Quote:
Originally Posted by SWTXBelle
I'll do some research into what Texas has at the state level - but I'd think that if they had anyone they would have been part of the press conferences they've been having, and I've only seen Gov. Perry and his representatives. The problem is that, as I've stated before, this type of disaster seems to happen about every 20 years. It's not reasonable, IMHO, to expect a state agency to be in place day in, day out, with the appropriate funding, etc., for something that will happen once every 20 years. The Federal government, however, can count on tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tropical storm each and every year.
I'd be more than happy to disband FEMA if the states can then have the monies. But my ancestors fought that war over 140 years ago, and they lost. I don't see it happening. I do think it is not to much to expect a federal agency to fulfil their mission. Maybe it is asking too much - but especially after Katrina I would have thought FEMA would be ready, willing and able to handle the aftermath of a hurricane. And I'd be more willing to accept the limitations FEMA might have if they didn't seem to be playing CYA at the press conferences. Give it to us straight - say you don't have enough food, or water, say you are having trouble getting gas for the deliveries, say the area is too widespread to easily get supplies out, but don't say "Not our job!" and then punt it to the locals.
As I said, local entities are having their own troubles. I know this type of mission will never go 100% smoothly. Heck, my brother has yet to go home from his police station, and they are now responsible for feeding themselves. Quite a trick when you are in a city without electricity.
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Yeah, I really don't know, but it seems like our expectations are higher than ever and it's going to be really hard to do a good job meeting them.
Natural disasters are obviously horrible and catastrophic, and you may be onto something about how we can't expect states to handle them when they are of this scale. Maybe the problem is at least a much the failure of the local, state and federal programs to plan and work together.
I'm sorry you (and everyone else affected) are going through this and I hope that you get the things you need from someone soon.