 9:43 AM