I have been debunking this crap all week to the point of my arm hurting from typing and cutting and pasting. Here you go!
What did each do?
1. "The mayor, with 5 days advance, waited until 2 days before he announced a mandatory evacuation (at the behest of the President). The he failed to provide transportation for those without transport even though he had hundreds of buses at his disposal."
FALSE:
Slow developing weather conditions (primarily hurricane) will create increased readiness culminating in an evacuation order 24 hours (12 daylight hours) prior to predicted landfall. Disabled vehicles and debris will be removed from highways so as not to impede evacuation. In local evacuations involving more than fifty (50) families (i.e. 50 single dwelling units), staging areas may be established at the closest available public area outside the threatened area. Upon arrival at the staging area, evacuees will be directed to the appropriate shelter facility. Evacuees will be encouraged to stay with friends or relatives in non-threatened areas whenever possible. Security measures will be employed to protect the evacuated area(s) in accordance with established procedures and situations.
http://www.cityofno.com/SystemModules/PrintPage.aspx?portal=46&tabid=26 THAT IS THE CITY'S EVACUATION POLICY. NAGIN FOLLOWED IT EXACTLY AS HE IS REQUIRED TO! BUSES WERE USED! CITY BUSES WERE USED TO TAKE PEOPLE TO SAFE PLACES!
School buses were used at least until 3 people died on one probably because of being stuck in traffic and the HEAT for so long.
Traffic was backed up for hours with people trying to leave NO. Keep in mind school buses have no AC or bathrooms. Imagine beginning stuck with a bus full of people and no where to go to the bathroom.
After this Nagin stopped using the buses and begged FEMA to send Greyhound type buses instead to take people out.
Once again, it looks like Nagin did everything humanly possible while FEMA was too worried about maintaining a good image to bother saving lives.
Nagin evacuated 80% of the city before the storm made landfall.
FEMA estimated in its last simulation of such an event (the now famous "Hurricane Pam" simulation) that at best we could expect 60% to evacuate the city.
Nagin saved 20% more than FEMA thought was even possible.
What's more he got 80% evacuated without the feds lifting a finger to help!
AT BEHEST OF THE PRESIDENT? THAT IS FALSE!
Nagin and Blanco were about to hold a press conference announcing the evacuation when Bush called!
3. "The Governor, despite a declaration of disaster by the President 2 DAYS BEFORE the storm hit, failed to take advantage of the offer of Federal troops and aid. Until 2 DAYS AFTER the storm hit."
FALSE!
In the Governor's letter to the President on 8/27/05 the following was included, which is a formal request for the President to take action:
Under the provisions of Section 501 (a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.35, I request that you declare an emergency for the State of Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina for the time period beginning August 26, 2005, and continuing. The affected areas are all the southeastern parishes including the New Orleans Metropolitan area and the mid state Interstate I-49 corridor and northern parishes along the I-20 corridor that are accepting the thousands of citizens evacuating from the areas expecting to be flooded as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
In response to the situation I have taken appropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State Emergency Plan on August 26, 2005 in accordance with Section 501 (a) of the Stafford Act. A State of Emergency has been issued for the State in order to support the evacuations of the coastal areas in accordance with our State Evacuation Plan and the remainder of the state to support the State Special Needs and Sheltering Plan.
Pursuant to 44 CFR § 206.35, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. I am specifically requesting emergency protective measures, direct Federal Assistance, Individual and Household Program (IHP) assistance, Special Needs Program assistance, and debris removal.
http://www.gov.state.la.us/Press_Release_detail.asp?id=976 Now here is section 501 of the Stafford Act:
PROCEDURE FOR DECLARATION {Sec. 501}
Request and declaration
All requests for a declaration by the President that an emergency exists shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Such a request shall be based on a finding that the situation is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. As a part of such request, and as a prerequisite to emergency assistance under this Act, the Governor shall take appropriate action under State law and direct execution of the State's emergency plan. The Governor shall furnish information describing the State and local efforts and resources which have been or will be used to alleviate the emergency, and will define the type and extent of Federal aid required. Based upon such Governor's request, the President may declare that an emergency exists.
Certain emergencies involving Federal primary responsibility
The President may exercise any authority vested in him by section 502 or section 503 <42 U.S.C. § 5192 or § 5193> with respect to an emergency when he determines that an emergency exists for which the primary responsibility for response rests with the United States because the emergency involves a subject area for which, under the Constitution or laws of the United States, the United States exercises exclusive or preeminent responsibility and authority. In determining whether or not such an emergency exists, the President shall consult the Governor of any affected State, if practicable. The President's determination may be made without regard to subsection (a).
