White House Blames Gov. Sebelius For National Guard Shortages

[babylonsister]

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/08/snow-sebelius/

White House Blames Gov. Sebelius For National Guard Shortages

Kansas is currently missing approximately 60 percent of its National Guard equipment because of the war in Iraq, hampering its ability to respond to the recent tornadoes.

In a “spat reminiscent of White House finger-pointing at Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco after the federal government’s botched response to Hurricane Katrina,” White House Press Secretary Tony Snow this morning blamed Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) for the shortages, saying he was “not aware of any prior complaints” by the governor about the equipment:

If you don’t request it, you’re not going to get it. … As far as we know, the only thing the governor has requested are FM radios. There have been no requests to the National Guard for heavy equipment. … We are eager to provide what Kansas needs. But again there are also - you also have to go through the process of making the request first.

Snow’s statements are incorrect. On repeated occasions, Sebelius made clear to the White House that Kansas was dangerously low on National Guard equipment:

– Dec. 30, 2005: Sebelius writes to Rumsfeld requesting new equipment. “The Guard was critical to responding to recent blizzards and floods in Kansas, yet its ability to respond to similar situations is being diminished by a lack of equipment,” wrote Sebelius. Included with her letter was a list of equipment Kansas had lost to the Iraq war. (Kansas City Star, 1/21/06; Topeka Capital-Journal, 6/29/06)

– Jan. 23, 2006: Sebelius personally urges Bush to increase National Guard funding. In an one-hour motorcade ride in Kansas with Bush, Sebelius expressed concern about “a reduction of National Guard troop strength in its next budget.” Bush assured her he was “dealing” with the shortages. (Topeka Capital-Journal, 1/24/06; Kansas City Star, 3/11/06)

– June 28, 2006: Sebelius sends Army Secretary list of equipment lost in war. In a meeting with Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey, Sebelius told Harvey that the state had lost about $140 million in National Guard equipment to the Iraq war. Her office then sent him a list of the lost equipment. (Topeka Capital-Journal, 6/29/06)

– Sept. 2006: Sebelius lobbies for replacement of National Guard equipment sent to Iraq. “Kansas’ congressional delegation, Sebelius and governors from around the country have been lobbying the Pentagon for increased funding to replace National Guard equipment that has been left in Iraq or damaged beyond repair after repeated use in war.” (AP, 9/5/06)

– Feb. 27, 2007: Sebelius pushes White House and Congress for more funding. “Now the Guard needs Washington’s help,” Sebelius said in press conference on Capitol Hill. “The President and Congress need to step up to the plate and give our Guard members the support they deserve.” (Press Release, 2/27/07)

At today’s White House press briefing, a reporter confronted Snow about Sebelius’s past requests. Snow simply replied, “And what happened was, she actually did get — there was not a formal request. But they’d had conversations.” He also admitted that Sebelius did request more than FM Radios.

The Mahablog has more, here:
http://www.mahablog.com/2007/05/08/america-the-unready/

[Monkeyman]

1. K&R

[BOSSHOG]

2. Damn her, sending her equipment to Iraq during Tornado season

Don't these female dem governors named Kathleen know that they have to take responsibility for everything because when it comes to DISASTERS the bush administration is not responsible for anything. Just ask tony!

[bdamomma]

4. did she send her equipment to be used in Iraq, or was she

not even asked to donate her equipment to Iraq, now, the WH did the same thing lay blame on Governor Blanco and Ray Nagin during Katrina. The WH always looks to blame someone else. Plus the Governor of Kansas did inform the WH about a year ago. Feedback please, just giving my opinion.

[BOSSHOG]

8. The Army

took operational control over the Guardsmen and their equipment. The U. S. Army recalled those troops to active duty. Governors didn't offer up anything, they had no choice. Governor Sebelious was doing her best to take care of her constituents unlike senator brownback. He along with bush continue to

PUT THEIR CONSERVATIVE VALUES OF LYING AND OBFUSCATION ON DISPLAY AND NEVER EVER TAKING RESPONSIBILTY FOR ANYTHING.

