Rick Perry asks Obama for a ‘quick turnaround’ on federal aid after explosion

[Cali_Democrat]

Source: Raw Story

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) on Thursday declared a disaster area and said he planned to request federal funds in response to an explosion at a fertilizer plant in Waco that may have killed as many as 15 people.

At a press conference, the governor thanked President Barack Obama for calling for offer quick action after Wednesday night’s explosion.

“Last night was truly a nighmare scenario for that community,” Perry said. “President Obama called from Air Force One as he was en route to Boston… We greatly appreciate his call, and his gracious offer of support, of course, and the quick turnaround of the emergency declaration that will be forthcoming, and his offer of prayers.”

As a Republican candidate for president in 2012, the Texas governor often railed against federal spending.

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/18/rick-perry-asks-obama-for-a-quick-turnaround-on-federal-aid-after-explosion/

---

Just think about how Republicans, especially from the south, treated the good folks of New York and New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy.

They have no problem crawling to the Federal government for aid when they're hit by disasters. That's fine. But don't try to shaft people in New York and New Jersey when they get slammed by hurricanes.

Just sayin'

[amuse bouche]

1. I thought the fertilizer plant was privately owned?

What's up with Icky Ricky?

He hates federal assistance.Pull up your boot straps Rick

[redstatebluegirl]

2. What happened to them is horrible but

isn't this the state that wanted to leave the USA?

[KatyMan]

5. residents of all 50 states posted

petitions to leave the Union. Not just Texas. And no, we (the thinking people of Texas- and there are a lot of us) don't want to leave the Union. This is a horrible tragedy and we at DU should be above politicking it.

[sadbear]

7. I was born in and live in Texas

and pointing out Goodhair's hypocrisy is not politicking.

[olddad56]

52. This is not a natural disaster.

When was the last time the State of Texas inspected the plant? Let the state of Texas or the fertilizer co pay for it. Who paid for the damage caused by the gas pipeline explosion in the bay area a couple of years ago. Not the the feds, not the state, the gas company paid for the damages.

[xxqqqzme]

124. This is a private corporation

engaged in massive negligence. Why are Federal Funds needed to fix their problems? Now if they want to reimburse the amount of taxpayer money spent to clean up their fuck up, we can talk.

[kardonb]

12. TX

I wish TX would secede ! No more idiocy from that crazy place . Good riddance !

[Skittles]

37. HEY

I live here, and so do plenty of DUers.....not everyone here is a teabagging asshole

[Spitfire of ATJ]

44. Mike Malloy had a regular caller from West Texas with a thick accent...

He was a liberal who thought the people around him were absolutely crazy.

[pamela]

64. 3,294,440 Texans voted for Obama in 2012

Obama got more votes from Texas than from any other states except California and New York. He got more votes from Texas than from Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Hampshire, Delaware and DC COMBINED.

Until recently, I lived in a solid blue state, but I never understood how blue staters could be so smug and dismissive of red states. I travel in a lot of red states and I never forget that there are large numbers of Democrats in all of those states. Plus, red state Dems are amazing! Do folks even realize how incredibly progressive to the core you must be to grow up in those areas and yet not conform?That's true blue.

[Skittles]

69. damn straight we are true blue!!

I'll never call myself a Texan but having lived here since the age of 19 I can damn well say there are a lot of progressives down here!

[rexcat]

87. But 57.2% of Texans voted for Romney...

Just because more people in Texas voted for Obama just means it is a large population state. It would still appear that Romney got a large majority of the vote in Texas at 57.2% of the vote. All 38 electoral votes from Texass went to Romney.

Now I live in Ohio. The majority of voters in Ohio (slim as it was) voted for Obama as we did in 2008 and if I am not mistaken our state pushed Obama to the victory. When Texas goes blue or becomes a state in play talk to me but right now your bragging rights are a little misplaced!

Disclosure - I have lived in Texas and I can say no thank you ever again.

[Eleanors38]

119. More prejudice & division? Would you like acid with that?

[HockeyMom]

3. Yet, Republican Christie was blasted for asking Obama for aid

after Sandy? See how quickly Republicans ask for Federal help when THEY need it?

[Autumn]

4. Wait. Federal assistance for a privately owned company?

I'm very sorry for what they are going through, but shouldn't the businesses insurance take care of that? It's not a natural disaster.

