FEMA's Fabulous Fake Press Conference
by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 10.28.07
We missed this the first time it aired this past Tuesday but - having now had ample time to "review" it to our hearts' pleasure - thought it worth sharing. Now while we hadn't originally been inclined to knock FEMA for its performance in the Southern California wildfire relief operations, we couldn't just let this "press" conference pass without mention.
It certainly seems like the agency has firmed up its response since its disastrous non-performance following Hurricane Katrina; FEMA officials have provided both logistical and financial support, and California's state officials had been said to be satisfied with their cooperation. Why David Paulison, FEMA's secretary, would let this charade go on is beside us: it doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the agency's capabilities and, more importantly, its transparency (even White House Press Secretary Dana Perino felt the need to criticize the faux conference). Heckuva job, guys!
Via ::The Intersection: FEMA Fakes a Press Conference (blog), ::The Washington Post: Bush Declares California Disaster Area (newspaper)
See also: ::FEMA Trailers Optimizing Formaldehyde Exposure, ::Gimme Shelter: Designing for Disaster
It certainly seems like the agency has firmed up its response since its disastrous non-performance following Hurricane Katrina. Thats crazy
Just another in a long series. Although this is pretty outrageous.
Don't forget that this administration put together 'video news releases' that were then passed off as hard news stories. And Gannon/Guckert as a legit reporter. There are many more instances to be found with a little scratching. Basically all they really do is PR stunts, oh and hand the country over.
There's no justification for it, and they do it largely with the complicity of the media. They feel entitled, and the fabrication of a press conference shows a level of disdain that's breathtaking.
But what did you expect? And what what will you do about it?
FEMA reminds me of a "new guy" at work that doesn't understand the basics of operation. Give them a few more emergencies, they'll catch on...