From a self-described “independent”:
The administration must accept its share of responsibility. They got off to an early good start by declaring a state of emergency even before the storm made landfall. But the follow up was … well, we know the results. And that’s the thing: The president likes to say he’s a leader who gets results. The results weren’t there, and if he doesn’t hold those at FEMA and Homeland Security responsible for dropping the ball, then he’s not being the leader he says he is. That makes me want to scream! Then President Bush and his administration tout their leadership in times of incredible threats … well, again, there’s that sinking feeling.
All that said, in my gut, I still can’t hold the president and the feds entirely responsible. I’m conflicted. What are state and local governments for? Aren’t they also supposed to serve citizens well? When New York, where I live, gets attacked again, I somehow don’t expect the feds to be here first on the scene picking up the pieces. As a fair-minded independent, I’m finding that too much of the piling on is leaving a bad taste and causing me to lose confidence in all of government. Democrats might be true advocates for people in distress if only they can get over this tendency of sounding too shrill and trying to exploit and attack and instantly second-guess. I’m longing for someone who can be level-headed and show authority without being defensive about it or shrill.
A pretty fair assessment, I’d say. Have I not been tough enough on Nagin and Blanco? Maybe. Too tough on Bush? Maybe. But the bottom line is that four years after 9/11, the feds aren’t ready for a major disaster. That’s the reality. Bush isn’t up for re-election and I couldn’t care less about somehow “hating” him. I don’t. I made my call last November. What I worry about is the basic security of this country. I don’t trust this administration with it. Do you?
The Dish 