What a difference...Just watched the brief snip of the FEMA team mtg. with the President.

[pinto]

The tail end of regional reports from state officials in areas impacted by Irene. A great example of how the various roles mesh in an emergency preparedness, response and recovery model. FEMA's role was clear in providing material, logistical, technical and coordination support to the States' roles as first responders. And the lines of communication were clear to this civilian observer. As was the mutual support and respect all had for each other. There seemed a cohesiveness to the whole thing.

The Director of FEMA, Craig Fugate, has shined in his participation in this, as has Janet Napalitano from what I've seen. And I'm sure there are many unsung department employees, State and Federal, who have been an integral part of the process.

Next time some Republican or Libertarian wants to dismantle FEMA, I'd remind them of this operation. ~ pinto

[gateley]

1. So good to hear -- we NEED FEMA! nt

[Tennessee Gal]

2. Quite a difference from "Heckofajob" Brownie.

[pinto]

3. Really...

:kick:

[LetTimmySmoke]

4. The GOP philosophy is a self fulfilling prophecy.

Fuck everything up in the government, and then campaign on how screwed up the government is.

[madinmaryland]

7. You got that right. They have been successfully doing this for thirty years.

[pinto]

11. LOL. And the obvious disconnect - "Elect me to a government position because I hate it."

Whaa?

[madinmaryland]

5. This is what happens when you put the best qualified people in these positions rather than cronies.

[pinto]

16. ...

:thumbsup:

[pacalo]

6. Refreshing, isn't it?

And I have faith that Obama won't be sending armed National Guardsmen to any aftermath locations. How disgusting that was to see armed NG's everywhere for months after Katrina. Have I mentioned lately how much I despise Bush?

:grr:

[Whisp]

8. Saw that too on CNN

was surprised they played that clip because it did sound organized and like you said, Respectful.

Some of the dialogue was great to hear, like Obama asking: You got everything you need? to which the reply was, Yes. Appreciate the support (paraphrasing)

but I'm sure that will be short lived and the pundits ad pugs and dems will be crying next week about how badly Obama handled this

[pinto]

14. I think it was 1. Real and 2. A bit of publicity. I liked his query - "Got everything you need?"

A good piece of real time activity and some PR for their work. Both understandable, imo. :hi:

[pinto]

15. I'm hoping the MSM follow-ups will note government action vs. inaction.

Proactive vs. reactive. Not holding my breath, but this seems, at this point at least, a clear case. :hi:

[SugarShack]

9. He was Florida's guy.I was inFLA during all the hurricanes.Jeb&FEMA made it rain $$ for GW election!

[SugarShack]

10. He is very good! Remember all those who got $$ with no damage? and water for dayzzzz.!

[SugarShack]

12. all the hurricanes in 04 in fla, and katrina, and the response was very different. This guy is good.

[SugarShack]

13. They can respond IF they want to. Florida is that example. It was overkill for GW's reelection.

So it was proof...they CAN do it. They put the money and resources in fla. and this is the guy who headed it all up.

[lindysalsagal]

17. The real difference is functional chain of command and competent local workers

Bush surrounded himself with clueless inexperienced loyalists, who couldn't find their own ass in a phonebooth. He also made it clear not to send him no bad news. There was no open functional chain of command.

I always say that was his 3rd greatest sin, right behind the war and telling half the country it could despise and blame the other half.

I'm sure Obama has hired good people and they've hired good people, and they've all got a functioning chain of command. Obama knows he can't run this, but he can hire good people and they can all work together, so that when or if something horrible happens, he'll find out and release the necessary resources and people to do something.