President Bush to speak to the nation 9am

FoxNews

[Dog]

President to speak at 9am ...

[cake_crumb]

The world has been GETTING reports from the leader of our nation, ye who tells us our president doesn't care about his nation. CNN International has 24 hour coverage of the hurricane and aftermath. So your POINT is?

THE PRESIDENT: I've just received an update from Secretary Chertoff and other Cabinet Secretaries involved on the latest developments in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. As we flew here today, I also asked the pilot to fly over the Gulf Coast region so I could see firsthand the scope and magnitude of the devastation.

President George W. Bush stands with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld; Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, as he speaks to the media from the Rose Garden of the White House regarding the devastation along the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina. White House photo by Paul Morse The vast majority of New Orleans, Louisiana is under water. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses are beyond repair. A lot of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has been completely destroyed. Mobile is flooded. We are dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history.

And that's why I've called the Cabinet together. The people in the affected regions expect the federal government to work with the state government and local government with an effective response. I have directed Secretary of Homeland Security Mike Chertoff to chair a Cabinet-level task force to coordinate all our assistance from Washington. FEMA Director Mike Brown is in charge of all federal response and recovery efforts in the field. I've instructed them to work closely with state and local officials, as well as with the private sector, to ensure that we're helping, not hindering, recovery efforts. This recovery will take a long time. This recovery will take years.

Our efforts are now focused on three priorities: Our first priority is to save lives. We're assisting local officials in New Orleans in evacuating any remaining citizens from the affected area. I want to thank the state of Texas, and particularly Harris County and the city of Houston and officials with the Houston Astrodome, for providing shelter to those citizens who found refuge in the Super Dome in Louisiana. Buses are on the way to take those people from New Orleans to Houston.

FEMA has deployed more than 50 disaster medical assistance teams from all across the country to help the affected -- to help those in the affected areas. FEMA has deployed more than 25 urban search and rescue teams with more than a thousand personnel to help save as many lives as possible. The United States Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue missions. They're working alongside local officials, local assets. The Coast Guard has rescued nearly 2,000 people to date.

The Department of Defense is deploying major assets to the region. These include the USS Bataan to conduct search and rescue missions; eight swift water rescue teams; the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group to help with disaster response equipment; and the hospital ship USNS Comfort to help provide medical care.

The National Guard has nearly 11,000 Guardsmen on state active duty to assist governors and local officials with security and disaster response efforts. FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers are working around the clock with Louisiana officials to repair the breaches in the levees so we can stop the flooding in New Orleans.

Our second priority is to sustain lives by ensuring adequate food, water, shelter and medical supplies for survivors and dedicated citizens -- dislocated citizens. FEMA is moving supplies and equipment into the hardest hit areas. The Department of Transportation has provided more than 400 trucks to move 1,000 truckloads containing 5.4 million Meals Ready to Eat -- or MREs, 13.4 million liters of water, 10,400 tarps, 3.4 million pounds of ice, 144 generators, 20 containers of pre-positioned disaster supplies, 135,000 blankets and 11,000 cots. And we're just starting.

There are more than 78,000 people now in shelters. HHS and CDC are working with local officials to identify operating hospital facilities so we can help them, help the nurses and doctors provide necessary medical care. They're distributing medical supplies, and they're executing a public health plan to control disease and other health-related issues that might arise.

Our third priority is executing a comprehensive recovery effort. We're focusing on restoring power and lines of communication that have been knocked out during the storm. We'll be repairing major roads and bridges and other essential means of transportation as quickly as possible.

There's a lot of work we're going to have to do. In my flyover, I saw a lot of destruction on major infrastructure. Repairing the infrastructure, of course, is going to be a key priority.

The Department of Energy is approving loans from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to limit disruptions in crude supplies for refineries. A lot of crude production has been shut down because of the storm. I instructed Secretary Bodman to work with refiners, people who need crude oil, to alleviate any shortage through loans. The Environmental Protection Agency has granted a nationwide waiver for fuel blends to make more gasoline and diesel fuel available throughout the country. This will help take some pressure off of gas price. But our citizens must understand this storm has disrupted the capacity to make gasoline and distribute gasoline.