[KatyMan]

6. This business

likely does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. Houses were leveled. So, should the people suffer because of the business?

[Autumn]

8. I don't know. I know I have insurance on my home.

I would expect them to pay and go after the company who caused the damage.

[OldHippieChick]

30. Your insurance won't pay right away

and it won't feed and clothe you -nor will it put a roof over your head while you wrangle w/ them over how much you lost.

[Skittles]

39. ever been through a disaster?

people need help IMMEDIATELY

[Autumn]

41. No, and I understand that. I just wonder if the company's insurance

will be responsible and have to pay back the government.

[Skittles]

43. alas

no in hell will their insurance cover these costs - just another example of privatized profits, socialized risks

[Autumn]

45. I heard on the news that they have been fined several times.

What a load of BS. It's the perfect example.

[Booster]

47. I totally agree with you. If this happened in a blue state, the Repugs would be screaming

their heads off about the gov helping. Hypocrites, all of them.

[Autumn]

56. I remember their attitude after Sandy and Joplin

those were natural disasters, and this is a company who seemed to have problems complying with regulations.

[Cali_Democrat]

9. The people around the business should get all the help they need.

And Americans in New York and New Jersey should get all the help they need when they get hit by hurricanes.

This is a concept many Republicans fail to grasp. They want their Federal disaster money and they don't want to let anyone else have any, especially if they live in blue states.

To them, the people in New York and New Jersey are moochers while the people in Texas are just good 'ol Americans in need.

[Raine1967]

13. EXACTLY. nt

[justice1]

16. I think the problem in the Northeast is the Koch's wanting the property.

[Autumn]

26. I agree completely, I'm just curious if the company is ultimately

responsible.

[Sunlei]

18. To pay for damages is what one gets insurance for?

[Mr. Evil]

10. Icky Ricky - I like that one!

I think Gov. Perry wants to save the business and insurance companies the expense of this tragedy and mess and once again ask the Feds (us) to pay for it. I don't mind direct aid to the individual people involved and affected but the business that blew up and their insurance company should bear the burden of rebuilding the damaged part of the community.

[bvar22]

23. Let the "Free Market" take care of it.

I'm sure the Giant Invisible Hand will show up any minute now.

[adigal]

73. I agree. The good people of this district voted for a Congressman

who voted NO on aid for the northeast after Sandy. They are responsible for voting him in. While I think we should help them, because it is the good and right thing to do, I also think we should take our sweet time, and let's see if the "private forces" they are always touting as capable of stepping in can actually do anything.

[russspeakeasy]

11. Damn, I know I left a government teat laying

around here someplace.

[AzDar]

14. Fucking Hypocrite.

[denverbill]

15. Sorry Goodhair, but we have a SPENDING problem.

And a BORROWING problem.

But god forbid we raise taxes on billionaires or force corporations to pay the same rates they paid 10 years ago.

[eggplant]

17. Federal disaster money isn't for this.

This wasn't some ActOfGod that ran aground on our shores. This wasn't a twister. This wasn't floods, or locusts, or a terrorist attack. It doesn't affect that many people (from a federal perspective, not a personal one).

This was negligence by a private company cited in the past for problems. Homeowners have insurance.

There is absolutely no reason that the federal government should pick up this tab.

[Dan Ken]

77. +1000 !! Give people food, clothing, shelter while

the private enterprise system and the courts sort this out. Texas, itself, should pay, not taxpayers in 49 other states for what Texas let be built and never bothered to inpect nor regulate.

Natural disaster relief is for NATURAL disasters.

[kentauros]

78. By your last statement alone, I can only surmise

that you are against the Environmental Protection Agency. Because if you don't think the government should ever "pick up the tab" for any disaster caused by a private industry, then you haven't been paying attention.

One of the primary functions of the EPA is industrial cleanup, something that often costs us, the taxpayers, at least tens of millions, if not more. I suspect they will be called in to assess and/or help in cleanup in West, Texas as well.

Disasters come in many forms, including from industrial accidents. Take a look at this list of industrial accidents, and tell me... no tell the survivors in West, Texas, why the government has no business picking up the tab for helping them out after this disaster.

