Gov. Kathleen Blanco: No State of Emergency

NewsMax.com ^ | Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005 12:47 p.m. EDT

[one more state]

Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005 12:47 p.m. EDT Gov. Kathleen Blanco: No State of Emergency

Though her state has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina and thousands are believed dead in New Orleans, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco has yet to declare a state of emergency and refuses to cede authority over rescue efforts to the federal government.

"Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans," the Washington Post reported in Sunday editions.

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Gov. Blanco's office rejected the request, the paper said - concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law. The Louisiana Democrat has also failed to declare a state of emergency - in marked contrast to Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, who both issued emergency declarations before Hurricane Katrina struck.

State and federal officials also told the Post that Gov. Blanco did not reach out to a multi-state mutual aid compact for assistance until Wednesday - more than 24 hours after breaches in New Orleans levee system had flooded the city and killed thousands.

[Siobhan]

End the endless corruption.

Federalize Louisiana NOW!

Don't let the tsarina and these corrupt bastards have their hands in on the rebuilding of Nola and Southeast Louisiana. They'll pocket the money like Nigerian scam artists.

[Hildy]

It says NEWSMAX.com. Am I missing something?

[DJ MacWoW]

I posted it too. No one is reading farther than the first post.

I think what Blanco DIDN'T do was declare it a disaster area.

[eurocon]

Governor Blanco July, 11, 2005..."Honestly, I think it is always wise to evacuate the unprotectedlow-lying areas, but for those of us behind the protection levees it is unnecessary."

Link here.

[Siobhan]

The witch wants the kickbacks from the contracts to rebuild everything! Come on. These are Louisiana Democratic politicians.

[Professional Engineer]

Incredible.

[Cboldt]

She declared an in-state state of emergency last Sunday. She requested fedearal money and material, that the state of Louisana would use as it directed in order to accomplish recovery.

She is steadfast in retaining control of the recovery, and is unwilling to give control of the recovery to the federal government. Nonetheless, lots is happening without direction from the state's command and control apparatus.

[DJ MacWoW]

It says NEWSMAX.com. Am I missing something?

It was first reported here:

Many Evacuated, but Thousands Still Waiting(still no state of emergency in LA) ^

She DID declare a State of Emergency. What she hasn't done is declare it a disaster area.

[Siobhan]

If Katrina had been an invading army, this behavior might qualify as treason.

When all the dead are counted, it will be clear that Blanco is guilty of treason.

[JasonC]

She invoked authority granted her as governor under LA law. What she is refusing to do is invoke Federal law that passes authority to FEMA to coordinate crisis response. Legally, there is a state level emergency in LA right now but not a federal one. For all the world as though it were hit less hard than neighboring Mississippi.

[RGSpincich]

And in a parallel universe.

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco says, "I blew it!"

[mware]

Federalize Louisiana NOW!

GW has to be very careful. They could be trying to get him to commit a impeachable offense by taking power not delegated to him.

[edcoil]

Did I see her on George Steponallofus taking a long helicoptor ride stating how she did everything and it was Bush's fault?

[I see my hands]

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"Shortly before midnight Friday.."

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Which Friday, NewsMax? Cripe sakes! Who, what, when, where, and why. Got it? Get it.

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[Clock King]

He may already be, but the MSM won't show it. I got up early this morning and happened to catch the America's Black Forum at 6AM (it's a syndicated show). The four Black men on the panel did me proud! They RIPPED the so-called Black Leadership a new one! Way to go Brothers!

[Wolfstar]

Has this been reported in the MSM??

It was originally reported in the Washington Post late yesterday. Other FReepers found it on the WaPo website. Once again, we were ahead of NewMax and others.

[bronxboy]

How stupid can she be? I think she has set back the advancement of women in politics 50 years. She blubbered on national TV, won't declare an emergency and tries to blame President Bush. I pray that the moderates who are wishy washy get the whole story.

[eurocon]

The only thing I'm aware of is that while the adults have been saving her city/sate, she was off in a corner crying.

[Cathy]

I don't think they (the wash post)was intentionally vindicating Bush. As a matter of fact the article tries to spin things full circle - make it sound like Bush was trying to federalize the huricanne for political reasons.

You are talking about the wash post article from this morning, no?