We're also developing a comprehensive plan to immediately help displaced citizens. This will include housing and education and health care and other essential needs. I've directed the folks in my Cabinet to work with local folks, local officials, to develop a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the communities affected. And there's going to be a lot of rebuilding done. I can't tell you how devastating the sights were.

I want to thank the communities in surrounding states that have welcomed their neighbors during an hour of need. A lot of folks left the affected areas and found refuge with a relative or a friend, and I appreciate you doing that. I also want to thank the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army and the Catholic Charities, and all other members of the armies of compassion. I think the folks in the affected areas are going to be overwhelmed when they realize how many Americans want to help them.

At this stage in the recovery efforts, it's important for those who want to contribute, to contribute cash. You can contribute cash to a charity of your choice, but make sure you designate that gift for hurricane relief. You can call 1-800-HELPNOW, or you can get on the Red Cross web page, RedCross.org. The Red Cross needs our help. I urge our fellow citizens to contribute.

The folks on the Gulf Coast are going to need the help of this country for a long time. This is going to be a difficult road. The challenges that we face on the ground are unprecedented. But there's no doubt in my mind we're going to succeed. Right now the days seem awfully dark for those affected -- I understand that. But I'm confident that, with time, you can get your life back in order, new communities will flourish, the great city of New Orleans will be back on its feet, and America will be a stronger place for it.

The country stands with you. We'll do all in our power to help you. May God bless you.

Thank you. END 5:20 P.M. EDT

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

No, I bash RATs , not the president.

Click on my name and read my home page.

However, we all have opinion, even the conservatives like me. And, my opinion is that, based on the magnitude of what is happening, these remarks should not have been delivered. I would rater see more armed troops restoring law and order than a few words in front of a mike, when the world expects major info whenever the president speaks.

Remember, it is not what you or I feel as much as it is the world's press and the RATs and the MSM--they want far more whenever the president steps up to the mike. To do a few short sentences and phrases with a disaster of this scope just seems surreal. All it does is gve fodder to the RATs.

I respect your opinion and I hope you respect mine.

[BushCountry]

But don't forget...the Bush Administration created the Homeland Security dept which is over FEMA. Just another layer of government to screw up and they are screwing up BIG TIME!

The idea that the Government is the solution to everyone's problem sickens me!

I am starting to lose my temper at the media and RINO conservatives! Jeez, we have a Biblical event, 1,000,000 people displaced in three states (New Orleans is a not the only place this event happened!), a major city underwater, several smaller cities (but fairly large) wiped off the face of this planet, the largest oil port and pipelines shut down, rampant lawlessness due to a stupid mayor and governer, 1,000s dead and it FEMA fault because they haven't fixed the problem in a week?

There is nothing, I repeat nothing that could have prepared the United States of America for an event of this magnitude. If the great people of New Orleans weren't so damn dependent on the Guvvermint for everything, they would not this problem.

This problem was predicted for decades in New Orleans, why in the hell didn't they have stockpiles of rations in case of a major predicted event? Why didn't they use the monies for stupid programs like midnight basketball for making the levees stronger? Why didn't they have "shoot to kill" orders the very first day?

[jimbo123]

Neither Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton has EVER calmed down a situation. They are rabble rousers, not peace makers. The more they see "their people" suffer, the happier they are.

Exactly. Jackson and Sharpton must keep their followers as dependent on the government as possible in order to keep them on the Democrat plantation.

[rightinthemiddle]

I guess the question is: Who's driving the bus?

[CAluvdubya]

That clarifies it! (post 277).

It's all Bush's fault that after he told the citizens to evacuate (Saturday before Katrina hit)that the good citizens DID NOT evacuate.

Yes, it's all Bush's fault that they did not do what he told them to do! /s

[ShadowDancer]

Yeah, you're right, the guy has been hanging around here for 5 years just waiting for the perfect time to announce that he's really a liberal. Do you normally become this irrational when someone disagrees with you?