[eggplant]

91. You surmise incorrectly.

I'm a big believer in Superfund. *Cleanup* is not the same thing as disaster relief. Cleaning up the site (from an EPA perspective) has nothing to do with helping out the victims. It has to do with helping out the *environment*.

On the other hand, federal disaster money is for helping *people* immediately after a disaster, when the munipality and/or the state would be overwhelmed by the task (due typically to destroyed infrastructure). Clearly that isn't the case here.

[kentauros]

93. Well, the local municipality IS overwhelmed.

So, clearly, that is the case here.

And I really don't understand why it's such a big deal to y'all anyway. All I'm seeing on this thread is a lot of continued hate against all of Texas, as if punishing people in need will make them vote differently next time.

Whatever happened to compassion for all as a common Liberal trait?

[eggplant]

95. Yes, so the problem falls to the state, which is clearly NOT overwhelmed.

It is a particularly galling "request" from Perry after his treatment of Hurricane Sandy victims, and of the federal government in general. The state of TX has the resources to deal with this situation.

[kentauros]

96. I don't have a problem with him asking.

He's a hypocrite, in every absolute meaning of the word. However, I see no problem with the federal government sending aid, in whatever form it takes. We just need to realize that we, as Liberals, are better than these hypocrites, and will help even when not asked first, as Obama did. Makes no difference to me if such a disaster isn't natural. It's still people in immediate need, people that are as much residents of the State of Texas as they are residents of the United States of America.

[eggplant]

97. I have a problem with him asking because he doesn't NEED to ask.

This isn't some epic biblical disaster. It won't overwhelm the state. It has nothing to do with whether we, as liberals, should kick in or not. That's what charity is for. Federal tax dollars shouldn't go to this.

There is a line that has to be drawn. If one person's house burns down, that clearly doesn't qualify for a declaration as a federal disaster. It's tragic, and leaves people in immediate need.

How is this situation different? Is this event so large that between insurance, neighbors, the town, the state, and national charities (say, the red cross) it can't be dealt with? I'm not suggesting that life won't suck for those folks for a while. I'm suggesting that this event does not rise to the level of requiring federal intervention.

I don't know about you, but if I lose my house, my insurance company will quickly get me the money I need to find immediate temporary housing, etc. If it was me and hundreds of thousands of other homeowners at the same time, that would be a problem. This simply isn't a big enough disaster.

[kentauros]

98. You're making one big assumption, though.

That the insurance of the company at fault here will be able to cover everything. It's a small (and likely family-run) business. I don't know who their insurance company is, but I doubt they are ready to cover an industrial accident of this magnitude. It's not like they're an oil company.

I would say, to your analogy, that if your house blew up, killed at least eleven people, and leveled four square blocks of homes, businesses, and schools, that I would expect the feds to show up and help out. Not to mention, I would expect the feds to be investigating your ass, assuming you were still alive.

Whether the state has the ability to cover such a disaster makes no difference to me. Having the federal government either offer, or just show up, is a good thing. And to reiterate, as a compassionate Liberal that helps his fellow Americans, whether they ask for it or not, is what I consider a good trait. This won't break the federal government's pocketbook. So why the big deal over this? All I'm seeing is a lack of compassion and an attitude I would expect from a bean-counting bureaucrat.

[eggplant]

111. Nope.

I'm assuming that each homeowner's insurance will cover their own losses and will then attempt to collect from the company's insurer. It will be in their best interest to settle with the homeowner quickly so they can turn around and be first in line to collect from the likely limited insurance the company holds.

As for your "what's the big deal with asking for a little compassion" question, I would *love* for the government to be more compassionate. I'd love for welfare to pay enough to actually live on. I'd love it if unemployment benefits didn't expire. I'd love it if there was completely socialized medicine available to all. But *I* don't run the government, and neither do you. It works (or doesn't) by compromise. And some of the people who have to be reckoned with are penny-pinching assholes who don't want to spend dime one on anyone but themselves.

Which, not ironically, includes Gov. Perry and his ilk. You don't like it? Take it up with the Rs in congress.

[magic59]

19. Damn big government socialist

My, I guess it takes a village.

[AAO]

22. No, but sometimes it takes a functioning Federal gummint!

[maddogesq]

20. So secession is off the table then, Ricky boy?

Hypocrites abound.

