Posted: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 12:00 am
House investigators released a draft Katrina report titled, “A Failure of Initiative.C It pointed out information the American people already know 7 “Katrina was a national failure, an abdication of the most solemn obligation to provide for the common welfare.C
While the administration loves to tout its national security credentials, the Bush security team failed horribly before, during and after Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, despite plenty of advance warning.
Katrina proved that the administration/s boasting on national security rings hollow. The Bush administration often claims it understands the importance of national security and is committed to protecting the American people. As more findings are released, President Bush will have to prove that he is indeed up to the task of protecting America.
More than four years later, the government has still not learned the lesson of 9/11. From a lack of communications among first responders and a shortage of qualified emergency personnel to a lack of funding for reconstruction efforts, Katrina exposed the harsh reality that America was not ready to handle a disaster, natural or manmade.
The Bush Homeland Security budget will make things worse, not better, by proposing to cut federal grants to cities and states by 26 percent. Particularly hard hit are grants to first responders. Katrina proved if you don/t study and learn from your mistakes, you are bound to commit them again. It seems the administration is well on its way.
Val Petersen
Santa Maria
May 17, 2006