(She did this and the President declared a state of emergency for Louisiana.)
The above references section 502:
Federal emergency assistance {Sec. 502}
a. Specified
In any emergency, the President may--
1. direct any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to utilize its authorities and the resources granted to it under Federal law (including personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, and managerial, technical and advisory services) in support of State and local emergency assistance efforts
2. to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, and lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe;
~snip~
General
Whenever the Federal assistance provided under subsection (a) with respect to an emergency is inadequate, the President may also provide assistance with respect to efforts to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, and lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
http://www.fema.gov/library/stafact.shtm#sec501 GOVERNOR BLANCO FOLLOWED THE LAW AND APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES IN ASKING BUSH FOR HELP ON SATURDAY, 8/27/05.
4. The Director of Homeland Security positioned assets in the area to be ready when the Governor called for them
TRY AGAIN!
WASHINGTON (AP): The government's disaster chief waited until hours after Hurricane Katrina had already struck the Gulf Coast before asking his boss to dispatch 1,000 Homeland Security employees to the region – and gave them two days to arrive, according to internal documents.
ONCE BUSH DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR LOUISIANA, IT BECAME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FEMA! THE GOVERNOR'S LETTER TO BUSH ON 8/27/05 WAS ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED FOR FEMA TO COME IN!
5. "The President urged a mandatory evacuation, and even declared a disaster State of Emergency, freeing up millions of dollars of federal assistance, should the Governor decide to use it."
IT IS NOT UP TO THE GOVERNOR TO REQUEST IT. AFTER A STATE OF EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED BY BUSH, IT BECAME THE REPONSIBILITY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT! EVER HEARD OF THE "NATION RESPONSE PLAN?"
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0566.xmlBACKGROUND
The National Response Plan (NRP) applies 'to all Federal agencies that are requested to provide assistance" or are delegated responsibilities under the plan. The plan itself "establishes a comprehensive national all-hazards approach to domestic incident management across the spectrum of action including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery."
On August 26, 2005, President Bush declared a "State of Emergency" in Louisiana. A day later he did the same for Mississippi. The hurricane hit on August 29, 2005. THREE DAYS LATER.
His declarations made Hurricane Katrina an "Incident of National Significance." The NRP defines an Incident of National Significance as: an actual or potential high-impact event that requires a coordinated and effective response by and appropriate combination of Federal, State, local, tribal, nongovernmental, and/or private-sector entities in order to save lives and minimize damage, and provide the basis for long-term community recovery and mitigation activities.
This categorization, as you will see, becomes CRITICAL as it imposes upon the President and his administration unique powers and responsibilities under the NRP. During that time, from the instant the Hurricane was labeled an "Incident of National Significance" until the second it made landfall, the President and his administration had THREE DAYS WORTH OF RESPONSIBILITY under the NRP. Their duty under the plan obviously still continues.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS
The "basic premise of the NRP is that incidents are generally handled at the state and local level." (NRP, 15). However, the plan specifically recognizes the possibility that the FEDERAL government bears primary responsibility: When an incident or potential incident is of such severity, magnitude, and/or complexity that it is considered an Incident of National Significance, the Secretary of Homeland Security initiates actions to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the incident." (NHP, 15)
Additionally, the NRP explicitly gives the President a fiduciary duty in the handling of a disaster: "The President leads the Nation in responding efficiently and ensuring the necessary resources are applied quickly and effectively to all Incidents of National Significance." (NHP, 15)
While the state and local officials then still have to try and implement their plans and coordinate with the feds, it is crystal clear that the NRP recognizes that when, say, a hurricane comes and wipes your city off the map, it is the President and his administration which MUST respond proactively.
BRINGING IN THE TROOPS
Much has been made of the fact that Governor Blanco refuses to hand over the state National Guard to the President. "Why didn't she request troops earlier" cry out the right wingers. But where does the NRP place the responsibility to request and/or deploy troops?
Deploying troops to a disaster scene, both pre and post incident, is called a "Defense Support of Civil Authorities" (DSCA). When and how is a DSCA authorized?
The cavalry is called up by the Secretary of Defense: The Secretary of Defense authorizes Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) for domestic incidents as directed by the President or when consistent with military readiness operations and appropriate under the circumstances and the law.