[SemperEadem]

21. Um, weren't you the governor who was talking all shit about secession?

Now you've got your hand out?

[AAO]

24. Yeah, ain't that shit!

Fuck you Rick, and fuck your fucked state too!

Apologies to C. Green

[kentauros]

79. So, what does this part of your profile mean, exactly?

"Love is all around you. You just need to open your heart to let it flow."

[AAO]

85. It means

A closed heart is an empty heart. Is that better?

[kentauros]

86. A little.

I guess it also means that you didn't really mean it when you wrote:

"Fuck you Rick, and fuck your fucked state too!"

Am I right? Or are their "conditions" to an open heart?

[AAO]

88. Yes, I meant that too.

[kentauros]

90. Then, you're contradicting yourself.

While I can understand the sentiment, at least with regards to Gov. Parry, my view is that if you truly hold that an open heart is what we need to let Love flow, then why not let it shine through in your posts? Love is not truly Love if there are conditions or contradicting statements (especially hateful statements made in a broad-brush manner.)

We're not perfect, whether as residents of our home regions or an humans, but as Liberals, I thought we at least tried to take the high road. I'm not seeing that from your initial post and then seeing such a contradicting statement on your profile.

Yes, I'm a Texan. And yes, I'm tired of the unconditional hate lobbed our way on, pretty much, a daily basis here on DU. So, it confuses me when I see someone post what I consider a cool statement of Love on their profile and then turn around and paint the exact opposite in a broad-brush attack on an entire region. It just doesn't make any sense.

[AAO]

92. Things coming out of TX rarely make sense to me.

I'm sorry you are from TX. Maybe you should move if my words strike such a reaction. I have to run back to work now.
Peace. I was not trying to broad-brush all citizens of TX - mainly just the politicians and all the wacko crap that I keep hearing about coming out of TX. There are several other states I feel the same way about.

[kentauros]

94. No, you're not "sorry".

I don't feel it. And no, I'm not moving.

However, I suggest you remove that statement from your profile, especially if your negative sentiment towards Texas is shared with other states in the Union. It's meaningless now.

[AAO]

99. I would ask you to kindly mind your own business.

[kentauros]

102. It's difficult to do so

when I read initial comments like yours towards my home state. Would you not react in kind were I to lob hateful comments at the place you live (and presumably love)? Do notice that I have yet to do that kind of thing here.

Then again, I really should show more restraint than I have. Very few DUers have ever apologized for their sentiment to the state I love as my home. Education never seems to work in swaying that hateful attitude.

[AAO]

103. Have fun in wonderful Texas! Good day!

[AAO]

104. I'm from Madison WI., lob away if it makes you feel better.

I don't take internet insults seriously and you probably would be better off to brush it off yourself.

[kentauros]

106. I have nothing against Wisconsin, or any region of the US.

I just am saddened when I see my fellow DUers acting without much compassion for their fellow Americans. Always seems like there's a condition put in place before help is offered or approved.

However, if you don't take Internet insults seriously, does that mean you didn't actually mean anything you've said prior to all this? Was this all just a ruse to get a rile out of a native Texan? Again, maybe you should change your profile, because I'm not seeing much love of an open heart.

[AAO]

108. Why get worked up over an unknown person on the internet?

First of all, as I said - I am in no way against all Texans, it's the right-wing politicians and their dumbass followers that I'm angry with. And I personally think there is nothing wrong with Perry asking for help - he should - but it's fair to point out the guy is a teabag loving hypocrite.

Peace, brother.

[kentauros]

109. I get worked up about this kind of thing

(as do other Texans here) because Texas is still the Number One Most Hated State In The Union as far as some DU-members are concerned, and they show it every chance they get. Your wording also made it appear you weren't holding yourself to simply the elected officials.

So, expect to be called on it when you (or anyone) broad-brush us, especially with such an emotionally-charged insult as yours was.

Namaste

[AAO]

113. I don't hate any individual person

I hate ideas that hurt hard working people in defense of those much better off. And good for you to hold me to a better standard than I showed at the beginning of this tête-à-tête. I am also (as much as I've fought it) a victim to the anonymous nature of the internet. I don't hate Texas or Texans. That would be the kind of broad generalization that I've fought against my entire life.

Sometimes in the heat of a moment, I say things without thinking that are not necessarily the way I would say such things if I wasn't "anonymous".

