Posted on 08/23/2023 11:00:27 AM PDT by Red Badger
Following the Maui fire disaster, there have been concerns of mishandling and a lack of transparency, with claims of media restrictions on the island.
The current media landscape seems determined to maintain a positive image of Joe Biden, especially evident in the coverage of the Hawaii incident. Two significant aspects underscore this narrative.
Firstly, there’s President Biden’s perceived aloofness, marked by his repeated “no comment” replies to early queries and frequent vacations during this crisis. His recent visit to Maui only magnified his public relations challenges. Secondly, there are concerns about the local administration’s measures, or lack thereof, which may have exacerbated the situation. Issues like an unutilized warning system, queries about the fire’s initial containment, and an alleged delay by a water management official in redirecting water to combat the flames, are notable.
Among this muffled media landscape comes an anonymous tip: A reported FEMA letter dated August 19, 2023 that urges an official media blackout on new disaster footage.
It was signed off on as Justin Angel Knighton, who is the Director of FEMA’s Office of External Affairs.
“A person wishing to stay anonymous has sent me this email by FEMA sent to their nonprofit who is headed to Maui to help with disaster relief,” Anthony Cabasa reported. “They say they are being asked to STOP posting any images or videos while on the ground effective immediately.”
The August 19 letter reads:
“Out of respect for those who perished, we were asked by Maui County officials to pause on posting on social media and elsewhere new imagery of damage/disaster/debris starting now. They are asking for a full stop on disaster imagery going forward. At this time, we have not been asked to take any photos or video down. Our team on the ground is coordinating with the County for further guidance to ensure we remain fully aligned. Cultural sensitivity is of the utmost importance in all our response and recovery activities to this disaster.”
This squares with other reports, such as that given by Fox News’ Will Cain.
“We believe we are the only national media in West Maui,” Cain said. “I haven’t see any other crews. And they tried to censor us and shut us down. ‘West Maui is a media free zone.’ We only got through the checkpoints because I’m a property owner in West Maui. They have this place on info lockdown from Waihee to Maalaea.”
“To be clear, there have been MANY amazing citizen journalists and local news like @MauiNOW is great,” he added. “But when you attempt to control information you sow the seed of conspiracy theory. You know a resource that’s missing in Maui: information.”
Nick Sortor is one such citizen journalist doing yeoman’s work shedding light on the deteriorating situation in Maui.
When Sortor was asked if the military ever mobilized to set up camps and supplies for survivors, his response was sobering.
“It’s essentially ALL volunteer and non-profit operations,” he said. “FEMA is doing practically nothing. Very frustrating.”
Nonetheless, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell insists that she and Biden have been in close communication throughout the entire disaster response.
Nevermind, they just meant no taking pictures at the Fourseasons pool or Bar of FEMA "workers".
FEMA should have zero authority on this.
OK. Just what does that mean? Are they swapping vacation stories? Discussing what property they're going grab?
All powerful FEMA has spoken!(/S)
It’s becoming obvious that whoever is perpetrating this land grab has prepaid their 10% to the Big Guy.
The Biden regime is only interested controlling the optics of the daily news cycle. We’ve seen this over and over again on the border. The media plays ball.
Is it as simple as trying to make biden look good?
I doubt that’s all there is. I think the left wanted the fires to use them to “prove” global warming.
We are supposed to hate Russia because they censor their media.
Lol.
They can urge what ever they want, but they have no authority whatsoever to take steps to ensure that outcome.
Its funny to watch. The government is trying to use cultural sensitivity to hide their many failures. But it's the local indigenous population that is screaming the loudest for transparency.
Tulsi is there now.
However, as she’s still a reservist, she may be limited as to what she can say about what’s happening there.
Yup—the Deep State wants their controlled mass media to spin the narrative of the day.
If the narrative is not “taking” then they go to plan B.
Censorship.
The left rips through “special minorities” like knives through butter—treats them as totally disposable.
America 2024 - nothing but good news for public consumption. All Hail Big Brother!
There are a over 1,000 fema employees on the ground there...........................
Yes, they could Court Marshal her.
Just because Deanne and Joe ‘have been in close communication’ doesnt meant help and supplies were even discussed or arranged...
Where are the supplies wheres the shelters ???
Pictures are powerful.
They do not want you seeing the consequences of Democrat governance.
FEMA should be shuttered and completely defunded. Emergency management and disaster relief can be handled by state and local governments. Additionally, individual citizens can volunteer, donate and more. FEMA, like most parts of the federal government have become political and weaponized.
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