Carol Platt Liebau: Some Home Truths

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Some Home Truths

A former Marine who has received FEMA emergency training speaks, I'm sure, for many when he expresses disgust with the lawless behavior of some in New Orleans -- and reinforces the fact that emergency responses must come first from the local and state governments.

And another commentator criticizes the "blame Bush" meme that has been adopted almost universally by the media.

If Americans are to learn anything through this ordeal, perhaps it's wise if we come to terms with the fact that the federal government can't do everything -- and certainly not right away. And if, through the crucible of Katrina, we do more to ensure that we personally are prepared for emergencies -- and insist that our state and local governments are, likewise -- all the suffering of Katrina will not have been in vain. Helping spread that word is one way in which the media could actually be constructive (for a change).

3 Comments:

Blogger Ken said...

I think that you are right. The government can't do all for all. There must be preparations locally for emmergencies of all kinds. Hopefully, lessons will be learned from Katrina. A means of evacuation for those that for whatever reason can't leave an area should be addressed.

9:55 AM  
Blogger Matt Brinkman said...

Ken wrote...

I think that you are right. The government can't do all for all.

I think the problem here is the Federal govenrment didn't do anything helpful for anyone. Call it the failure of the Grover Norquist brand of conservatism, if you like.

6:41 PM  
Blogger Matt Brinkman said...

I think the problem here is the Federal govenrment didn't do anything helpful for anyone.

Ooops, what I meant to say is "I think the problem here is the Federal government didn't do anything helpful for anyone for four or five days after Katrina hit."

6:44 PM  

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