FEMA - A smart conservative speaks

FEMA does need reform, many states should look out for themselves, and the private sector can do things for disaster relief.  But instead of a broad brush attack on the Federal Government or a broad brush defense of business as usual, we need calm deliberation of the facts and of where the best resources are available.

See "How a Smart Conservative Would Reform FEMA", Jordan Weissman, The Atlantic, 2012-10-31.

Maybe Matt Mayer could be a catalyst for a "Real Republican" party?

Mitt and FEMA, ideology trumps pragmatism and sympathy

See "A Big Storm Requires Big Government", New York Times, 2012-10-29.

I wonder how Mitt Romney thinks massive disaster relief by private corporations would work.  "Before we rescue from your roof, would you please give us your credit card number?"  "Before we spray your house with water as the forest fire gets closer, would you please give us your credit card number?"  "Before we give you information about the hurricane's path, would you please…"

Is disaster relief tax and spend?

I've been wondering when one of the Republican governors who berates the size of the Federal government and decries the "tax and spend" policies of the Democrats, was going to call for Federal disaster relief.  Gov. Rick Perry of Texas may not be the first, but he is the first that I read about.  See "Texas Gov. Rick Perry Cut Fire Department Funding by 75%".

No wonder he can claim low taxes, but he gets high fire danger for it.  He may have decried "taxes and spend" but now he's calling on the Federal government to "spend for Texas".

Haiti Disaster Relief: How to Contribute

The New York Times has assembled a list of agencies that are helping in the relief effort for Haiti. It is at http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/haiti-disaster-relief-how-to-contribute/

It includes online and postal addresses.