[truedelphi]

52. I'm not sure that the Governors don't have any choice - which

doesn't mean that I would ever agree that Sebelius is more to blame than Bush

But I remember during the early 1970's when the Governor of Wisconsin said that he would not let any more people from Wisconsin serve in vietnam.

[tabasco]

61. I am sure.

The Governor of Wisconsin made a meaningless proclamation, albeit for a good cause.

The federal government can take complete control of every swinging richard in the Guard, if it so chooses.

[Vincardog]

3. What ever you hear from the mis-Administration it is a sure thing that the opposite is true.

[emilyg]

35. Always

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. This is playing out EXACTLY like it did with Blanco. Those silly female Democratic Governors just

don't know how to run a state!:eyes: I knew this shit would happen. We shall see if the state gets the relief it needs. Any bets they don't?

[sandnsea]

11. Brownback will get it for them

Just you watch. That will be the spin, that little town has Bushbot written all over it. I sure hope Sebelius is smart enough to get vocal on this in a hurry. This can set Democrats back another ten years in that state.

[waiting for hope]

6. I can't wait until another

Rita roars through Texas...I'm quite sure they will have everything they need. :sarcasm:

[rosesaylavee]

7. Can Governors recall their

national guard troops over the federal govt? If not, should they be able to? Whatever happened to the republican support of state rights over federal?

[JTFrog]

29. Bush stole the National Guard

for the WH with the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

[sandnsea]

9. Sad for Kansas, good for LA

Does Sebelius have the smarts and guts to point out what they're doing? I sure as hell hope so. This bullshit has got to stop.

[Neecy]

10. talk about caught in a big fucking lie!

“And what happened was, she actually did get — there was not a formal request. But they’d had conversations.”

Good lord, they tell so many lies they change lies in mid-lie!

[NoAmericanTaliban]

12. Another Snow Job blame game - those stupid dem women

cannot run anything. Why don't they just stay in the kitchen and bake cookies and let the men run things. Maybe we should take them out of schools and make them cover their ankles... he who does this sound like...

Guess Bush didn't want to interrupt his Queen visit to go to see the victims in Kansas. Wonder what sins they committed to get this tornado upon them.

[SoCalDem]

13. Didn't take long..did it?

She needs to call Blanco..

[Neecy]

14. Sebelius will do just fine

She's tough and smart and politically very savvy. She's also pissed as hell by the Guard situation and I can only imagine her reaction to this Snow shit, as well as the Brownback smear.

I have no worries about our governor - she's going to fight back and hit 'em hard. Tomorrow should be loads of fun when Chimp comes a'calling.

[Joe Fields]

20. Words cannot express how much I admire Governor Sebelius' abilities,

and political acumen. I wish she were Missouri's governor.

[liam_laddie]

40. Kathleen Sibelius is the daughter of former Ohio governor

John Gilligan, who's a pretty well-liked Dem around here (Cincinnati, her/his home town.) Now in his mid-80's, IIRC, he's still active...a member of the Cin'ti. Public Schools Board. He's trying to save a very troubled district. She learned at the knee of quite a guy. :toast:

[skipos]

15. Bush would kill for Sebelius' approval ratings, they are sky high.

She knows what she is doing.

[Cha]

21. bush is killing for

approval ratings but it backfired on his genocidal, fooking ass.

[Bluebear]

16. Translation: Stupid! Stupid stupid Democrat.. women! nt

[catmandu57]

17. Did we expect anthing else?

Nuh huh, not me, I didn't do it. For adults these assholes sure do sound like a bunch of children.
It's just too damn bad that there are millions of people out there who will lap this shit up and blame Sebelius for the lack of equipment, hell, she may have even used black magic to cause the whirlywind.

[spanone]

18. Typical bullshit from bu$h* administration. They have gutted America.

Fucked this nation good.

[TygrBright]

19. Color me, 'so surprised'... ::eyeroll:: n/t

[Javaman]

22. moron* has issued a decree...

"everyone else is at fault for any past present or future disasters, acts of god or basic fuck up on the part of the administration*. the prez* will not be held responsible for the fuck ups that are committed during his* term regardless of it's origin."

