So what the hell happened? BUSH QUOTES 8/29/05

[Tennessee Gal]

Want to know what Bush said on Monday, 8/29/05 as Katrina was ripping into New Orleans?

Bush, agencies pledge post-storm help

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (AP) — President Bush on Monday pledged extensive federal help for victims of Hurricane Katrina to "get your lives back in order." The government put into effect a massive emergency assistance program that included rushing baby formula, communications equipment, generators, water and ice into hard-hit areas.

~snip~

"It's a storm now that is moving through and now is the time for governments to help people get their feet on the ground," Bush said. "For those of you who are concerned about whether or not we are prepared to help — don't be. We are."

He added, "We're in place, we've got equipment in place, supplies in place and once we're able to assess the damage we'll be able to move in and help those good folks in the affected areas."

(So what the hell happened?)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency had medical teams, rescue squads and groups prepared to supply food and water poised in a semicircle around New Orleans.

FEMA ready to test recovery procedures

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/stormcenter/2005-08-29-katrina-fema_x.htm

(So what the hell happened?)

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CRITICIZE THE EVACUATION:

"I was impressed with the evacuation. Once it was ordered it was very smooth," FEMA Director Michael Brown said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. With the storm moving north, Brown said he expected to see flooding in Tennessee and the Ohio Valley.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-08-29-aid-agency_x.htm

[cynatnite]

1. Excellent Find!

The liars exposed!

Nominated!

[justiceischeap]

2. Kudos and nominated! n/t

[mikelewis]

3. Opportunity happened...

They began to see the disaster as an opportunity to federalize the National Guard which would put those tropps at the disposal of the regular Army. They thought that if they could create a little bit of a crisis and show how ineffective the Gov. of LA was, they could get her to sign her troops over to them. They knew that those people trapped in New Orleans would become a huge problem and they also knew Blanco didn't have enough troops to get them out safely. Her small force could barely contain the rest of the state that was falling apart around her ears. It would have been a smart play if the media hadn't bailed on them. They could have absorbed the LA National Guard and set a precendent for federalization of the National Guard. Too bad for them, Blanco didn't play along. Now they have a huge P.R. mess but they believe they can lay it all on the state and locals and still maybe get what they want.

[Tennessee Gal]

4. We must expose them for the liars that they are!

That was the purpose of my post!

[Tennessee Gal]

6. Blanco is my current hero!

Just hold on Governor!

[elehhhhna]

5. 3rd Nom.

[izzybeans]

7. Key phrase: "once we are able to assess the damage"

He had no intention to go in right away. That's a classic neoconbabblespeak that creates wiggle room for action. This means he can cover his ass. Create the wiggle room prior, diffuse the criticism later. Bush: "now I said once we assessed the damage damn it. ya see we was waiting for the all clear. Those looters scared me. They scared me I tell. All eight of em' with their dark skin. They weren't even wearing a suit. I mean our army can't contend with such risks. geesh"

[Tennessee Gal]

8. There's more..

8/29/05

•The Defense Department dispatched emergency coordinators to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide a wide range of assistance including communications equipment, search and rescue operations, medical teams and other emergency supplies.

Meanwhile, Brown gave Bush two briefings on the powerful storm, said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

"The federal government and the state governments and the local governments will work side-by-side to do all we can to help get your lives back in order," Bush said.