Conservative Wanderer

“A troubled and afflicted mankind looks to us, pleading for us to keep our rendezvous with destiny; that we will uphold the principles of self-reliance, self-discipline, morality, and, above all, responsible liberty for every individual that we will become that shining city on a hill.” — Ronald Wilson Reagan

The Katrina Standard

I can’t say it much better than this:

It’s been about a week  since Kentuckians got pounded, and they’re still digging out. Half a million people were still without power as of Saturday night, and almost half that many have no water. Emergency shelters are still open, and the governor has mobilized every single member of the National Guard to assist.

So, where’s FEMA? The Federal Emergency Management Agency is doing what it is supposed to do in cases like this: they are supporting the state and local officials. But travel is still difficult in the Bluegrass State — many roads are still covered in ice and blocked with debris, and the weather has been very inhospitable to aircraft and helicopters.

FEMA was never intended to be a first-response agency. In crises, the best people to manage the situation are those who are already on the scene and know the area best — the local officials. If city and town officials are overwhelmed, then it becomes the responsibility of the county and state. If they get overwhelmed the federal government takes the lead. But that violates the Katrina standard. According to that standard, if the disaster is great enough, and the local and state officials prove too inept, then all the blame falls squarely on FEMA and the federal government.

Which would mean this is President Obama’s fault.

And think of the optics: What was our president doing while Kentuckians were shivering in the dark? Why, basking in the “warm enough to grow orchids” White House and enjoying hundred-dollar steaks while watching the Superbowl in the White House theater. He hasn’t even traveled to the disaster scene to observe the damage and offer his full support to the suffering Americans.

If George W. Bush’s handling of Katrina was really such an executive catastrophe, then President Obama’s indifference to the suffering of Kentuckians is unforgivable. But since no one is objecting this time around, what does that say about the motives behind the outrage over Katrina?

Indeed. Has the lefty double standard ever been more obvious?

Category: Domestic Policy, Media Bias, Obama Administration
Tag: , , , , , , ,
  • wapiti307

    I suppose Kentuckians are better organized than Louisianans? Perhaps they have more resources available to respond to their emergencies than Louisiana did? Of course, Kentucky never had to face a major hurricane. Maybe not enough people have died or are suffering enough to warrant federal assistance or concern? It appears compassionate care, concern, and attention are only issues when a Republican is in charge of the country? Maybe only a Republican should be expeditious in his or her response to a national disaster or serious, widespread emergency? Can you say “double standard”?