Wow, I didn't know this attorney general stuff was so easy! :)

[Bake]

23. I liked SnowJob better when I felt sorry for him because of cancer.

Now he's back and still just a lying @sshole.

Bake

[tavalon]

33. I'm able to hold the two Tonys separate

There is Tony Snow who is fighting cancer and Snowjob is the spokesperson for the Bush Mafia. Two different people. Actually, one of them isn't even human. I suspect you know which one.

[malaise]

24. Yep Tony had to eat some crow today

Fugg these goons.

[Morgana LaFey]

26. Just imagine how much crow he'd have to eat if those journalists

learned to use google and Lexis/Nexis more frequently and reliably?

[malaise]

27. MSM is blatently dishonest

but Bush and Snow won't win this one.

[UrbScotty]

25. Oh quit whining!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

(no offense to babies)

[agincourt]

28. There should be punitive consequences

for an administration that lies this much. It is simply ridiculous and every day that this nest of rats despoil OUR White house is a black stain on our nation's integrity. To lie like they do during a disaster is a disgrace.

[peacetalksforall]

30. All Dem Governors should pay from their own pockets for ads in

the WaPo and local paper to publish all their correspondence. They should also get a web site. Save money up front on advertising rather than using the money for lawyers or public relations people to try to repair the WH lies.

They told us they were bringing honor and integrity to the WH. They didn't tell us that they were working out of the Red House - renamed and repainted in Rove's dis-reality.

[Divernan]

47. Each governor should send demand letters to Bush; CC all requests to Tony Snow.

Every governor in the country should immediately send requests to Bush, listing each member of the national guard (and total number), every item of equipment (and total dollar value thereof) which Bush has comandeered out of each respective state, and spell out their concerns in the event of any disaster, whether natural or manmade, occurring in thier states. These documents should be fairly lengthy. Ask that the fed govt. review them and reply back if they have any disagreements with the accuracy thereof. Send copies to Snow, return receipt and proof of service signature requested.
Send copies of letter and lists to every major newspaper within said state.

[peacetalksforall]

50. Kick because it is a perfect, doable task. Repub Govs who think

they are protected should watch it. Repub Govs: There might be a 'grievance' list against you - on file at the demand of the most juvenile, revenge filled psychotic President that anyone could create.

[MadHound]

31. It's not just Kansas that is lacking, it is the entire country

Go by your closest National Guard Armory, take a look in their lot, what do you see? Does it seem emptier since the last time you looked? A parking lot meant for fifty large vehicles now holding a couple of troop carriers and an anciet tank? This is going on all over the country. Big cities and small, it doesn't matter, their equipment is being pulled over to Iraq and we're left with the dregs.

Civilians don't matter any more to Bushco, he is perfectly willing to bleed this country dry in his quest for oil and empire. Meanwhile we the people are short on protection and response.

Such a comforting thought as I'm watching a flood rolling through Missouri river basin.

[tavalon]

32. Different day

Same fucking song!

Heck of a job, Bushie!

[Kool Kitty]

34. This is what I think-

if you live in a state with a Democratic governor and a natural disaster occurs there-you are shit out of luck. Fuckin' bastards.

[ComerPerro]

36. Classic Bush Whitehouse move here

[Screwfly]

39. there was not a formal request...

Good grief, this comment about needing a "formal request" to get something done sounds like a line from Atlas Shrugged.

I wonder what that fruitcake Ayn Rand would’ve said about a fascist president and a bunch of corporate CEOs running America into the ground?

[happygoluckytoyou]

37. WHAT CAN YOUR STATE DO NEXT...

wellllllll......
i would suggest EACH AND EVERY READER to copy this story to THEIR STATE GOVERNOR (easy to googles the intranets for this)

TELL THEIR GOVERNOR TO..... request everything they need (california needs huge fire fighting stuff to replace the san diego stuff that is in iraq and was NOT available for San Deigo's worst fires in history)

TELL THEIR GOVERNOR TO..... document in their state newspapers the extent of their needs and requests as it relates to equipment not supplied to replace iraq bound stuff

----- as the gop sets new stupid excuses and rules, we should drown them in their own shit

..... my next step is such a note to Arnold

[Olney Blue]

41. YES- get it in writing and scream it from the rooftops.

It's the only way to deal with these liars.

