OK enough of my whining lets get to the facts

Well as I listen to more news conference and read the newspapers from around the country Bush and his Administration never ceases to amaze me in there blundering statements, there ability to redirect a question and still blame the other guy. I wish I was that good. (That is why I am not a politician). So let’s get started!

Hmmm? Let’s see now? BUSH WILL INVESTIGATE HIMSELF:
This is becoming a farce. Can anyone put him in touch with reality?

Hmmm? Let’s see now? The Times-Picayune's open letter to President Bush (N.O. paper)

Hmmm? Let’s see now? Local failure caused by FEMA
In the case of Katrina we need to make clear that we are not complaining that FEMA did not arrive in NO. Clearly, the leadership of FEMA was on the scene immediately and took charge of the situation. The problem was that the leadership was so incompetent that it succeeded in interfering with local relief efforts but failed to provide any federal relief efforts. It kills me to see that the meme of "local failure" could take hold when story after story indicates that "local failure" was large caused by FEMA.
Over the past week I've read of the following:

1. 1000 folks from the Lafayette area with 500 boats head to NO to aid the rescue get turned back by FEMA.


2. CA cautioned by FEMA to go slow in accepting survivors or it might loose funds.


3. The USS Bataan off the coast of LA ready to help, but underused by FEMA. See also here


4. Shipments of diesel fuel being turned back by FEMA


5. firemen from Houston turned away by FEMA


6. More fire fighters turned away.


7. Angel Flight South Central seaplanes getting a run around from FEMA


8. DMAT Teams available but still on call.


9. Red Cross kept out of New Orleans. Note: this is actually attributed to the state Homeland Security department. More information on who is responsible for this decision would be helpful. See also here


10. Northcom ready to act, but not given needed orders.


11. Mobile medical lab stalled in Mississippi. Doctors and hospitals offering aid but not getting response. This article is a bit confusing as to whether the problem is at the state or federal level or both.


12. NYT article discusses the controversy and provides additional claims of FEMA interfering generally and some specific examples.


13. Florida airboaters stalled by FEMA.


14. Water tanker aircraft for fire fighting and Amtrak trains for evacuation. See here.


15. Morticians turned away.


16. Maryland fire fighters blocked by FEMA.


17. Generators turned away by FEMA in Slidell.


18. Nevada law enforcement volunteers put on hold.


19. Wisconsin busses turned back by red tape at several levels


20. Michigan buses


21. Aid from Chicago


22. 500 search/rescuers in Dallas hotels waiting


23. Fire fighters in Dallas. This could be another story about the same previous group. If anyone knows, I'll adjust the post accordingly.


24. Long list of foreign aid refused by the federal government. I don't have a reference for this, so if anyone has it, please let me know.

So is it me am I the only over emotional, angry, frustrated American here?

I am going to leave you with the Quote of the Day: 3:32 P.M. [Monday] Ben Morris, Slidell mayor: We are still hampered by some of the most stupid, idiotic regulations by FEMA. They have turned away generators; we've heard that they've gone around seizing equipment from our contractors. If they do so, they'd better be armed because I'll be damned if I'm going to let them deprive our citizens. I'm pissed off, and tired of this horseshit." - From WWL TV.

God Bless America
Frustrated American