Posted on 09/04/2005 5:50:07 AM PDT by wildwood
From today's posting at The Anchoress blog:
In Katrina news:
It seems President Bush tried on Friday night, after meeting with Gov. Blanco, to get her to streamline and centralize the continued efforts in New Orleans. Right away, political motivations are suspected, both in his offer, and her refusal.
Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state’s emergency operations center said Saturday.
The administration sought unified control over all local police and state National Guard units reporting to the governor. Louisiana officials rejected the request after talks throughout the night, concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law.
I think the Governor is wrong to refuse this offer - it takes any potential future blame off her shoulders and puts it squarely on President Bush’s. Of course, there is always the risky chance that Bush might handle things well - he’s been misunderestimated before - in which case that would be more of a blackeye for Blanco than a feather in her cap, I suppose. But when you read that,
Louisiana did not reach out to a multi-state mutual aid compact for assistance until Wednesday, three state and federal officials said. As of Saturday, Blanco still had not declared a state of emergency…
…you reallllly have to wonder if this woman is up to the task of leading her state at this terribly challenging time. Is hiring James Lee Witt really the answer? We’ll soon find out. Meanwhile, this writer suggests that some in the MSM do not really understand the law as it concerns federal intervention.....
(Excerpt) Read more at theanchoressonline.com ...
I support him wholeheartedly but I have several arguments on principle with President Bush.
One is the complete lack of attention paid to illegal immigration and its impact on this country.
The other is his refusal to place blame where it is due. Consistently throughout his administration, individuals (beginning with the toon's trashing of the White House, etc) who are guilty of misbehavior or worse are not held accountable, probably as a result of Bush's Christian philosophy of life.
As a result, lies are told, Bush "turns the other cheek," and the country is left rudderless when it comes to assessing responsibility for misbehavior and illegal acts.
Bush needs to turn some moneychangers' tables over PRONTO
The MSM and the Democrats are coming for his ballsack with a pair of hedgeclippers!
Did you post this so you could critize Bush?
i think it' s time for the administration to slap a few people around. stuff like this needs to be blasted everywhere.
A mccainiac surfaces.
How long has Bush been President 4+ years....so we should know his style by now....which isn't to SLAP people around.
Are you referring to me?
President Bush is losing the PR battle and this is discouraging to his supporters. He is not fighting.
However, I have read some things about his FEMA director that is concerning me. Bush should not make the mistake he made with Tenant after 9/11 and should fire Brown now!
the article poster
What the heck is Blanco thinking?!
What is going on is a MASSIVE CYA going on now on the part of Blanco and Nagin. What they did or DIDN'T do to insure the public safety borders on the criminal....and they know it.
Well, then what the heck are the folks in LA thinking? They elected the wench. If she and Nagin have much to do with the reconstruction, the state will be screwed again.
What it proves is that blanco has no business being in the position she is in. When the chips were down and backs were up against the wall she FAILED as a leader and so did the Mayor. Plain and Simple.
Neither one of them should have been voted in in the first place and now their lack of authoratative action in one of the worst diasters in our country has shown that probably blanco and the mayor both slept as New Orleans drowned.
Shame on them. Shame on them both. They failed to act in the crucial hours after the storm. Shame on them.
Agreed! If what is said here is true, then the administration OWES it to the people to explain! This should be sent to reporters.
Yes, it is his refusal to slap people around is exactly why we lost control of Congress in 2002, lost it again in 2004, and lost the Presidency in 2004!
President Bush's comment on Friday that efforts didn't measure up and appointing people to get the job done effectively and efficiently was far more effective than all the histrionics and blaming. If he had gone into the Rose Garden and pulled a Slick Willy and blamed others he wouldn't have the character that has not only gotten him re-elected but has not given him "lonely victories."
How about having some patience? In every case, having patience has paid off for supporters of President Bush. Remember, revenge is a dish best served cold.
"Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans"
Seems like some pretty important info here. The MSM has positioned this as a TOTAL Federal issue when in fact and by law that is just not the case.
Calm down. Now is the time for ensuring those impacted by Katrina get the help they need; the facts will emerge soon enough. And most people already recognize the political blame-game for what it is, and will pay no attention to Nagin and Blank-O. This will not hurt Bush anymore than the innumerable scandals already invented by the media.
Excellent post, by the way. Thanks for the link, too.
sharky...didn't you post a link on DD something about this blog? the Anchoress?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.