In the wake of Katrina I spent some time on the Gulf Coast. Admittedly in Mississippi and not New Orleans, so I didn't see the nightmare that occurred in the 9th Ward. But I did see the devastation that a hurricane can bring to a wide area. It was mind boggling to see how bad it was along the Gulf Coast. It was as close to a war zone as I could imagine without the bombs! The area was essentially wiped clean. It was hearbreaking to see the impact on the land and the people of the Gulf Coast.
In that situation we learned lots of lessons. We found out that Federal, State, and local agencies have roles to play and must work together. It takes resources. It talkes caring and concern. It takes leadership. From my perspective, it is really heartening (and a little surprising) that we have learned those lessons. We seem to have learned how to react in a terrible situation. We seem to have figured how to prioritize, how to communicate, how to solve problems. At least if we can beleive what is being reported is true.
So bravo for all those involved in working this terrible natural disaster called Sandy. Bravo to the first responders, bravo to FEMA and the State agencies and the local agencies. Bravo to the leadership at all those levels. And bravo to the President for leading from the front. Past failures have made us better, as it should be. I'm sure there are heartwrenching and terrible stories that will lay blame at the doorstep of some of the agenies, but from my perspective we responded pretty well.
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