Faith Based Disaster Relief

If I am confirmed, I will pay special attention to volunteers and non-governmental organizations responding to disasters. Fire fighters are frequently the first to respond to a disaster. Faith-based groups like the Salvation Army play critical roles in disaster relief, as does the American Red Cross. And the individual actions of neighbors helping neighbors by donating time, food, and clothing should never be underestimated. These are the people who make a vital difference, without any expectation of thanks or recognition.

Joseph Allbaugh, George W. Bush’s campaign manager at his confirmation hearing to be head of FEMA, February 13, 2001.

The government’s job is to give money and recognition to charity organizations, not to actually do anything except encourage people to start a telephone prayer tree or squeeze their eyes shut tight and wish with everything they have not to die. After all, everybody wants the government out of their lives.

This is clearly the philosophy of FEMA under George W. Bush, his campaign manager and his campaign manager’s roommate “Brownie.” In other words, put your head between your legs and kiss you ass good-bye suckers. We aren’t in the business of federal disaster relief.

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