Date: 9/3/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Governor Blanco's letter to President Bush Regarding Hurricane Katrina
September 3, 2005
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20502
By Fax
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of all Louisianans, I thank you for your visit yesterday to see the devastation Hurricane Katrina has inflicted on the lives of our citizens. The enormity of the situation is, as you saw yourself, impossible to truly comprehend without seeing it firsthand.
I am deeply grateful for your willingness to come down to personally pledge to the people of Louisiana to do whatever it takes to get the job done. We appreciate the unique contributions that the Department of Defense has made, and know that if the soldiers and assets I have requested are immediately deployed consistent with that pledge, we can rescue our citizens still in harm's way, reclaim our communities and rebuild them, and give our people renewed hope for the future.
I also agree with your idea that - given the unprecedented requests for federal military assistance that I, and my fellow Governors in Mississippi and Alabama have made - a "single military commander" of "Federal Joint Task Force Katrina" be named for federal forces.
I believe such a decision is critical to improving the timeliness of fulfilling and coordinating the requests for federal assistance that have already been made. This officer would serve as the single military commander for all Department of Defense resources providing support to the Department of Homeland Security and the State of Louisiana. This could also enhance the contribution of over 25 National Guard states currently being commanded by the Louisiana Adjutant General.
I ask that you direct the assigned Federal Coordinating Officer at the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) to co-locate with my Homeland Security and Emergency and Preparedness Office at the Federal Joint Task Force headquarters. This would make the Joint Interagency Operations Center a truly integrated operation.
Mr. President, these actions are essential to ensure unity of effort and a fully coordinated federal, state and local response to this extraordinary natural disaster. I look forward to your favorable response to my request and welcome any comments or suggestions you might have. Thank you again for your efforts on behalf of Louisiana.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Governor
State of Louisiana
Bookmarked for future reference
Geez... Yeah, complete disconnect from reality.
Morning!
I wonder who really wrote that letter. Missus Blanco was an incoherent wreck, last time I saw her.
Speaking of morning, I woke up on the couch with Geraldo squawking on tv. Lovely way to start the day....