Now, generally, the DSCA will be deployed when requested by a Governor. (NRP, 42). But the plan states that the Secretary of Defense can deploy the troops under his imminent response authority. (NRP, 42).
Imminently serious conditions resulting from any civil emergency may require immediate action to save lives, prevent human suffering, or to mitigate property damage.
When such conditions exist and time does not permit approval from higher headquarters, local military commands and responsible officers from the DOD are authorized by DOD directive and pre-approved by the Secretary of Defense to take necessary action to response to the request of civil authorities. (NPR, 42)
Again, for three days before the hurricane hit, President Bush had the authority to direct Rumsfeld to deploy troops. Under the NRP, a formal request by the Governor is not necessary in these conditions. For three days before Katrina hit, and for FIVE Days afterwards, the President always had the authority to send in thousands of troops. The sole question that remains is...why didn't he do it earlier?
If there is one overarching theme of the NRP, it is that the federal response must be swift, efficient, and coordinated. Indeed, there is an ENTIRE SECTION of the NRP entitled "PROACTIVE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO CATASTROPHIC EVENTS." (NRP, 43).
Under that section, the plan provides that: "Standard procedures regarding requests for assistance may be expedited, or under extreme circumstances, suspended in the immediate aftermath of an event of catastrophic magnitude." (NRP, 44)
Yes, you read that right. This theory that the Federal Government has to sit on its ass and WAIT for Governors and Mayors to tearfully beg for assistance and issue S.O.S is pure fiction. The government has signed off on a promise to be PROACTIVE.
And what does the plan include under the federal proactive response to a catastrophic event? The "pre-identification of Federal assets and capabilities" and the "strategic location of pre-identified assets for rapid deployment" (NRP, 44).
This is what the plan requires from our federal government:
Federal departments and agencies are EXPECTED to provide:
initial and/or ongoing response, when warranted, under their own authority and funding;
alert, notification, pre-positioning and timely delivery of resources;
proactive support for catastrophic or potentially catastrophic incidents using protocols for expedited delivery of resources. (NRP, 6)
In the media and online, there is some confusion as to when Katrina became an "Incident of National Significance." Chertoff waited until Tuesday to declare the incident one of National Significance.
This is *extremely* important:
"ALL PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES UNDER THE STAFFORD ACT ARE CONSIDERED INCIDENTS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE." (NRP, 7)
When President Bush declared Katrina a disaster, he EXPLICITY invokes Title V of the Stafford Act. Thus, Katrina became an Incident of National Significance on August 26, THREE DAYS before landfall, and FIVE DAYS before Chertoff mistakenly thought he had to declare it as such.
VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE NATIONAL RESPONSE PLAN
The NRP has an intricate network of teams which organize volunteer efforts by recognized volunteer organizations. (NRP, 11).
There are countless reported instances of FEMA turning away 500 volunteer boats, Walmart trucks filled with water, buses, etc.
Under Title 21, Section 1342 of the United States Code, the government cannot accept volunteer services. However, the statute provides an exception: "An officer or employee of the United States Government or of the District of Columbia government may not accept voluntary services for either government or employ personal services exceeding that authorized by law except for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property."
The NRP itself addresses "unaffiliated volunteers," which are also called "emergent" or "spontaneous" volunteers. (NRP, 73).
There are statutory exceptions to the general statutory prohibition against accepting voluntary serices under 31 U.S.C. § 1342 (2002) that can be used to accept the assistance of volunteer workers. Such services may be accepted in “emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.” Additionally, provisions of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5152(a), 5170a(2) (2002), authorize the President to, with their consent, use the personnel of private disaster relief organizations and to coordinate their activities.
In Incidents of National Significance, as in this case, the NRP calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security to "Attract a sizeable influx of independent, spontaneous volunteers and supplies." (NRP, 6).
"Atrract" spontaneous volunteers and supplies. Not turn them away.
There is a lot more in the National Response Plan, page after page describing how the Federal government should have acted. Michael Brown and FEMA failed America. But the criminal incompetence goes much, much higher. Michael Chertoff failed. Donald Rumsfeld failed. George W. Bush failed. It's all there in black and white. Page after page explicitly stating what they SHOULD have done.
"Oh and by the way, the levees that broke were the responsibility of the local landowners and the local levee board to maintain, NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT."
FALSE!!
The Army Corps of Engineers is federally funded!
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