Jim Webb Outlines Failure of Operational Leadership to Hurricane Katrina

[Catchawave]

Press Release: August 29, 2006
Webb Outlines Failure of Operational Leadership During Response to Hurricane Katrina

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Speaking at the Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council Summer Convention, Jim Webb focused on three critical points that characterize a complete breach of national trust and leadership on behalf of President George Bush:

Failure of Planning: The Bush Administration paid insufficient attention not just to preparation for disasters and emergency management capabilities, but also to the nation’s infrastructure needs and the kinds of investments that would have prevented or at least minimized massive problems when unpredictable events occurred.

Failure of Operational Leadership: Despite warnings and briefings, the Bush Administration was unprepared for the challenge posed by a massive natural event coupled with an enormous break-down of critical infrastructure that literally brought a vibrant American city to its knees. The appointment of political cronies left the Federal Emergency Management Agency with incapable management. The reliance on the slow plodding bureaucracy at the Department of Homeland Security cost valuable time in the midst of overwhelming human need.

Failure of Follow-Up: Rather than make a true investment in post-Katrina rebuilding, the Bush Administration followed the model in Iraq. Contracts were offered without a bidding process and the same contracts were implemented without sufficient oversight. The result has been massive waste and corruption.

"Failure of planning. Failure of operational leadership. Failure to follow up. Sound familiar?” said Webb. “Of course it does. Because this is exactly the same pattern that we see from this Administration in Iraq and it reflects a failure of overall approach that needs to be remedied. A remedy that is an independent voice in the U.S. Senate willing to fight for change.”

Full Press Release at:
http://www.webbforsenate.com/press/release.php?id=125

[texpatriot2004]

1. They all add up to COLOSSAL FAILURE by * nm

[Catchawave]

2. Absolutely, and Webb points out it's a pattern

with this administration. I thought it was great way to frame our debate with those worthless RW spinners !

[texpatriot2004]

3. I agree nm