KT, I hope you will accept my sincere apologies.

[AAO]

100. And yes, I truly am sorry you are living in TX.

[Gore1FL]

25. I can only assume

Justin Amash (R-MI)
Andy Barr (R-KY)
Dan Benishek (R-MI)
Kerry Bentivolio (R-MI)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Jim Bridenstine (R-OK)
Mo Brooks (R-AL)
Paul Broun (R-GA)
Steve Chabot (R-OH)
Doug Collins (R-GA)
Mike Conaway (R-TX)
Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Steve Daines (R-MT)
Ron DeSantis (R-FL)
Scott DesJarlais (R-TN)
Sean Duffy (R-WI)
Jeff Duncan (R-SC)
Jimmy Duncan (R-TN)
Stephen Fincher (R-TN)
John Fleming (R-LA)
Bill Flores (R-TX)
Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Trent Franks (R-AZ)
Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Paul Gosar (R-AZ)
Trey Gowdy (R-SC)
Tom Graves (R-GA)
Sam Graves (R-MO)
Andrew Harris (R-MD)
George Holding (R-NC)
Richard Hudson (R-NC)
Tim Huelskamp (R-KS)
Randy Hultgren (R-IL)
Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)
Jim Jordan (R-OH)
Doug Lamborn (R-CO)
Kenny Marchant (R-TX)
Thomas Massie (R-KY)
Tom McClintock (R-CA)
Mark Meadows (R-NC)
Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Mick Mulvaney (R-SC)
Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
Steven Palazzo (R-MS)
Steve Pearce (R-NM)
Scott Perry (R-PA)
Tom Petri (R-WI)
Mike Pompeo (R-KS)
Tom Price (R-GA)
Phil Roe (R-TN)
Todd Rokita (R-IN)
Keith Rothfus (R-PA)
Ed Royce (R-CA)
Paul Ryan (R-WI)
Matt Salmon (R-AZ)
David Schweikert (R-AZ)
Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)
Marlin Stutzman (R-IN)
Mac Thornberry (R-TX)
Randy Weber (R-TX)
Brad Wenstrup (R-OH)
Roger Williams (R-TX)
Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Rob Woodall (R-GA)
Kevin Yoder (R-KS) and
Ted Yoho (R-FL)

will be voting against this relief.

[Booster]

49. Ouch! Good point. Let's just watch what they do.

[adigal]

74. Doubtful n/t

[awoke_in_2003]

27. That's my anti-federalist governor...

Asshat.

[markmyword]

28. Excuse Me!

Excuse me, I'm sorry to hear about this disaster and any other disasters that Texas or any other red state might have.

Since these Republican governors, Representatives and Senators HATE big government and vote against federal programs such as, Obamacare, Social Security, Medicare, Mediaid, or REFUSE to take federal funds to be used in their states.

So WHY whenever they have a flood, tornadoes, fires, oil spills or in this case an explosion, do they ASK for aid???

I'm from a blue state and I'm tired of helping these RED TEABAGGERS out. You turn federal money down that would HELP the people of your state, because you DON'T WANT the federal government involved.

Then DON'T ASK for money when emergencies arise. Either you WANT the federal government to help or you don't! You CAN'T PICK AND CHOOSE when you want the government involved.

I wish these Red states would SECEDE and let the Blue states live in Peace.

[kentauros]

80. More like "live in pieces."

Maybe you can help me out with this. Why is it that in this "discussion" about secession, that (at least on DU) the overwhelming majority that push for the South to secede is coming from residents in Northeastern (and some PNW) states? I don't want to see the South secede. I want to see the United States of America survive and thrive.

In other words, tone down the broad-brush, m'kay?

[PDittie]

29. He thanked Obama in advance

for a 'quick turnaround' on federal aid for an emergency he hasn't declared (as of yet). That is some serious gall.

[Zoeisright]

31. Here's my ass, Perry.

That's all the fucking "quick turnaround" you're going to get, you fucking jerk.

[kitt6]

33. I wouldn't give Rick Perry a dime

until he shuts his hate mongering mouth! Of course this President is so nice.