[sinkspur]

And Brown ispires no confidence.

Brown said this morning that FEMA ran a mock disaster drill for just this scenario. I believe he called it PAM. Things that had to be improved came out of the exercise, but "we are still awaiting the resolution of those."

Can you believe that? Brown basically admitted he had no plan because it's tied up in bureaucracy.

There's nothing but excuses coming out of his mouth. Enough with the excuses! Develop a plan, and execute the plan!

[RasterMaster]

The nanny state/welfare mentality - it's always someone else's job. What part of MANDITORY EVACUATION do these fools in the media not get? The people on the coast were warned, told to leave, and chose to stick it out thereby endangered themselves and their families. That would be considered neglect when parents put their children in danger.

The Governor and Mayor's extreme ineptitude is what the bozos in the lame-steam media should be focused on. It was their job to prepare their constituents, NOT the federal government. There was ample time to prepare, and most responsible adults took to the road for safety. Yet all that was offered on the state level was another poor evacuation plan from the dimwit dimocrats. Either using "one way out" stuck in traffic or holing up in the dome, what choices!

Before the storm, they could have used all the school & city busses to evacuate those who couldn't make it on their own to higher ground further inland. But they chose weakness in the face of real danger instead.

After the storm, all resources were put at their disposal, yet they delayed making the request as well as delayed the delivery when aid arrived. Martial Law was declared and yet they still sat on thier hands allowing lawlessness to erupt. Neither can handle their jobs, yet refuse to step aside and allow someone else to handle it.

If President Bush hadn't announced the evacuation order, there would be more loss and suffering, mainly due to the clueless Democrats who failed to do anything - who, by the way, have been in charge of that state long before Bush ran for office.

When you have your hand extended, you shouldn't b!tch about getting aid when you were told to prepare for 3-5 days of food and water. When it comes to your family's safety, waiting on government to solve your problems is no better than waiting on a welfare check instead of getting off your arse and finding work.

But I guess wading around in sewage and griping about it is a much more pleasing alternative if you always pull the "D" lever when it's time to elect leadership. The failure of a democrat-led state is why the media is out in force trying to point fingers at Bush, when they all know the reality of the situation...their own failures cause many more to die than would have if they hadn't been slow to react.

[Rock N Jones]

Funny I always wanted to be a choir director!

[dawn53]

Read the law...Bush is not a monarch, he also has to obey the law of the land.

Read about posse comitatus...about the Insurrection Act.

here's the link

http://www.homelandsecurity.org/bulletin/Primer_ChallengestoPreventionandPreparedness.htm

[queenkathy]

It allows the Feds to maintain law...but can only be issued if the Gov or state legislature asks for it, or if the President feels that the state government is unable or unwilling to accomplish the task at hand and restore civil obedience

I've read this 100 times here and I haven't read all of the comments so if this was addressed, I apologize in advance...BUT, if this is true about the Gov asking for help, then why aren't more people stating this on the networks? Why didn't the Pres tell her to ask?

[No.6]

"This thing is going to torpedo Bush's presidency."

Sorry, but you'll have to excuse me for considering these comments very wussy.

A major city's been flooded, the roads are out, through the complete mismanagement of the local authorities and the thuggery of the local population a rescue op has turned into a FUBAR; it's been 3 days since the breach opened.

The MSM has of course put all blame on Bush's shoulders; and having failed to single-handedly repair bridges, rescue everyone, slay the thugs, make gasoline fairies deliver vast supplies to all corners of the U.S., and in his spare time give moving speeches which confound the Democrats and inspire the people, you've concluded it's all over.

Sometimes I'm very glad the 'net wasn't around on 12/9/41.

[prairiebreeze]

As I posted to another questionable poster just up this thread, sign up dates mean nothing as to what a posters actual agenda on Fr might be.

I care nothing as to you or yours particularly, except to challenge that you've done nothing but wring your hands and criticize since you came on this thread.

