In 2003, FEMA published a strategic plan titled
A Nation Prepared that detailed its goals, and the strategies by which they could meet them for the years 2003-2008. Goal number 2: "Minimize suffering and disruption caused by disasters". They go on to state that a basic objective of this goal is to "Respond quickly and effectively when States, Territories, Tribal Nations, and local governments are overwhelmed." So what strategy and measurements will FEMA utilize to meet such a goal?
STRATEGIES
C. Develop, acquire, and coordinate a national operational capability, and the resources and assets to simultaneously respond to four catastrophic plus twelve non-catastrophic incidents, anywhere in the country.
Yes--that says they will be able to respond to 4 concurrent catastrophic and up to 12 non-catestrophic disasters. Btw, in case you're not paying attention, concurrent means "all at the same time".
So the rest of this diary writes itself. The administration of George W. Bush consistently makes promises it can never deliver.
Moreover, it makes promises that it knows it can never deliver, given its grossly irresponsible fiscal policies amid a decision to wage a costly and poorly planned war of choice.
Proof?
But in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, FEMA lost its Cabinet-level status as it was folded into the giant new Department of Homeland Security. And in recent years it has suffered budget cuts, the elimination or reduction of key programs and an exodus of experienced staffers.
The agency's core budget, which includes disaster preparedness and mitigation, has been cut each year since it was absorbed by the Homeland Security Department in 2003. Depending on what the final numbers end up being for next fiscal year, the cuts will have been between about 2% and 18%.
Led by a political largesse horsey lawyer hack-appointee, all the while losing experienced staff, losing budget dollars, losing the investment of appropriations for necessary infrastructure projects (like say, SELA), they made promises they clearly know will never be kept.
Then they stood by and watched as an entire city drowned in floodwater, as tens of thousands begged for water and food and rescue, as a mayor had to go to the airwaves to put out an SOS for help FEMA wasn't providing.
Yeah...good luck with that 2008 "4 and 12" thing, you malice-aforethought bunch of liars. I won't hold my breath.