[libdude]

34. Will the

Republicans ask that any aid for this disaster be offset before it is given?
I am really surprised that the Republic of Texas with their robust economy should even ask for aid. OOPS! Given the fact that the state has two Senators Cornyn and Cruz that don't give a damn about those who suffer individual disasters related to firearms.
Of course help should be given because these are our fellow citizens and that is what Americans do. This in spite of their Gov. Perry and the sorry Senators that the people of the state send to plague the rest of the country.

[JoyBugaloo]

35. OC NY Thanks you!

[on point]

36. Bill them 100% of costs so they understand what deregulation really costs

[DiverDave]

38. And where will most of the money go?

To halliburten,kbr,and every tinhorn that has ever given perry any money.
A small percentage will go to the affected people.
Just another way to rip off the taxpayers of the United States.

Bet anyone 50 bucks that it will happen.

[Thinkingabout]

40. In my judgement the much better man is Obama, he called and spoke to Perry, a sign of a true

President, Perry could take lessons. OOPS needs to publically expressed as regret for his unkind words and learn even though we Texans thinks our state is great, we are greater as a nation. OOPS needs to say he is sorry about being negative about Obamacare and let the uninsured of this state acquire needed health insurance.

[kentauros]

81. Thank you!

Well-said!

[ZRT2209]

42. wow. No shame. None whatsoever.

[PD Turk]

46. The aid should come with one condition

That condition being that Adair Grain Company pay back every last penny, and I don't care if it leaves Donald Adair homeless in his undies to do so. We MUST not let private companies make these kinds of messes and then expect the taxpayers to pick up the tab.

[SDjack]

48. Send emergency help to Texas -- enough OSHA inspectors to curb criminal chemical manufacturers. nt

[muntrv]

50. Take a number, (P)Rick! The line stretches around the block!

[Ilsa]

51. I hope the Congresscritters from areas devastated by Sandy

Will remind Cruz, Cornyn, and the rest of the Texas delegation that voted "no" on disaster relief for them, that they will not be as cruel and vote "yes". I hope it goes in the congressional record.

[kentauros]

84. I agree.

Because refusing aid is just holding a grudge and seeking "revenge", traits that are unworthy of us Liberals.

[oldhippydude]

53. put away the marbles... and think chess

Obama shows up like he did with Sandy.... Perry has the choice, show up or not, either way Perry's screwed... look what happened to Christie, he was not even invited to CPAC

[cleduc]

54. Here Are the Republicans Who Voted ‘No’ on Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds

http://gawker.com/5973255/
From Texas:
Mike Conaway (R-TX)
Bill Flores (R-TX)
Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Kenny Marchant (R-TX)
Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
Mac Thornberry (R-TX)
Randy Weber (R-TX)
Roger Williams (R-TX)

Senators Cruz & Cornyn also voted against it.

[nobodyspecial]

61. Well, I'm sure they won't be hypocrites

and will vote against this as well.

[madrchsod]

55. that asshole is on a mission to illinois to take our jobs

he`s telling illinois business that texas is a better place to do business. well ricky maybe you should shovel up the shit in your state before you start begging in others.

since his state basically supports itself off the federal government why should other states that get less than a dollar for every dollar sent to washington give him a fucking penny?

[DearHeart]

114. His mission seems to be working! Heard this afternoon that IL lost 18,000 jobs last month

second only to OHIO. We're back up to 9.5% unemployment!

[jaysunb]

57. Rick who ?? from where ??

must be a typo.

[Rain Mcloud]

58. Just Say No

to Government Intervention!
[link:

|

[oldandhappy]

59. Put it up for a vote in Congress!!

[bobclark86]

60. I remember the southern assholes voting against Sandy aid...

I would say "fuck Texas," but unlike them, I'm willing to help another American in need... I take the high road, PLUS I get to hold it over their heads...

[cactusfractal]

62. Here's an idea, Rick...

Fuck you, m'kay?

Fuck your secessionist bullshit, your catering to the mouthbreathing wavers of Lone Star flags, your absolute idiocy...

But most of all, fuck YOU.

I have said for a long time that I would not piss on you, Rick, if you were on fire. Today I wish it were you on fire and not the town of West. But it's Americans in pain whose only fault is that they are unlucky enough to live in a state helmed for nearly two decades now by utter fools. I won't let them suffer because you are a douchecanoe of the first magnitude. But let's make sure they know we aren't helping them because Rick "I'm too stupid to name the parts of government I hate" Perry asked for aid from the nation he holds in such disdain.

