Redline!
Posted on 09/06/2011 11:45:59 PM PDT by americanophile
Reporting from Bastrop, Texas, and Los Angeles— Out-of-control wildfires — among the worst in state history — leaped across Texas' parched midsection, destroying 1,000 homes and killing four as firefighters called for more resources and the governor, a Republican presidential hopeful who's made his mark blasting federal spending, asked Washington for help.
Winds were expected to abate, but only slightly, and the dry conditions will persist for days.
Gov. Rick Perry complained about the slow pace of assistance from Washington and Ft. Hood as Federal Emergency Management Agency officials arrived in Bastrop, where 600 houses were burned, to survey fire damage.
Perry called on the Obama administration to expand the scope of federal disaster relief. He noted that in addition to issuing state disaster proclamations when fires flared in April, he had sent a letter to President Obama requesting a major disaster declaration, which would have made the state eligible for federal assistance.
The Obama administration denied Perry's request May 3. Perry appealed and received partial approval July 1. A request to expand the scope of federal relief is still pending, his spokeswoman said Tuesday.
White House Spokesman Jay Carney said the administration had been monitoring the wildfires and approved seven federal grants to Texas to help with the latest outbreak. "We will continue to work closely with the state and local emergency management officials [in] their efforts to contain these fires," he said.
It was unclear whether Perry, who took an aerial tour of fire-scorched areas near Austin, would be able to attend a Republican debate at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley on Wednesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
What did he expect? Texas is a red state.
He needs to exercise some of that 10th amendment rhetoric and ask for help directly from some of his neighboring states. He'll never get any help from Obama's cronies.
Screw the federal government. Just get the fires put out! California has said they would help. Why is he not taking them up on it?
This could be bad for Perry. He can't be seen as indecisive on the fate of his own state. The press is going to have a field day.
The US Forest Service has been here since the fires began and seem to be working well with the state and local agencies in at least containing all but one of the fires.
The only thing that will actually help is rain and I would not depend on the federal government to bring rainfall.
Deficit spending on unnecessary crap is fair game for criticism. And 0bambi Administration delays in aid to 'red states', if found to be deliberate and politicized, could theoretically be impeachable offenses.
...I’ve said many a prayer for rain for you guys in recent days.
“...I’ve said many a prayer for rain for you guys in recent days.”
Thanks and that may be the most we can do. The fires for the most part burn their course as they consume all their fuel and can only be contained. Rain would be great, but only temporary relief as the bush as the trees that have died in the drought will still be dead when the rains come and be dry again once the rains stop.
I talked with a good friend yesterday in the Spicewood area, and he said they could see homes about half mile off on fire...haven't heard from him since. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Hope they are okay.
Spicewood is a beautiful part of the world.
It sure is.
The following comment was posted on facebook:
“FYI Story from back in April about the Texas drought stating we were already having record wildfires, yet the Texas Legislature and Perry apparently cut fire department funding by 75% mostly cuts in state funding for the volunteer fire departments that protect most of the state from wildfires. Cut from $30 million to $7 million. Does no one read and take note of the stupidity of politicians.”
“The Obama administration denied Perry’s request May 3. Perry appealed and received partial approval July 1. A request to expand the scope of federal relief is still pending, his spokeswoman said Tuesday.”
Perry gets some political fodder.
EverOnward FYI ... Then I guess someone else on Facebook said ...
“Perry Owns a Strike Anywhere Match Company”
There you have it ... the complete circle
TT
Prayers for your friend and prayers for Texas. I’ve seen some coverage on the news and it looks horrible. I think the worst story was a woman who just learned that her home was completely gone. She just said, “What will I do? I don’t have anywhere to go”. Prayers up!
“He needs to exercise some of that 10th amendment rhetoric and ask for help directly from some of his neighboring states. He’ll never get any help from Obama’s cronies.”
He did. That’s why he came back to Texas.
They have help now from Arizona, Oregon, California, New York, and Florida that I know of.
National Forest Crews from Alabama and Montana.
The National Guard, the Texas National Guard and a half dozen other federal agencies also sent air and ground support.
There are over 1300 people from all over the country here now.
There are 60 aircraft over the fires at any given time.
A 737 from New York!
God Bless Them ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are a LOT of things all of yall are not seeing.
There is a lot of effort going on. And there are a lot of Texans helping Texans. There are a lot of Americans helping Americans. Giving money, clothing, food etc.
I donated to the Texas Firemans Fund and will be taking some requested supplies that the firefighters are asking for to local fire dept. They are going to take the supplies up to Bastrop.
Redline!
>> ...I’ve said many a prayer for rain for you guys in recent days.
We surely do appreciate it, FRiend. Please continue to pray for us. The LORD is our refuge, and He listens.
The entire 82nd Airborne would have been sent to help.
Obama. The first openly racist POTUS since Wilson.
Clear?
Continuing prayers for all in Texas dealing with these horrible fires. Some rain sure would be nice—if we could up here in the northeast, we’d love to send it down to you.
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