[Divernan]

48. Great minds, etc., Didn't read your reply until I posted mine.

My post adds the touches of cc:ing Snow directly - drown him in documents.
Also, including the names (and home towns would be a good touch) of every member of the guard sent off to war.

[Divine Discontent]

38. HOLD ON a sec....

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....

OK... I'm better now.

They're so funny!

Sadly, hurricane season is on its way, and just like with Katrina shortages, we face this damn problem YET again... I beg the Democrats to push for impeachment after they do all the research they're doing right now.

www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- check it out, top '08 stuff

[deutsey]

42. Ah, the party of "personal responsibility" strikes again

:evilfrown:

[Deep13]

43. I'm surprised they didn't blame her for the tornado. nt

[mahatmakanejeeves]

44. "All right," said the president (sic), "You've covered your ass now."

Blown Cover?

"All right," said the president (sic), "You’ve covered your ass now." The president would never be so dismissive again about the threats....

Yeah, sure.

[SpiralHawk]

45. More Bush White House republicon LIES

What a pack of honorless chickenhawk screwups they are...

[glitch]

46. Every Governor needs to take this to heart and bring their NG troops and equipment home now nt

[Solly Mack]

49. but of course! Bush is never to blame

[ananda]

51. abuse syndrome

Bush and his admin are shameless and unaccountable
bullies who use abuse tactics on everyone and challenge
them to just get over whatever abuse or mess that occurs.
Ugghh.

[IDemo]

53. Would it make any difference if the man in charge disagreed?

For Guard, equipment falls short -> http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0927/p03s01-usmi.html

[The_Counsel]

54. Um... Tony...?

...why should anyone formally request equipment that ALREADY BELONGS TO THEM???

So there you have it, ladies and germs: Reason #452 why waging/maintaining war "just because" is a BAD idea. :eyes:

[greenbriar]

55. she is not stupid

hey chucklenuts bush...don't fuck with my governor. She has facts to back her up
as the Kansas governor, Kathleen Sebelius, has her requests from last year on paper. What a quick climb down Snow job!!



http://newsbusters.org/node/12581


http://www.theolympian.com/131/story/100309.html

Sebelius said she would bring up those concerns with President Bush on Wednesday when he visits the hard-hit Kansas farming town of Greensburg, where a tornado hit Friday, claiming nine lives.

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the state's adjutant general, said the Kansas National Guard was equipped to about 40 percent of its necessary levels, down from the 60 percent it had at the start of the war. About 850 soldiers have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It just leaves you pretty tight," he said. "We're fine for now."

Bunting said Kansas would be asking National Guard units in other states to send specialized soldiers and equipment to help with the recovery.

Randy Noller, spokesman for the National Guard Bureau, said equipment needs have been an ongoing issue since the war began. He said Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, has repeatedly asked Congress for funding to replace equipment being left overseas.

"This is an issue that we've been dealing with for several months," Noller said. "He knows about it and is working to get it fixed."

Sebelius, a Democrat, has written the Pentagon twice and spoke about the issue at great length with Bush in January 2006 when they rode together from Topeka to a lecture in Manhattan.

[krispos42]

56. How DARE Governor Sebelius...

Invade Iraq without thinking of the effect that shifing all those troops and equipment would have on her state! HOW DARE HER!

And LOOK at the deficit her policies and invasion have caused! WE NOW OWE 9 TRILLION DOLLARS thanks to her illegal, immoral invasion in the Middle East! And it's reduced our standing in the world! And... and... she's a big meanie!

[spanone]

57. What a fucking do-nothing administration. They have gutted everything America stood for.

[spanone]

58. duper

[ArbustoBuster]

59. There are three kinds of lies: Lies, damned lies, and the Bush Administration.

...to misquote the famous aphorism.

[mvd]

60. One thing to say

We don't know who we're fighting over there, and we can't prevent attacks over here!