Yeah. Fuck you.

[Mnpaul]

63. This aid will have to be offset

with defense cuts elsewhere, right?

[TomCADem]

65. His Pitch To California Employers, Come To Texas...

...where we will not burden you with regulations designed to protect employee health and safety.

[Diremoon]

66. Private company

I am sorry for the losses that so many suffered as a result of this accident. But I am sure that they were insured, and if they were insufficiently insured, they have assets that can be used to pay for the damage caused. I know that Rick Perry is used to asking people to turn around quick, but that won't work out side of Texas. There is no reason for them to get aid from the rest of us. The most I would give is my condolences and a nice card.

[sakabatou]

67. They seem to always gripe about spending until...

they need their asses bailed out.

[Monk06]

68. So this is a request for foreign aid then. Being Ricky thinks Texas is an independent nation.

Maybe Obama can arrange a loan from the World Bank.

[Cha]

70. All I can say is..

suck on that rush limpbaugh.

[Brimley]

71. Another red state...

on the DownLow.

[davidwparker]

72. Wouldn't that be socialism or something like that? n/t

[auburngrad82]

75. I'm against giving any money to a state that is the home of Rick Perry and Ted Cruz.

I feel bad for the people, but Cruz and Perry are anti-government so let them figure it out themselves.

[karynnj]

76. This is nowhere as big as Sandy was in NJ/NY and the cause was not nature, but a company

The first source of money should be that company and its insurers - and Texas should have required a reasonable level of insurance.


Seems their Congressmen and Senators were among those saying NJ and NY could afford to deal with it by themselves.


Are we sure that FEMA was not part of what Perry wanted to eliminate - after all he had trouble remembering.

[barbtries]

82. they're hypocrites.

this has been demonstrated countless times.

[Arkana]

83. "Fork over that sweet, sweet federal sponduli

so I can get back to bashing you for being a Kenyan Muzzie Socialist Communazi."

[CanonRay]

89. Federal Aid? Federal Aid? We Texans don't need no stinkin' Federal Aid!

Rick Perry, pre-explosion in unregulated plant.

[TwilightGardener]

101. What will this do for the deficit? We need to tighten our belts!

[Generic Other]

105. Is a quick turnaround like the runaround they gave New Jersey?

Such hypocrites. I think he should ask Gov. Christie what he thinks.

[Sunlei]

107. Federal Aid money should go directly to West, Texas to pay the direct bills.

The Red Cross was there the first night. This is a town of 3,000 people. The Mayor should handle any Federal money granted.

The Corp. that blew up should have major insurance. When I googled them it said 50 million a year and 55 years in business. They listed 9 employees. Sue their insurance and the corp to recover some costs.

[JNelson6563]

110. Absolutely not.

Privately owned company that was allowed to stay in operation by the state, after failure to comply with regulation.

This means the company, the company's insurance and the state should pay for it.

I mean, can't they just pull themselves up by their bootstraps?

Julie

[KamaAina]

112. Was FEMA one of the Federal agencies he wanted to shut down?

[icnorth]

118. We can't be positive

about FEMA Kama, I think it went something like this... "uh uhhh umm edjukashun....er... uuuuh....uuummm kommerce and... ahhhh ummmmm errrrrr uh... can't think of the third one right now..."

[name not needed]

115. Sure. Give em the same "quick turnaround" the Jersey Shore got.

[Marrah_G]

116. We should help them, we should help victims of Sandy

The people shouldn't be punished because their governor is a hypocrite.

[BadGimp]

117. AssClown Award Nominee for the week of 4/20

[Orsino]

120. "Oops." n/t

[yellowcanine]

121. Was he able to name three federal agencies who could provide aid?

[JEFF9K]

122. Texas should pay.

Texans should foot the bill for their regulatory failure.

[Aquavit]

123. Privatize the gains, publicize the losses...

Sorry Ricky, but this isn't a natural disaster. This is solely the fault of your precious private enterprise. The private owners of the facility should be solely responsible for the costs of fixing this.

[matt819]

125. Gosh, corporations are people, my friend

Or, even if corporations were corporations, doesn't sound like a federal government problem to me. Hope the West Fertilizer Company had insurance. Lots of it.