Since that's all you are able to do, you've added nothing but nothing positive or in the "countries best interest" to the actual discussion here you probably should diddy on over to the chatarea and find a good book discussion.

Now, run along. Child.

[Dems_R_Losers]

I still vividly recall Rudy Giuliani's first news conference on 9/11. When he was asked how many people were dead in the WTC, he bluntly said, "I don't know, but it will be more than we can bear." If you read that statement, it could sound clueless or, even worse, like mealy-mouthed, Clintonian faux-compassion. But coming from Giuliani that day, those words were exactly right and not a person second-guessed or carped about what he said.

Some people have the gift of communication and some don't. I doubt the President is too concerned about how Mike Brown answers questions from Katie Couric in the middle of a Biblical disaster with no sleep for four days.

[maica]

Please keep your rational comments coming. So often when I read a well-reasoned rebuttal to some of the hysterical comments, I find you are the poster.

Thanks!

[ohioWfan]

Agreeing with a troll who has been zotted.

How telling.....

[OrangeBlossomSpecial]

Exactly, stand by and watch thugs bust windows, laughing, and smiling like idiots for the camera. No arrests and security cops and real cops even join the hood!

Boldly loot and steal for a world wide audience.

Very few covered their faces or bowed their heads in shame.

[OXENinFLA]

Yesterday I said I didn't really like Pres. Bush's comments about the gas supply. Below is along the line of what I would have liked to have heard.

Things I think didn't need to be said are struck out and my added comments in non-italics [].

[snip]

And finally, we're moving forward with a comprehensive recovery strategy. We're working hard to restore electric power, repair transportation infrastructure, restart energy production, and of course, strategize as to how to provide housing for these folks. I met with Chairman Greenspan at lunch, as well as the economic team, to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Katrina. We particularly spent a lot of time talking about the damage done to our energy infrastructure and its effect on the availability and price of gasoline.

In our judgment, we view this storm as a temporary disruption that is being addressed by the government and by the private sector. We've taken immediate steps to address the issue. The Secretary of Energy is approving loans of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The EPA has provided a temporary nationwide waiver for fuel requirements so supplies of gasoline can move more easily within our country and so that we can attract more gasoline from overseas.

We're also working with energy companies to repair and reactivate major refineries and pipelines. The good folks must understand that major refineries have been shut down, which means it's going to be hard to get gasoline to some markets. We're working to help these pipelines get up and running. [get any damaged pipelines up to full capacity as soon as possible.] Pipelines carry refined product.

And so we're working with the majors -- major oil companies to get the -- with Colonial Pipeline so they can carry the products of the major oil companies, the refined products. Right now, the Colonial Pipeline, which is a major pipeline serving the East Coast, is back in operation, but only at 50 percent capacity. We anticipate that as the days go by, more and more of that capacity will be restored. Other major pipelines are coming back online. But as I said, we're going to have a temporary disruption of gasoline product.

Another challenge we face is that the downed pipelines [, some due to the lack to power at pumping stations which will be up and running after power gets restored,] are causing the need to transport gasoline to needed markets by ship. Under current law, shipping between American ports can only take place on American ships, and there are currently not enough American ships to move the oil and gasoline to where it's needed. So today I've instructed Secretary of Homeland Security Chairman Chertoff to temporarily waive this requirement, so foreign ships can also help distribute oil and gasoline to where it's needed. Today's action will further help us move gasoline to accommodate the demands of the American citizens.

Steps we're taking will help address the problem of availability [and the problems will be fixed as soon as possible]. but it's not going to solve it. [But while repairs are ongoing] Americans should be prudent in their use of energy during the course of the next few weeks. Don't buy gas if you don't need it. [Be conservative in your driving, car pool if you can. Go to the web site fueleconomy.gov to find tips on how to get the most mileage out of your cars.]

[OldFriend]

Guess folks just loved the fact that billclinton sent in the tanks at WACO and just don't understand the terrible danger to our country if their government could just march into any state and take over.

Ah, ignorance is bliss and deadly too.