Thoughts on Our Government's Response to Recent Events on the Gulf Coast

Daniel Schorr had a very perceptive commentary recently on the radio.

He started with a quote and then amended it:

Government is the enemy, until you need a friend... and then your friend may turn out to be dysfunctional.

Here are some of the ways that our government failed us, and let thousands die recently:

Michael Brown, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is a political amateur who was unable to coordinate the many government agencies involved in rescue operations. How did Michael Brown manage to become head of FEMA when his previous experience was judging horses?

Brown seemed to learn of the large number of people waiting in the New Orleans convention center only after news agencies knew of this. And when he was told by reporters he didn't seem to believe them.

The USS Batan, filled with supplied that could have helped victims, lay anchored off the gulf coast for several days without orders.

Wal-Mart tried to deliver three truckloads of drinking water to Jefferson Parish and was turned away by FEMA.

There are strong criticisms of Brown here and here if you care to read more.