Not the Answer

The proposal by President Bush to put the Department of Defense in charge of natural disaster response is bad on so many levels. From misapplication of skills and expertise to improper management structure to the simple abandonment of basic principles of federal government, such a response to the Katrina and Rita hurricanes smacks of stupidity.

Plus, it is not necessary. FEMA has problems and this is not news, but they should be the agency or some other civilian agency responsible for natural disaster response. If the United States is attacked, the DoD is the go to agency. But if we experience natural disasters, the military is not hte answer. Military assets can and should be used, but they should not direct the effort. Here's more from the Wash. Post:

Under the new National Response Plan unveiled last winter, local military commanders are authorized and pre-approved "to respond to requests of civil authorities" for "immediate response" needs, including rescue, evacuation, medical treatment, restoration of vital services and safeguarding and distribution of food and supplies, said Michael Greenberger, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security at the University of Maryland School of Law.

The current National Response Plan developed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks gives the defense secretary authority to provide military support for disaster relief efforts at the president's direction...

However, active-duty troops generally cannot take on domestic law enforcement roles, which is what many experts said was desperately needed to stop the rioting and violence in the streets of New Orleans after Katrina hit. National Guard troops under state control are allowed to take on law enforcement responsibilities.

The state and local governments need to realize that they hold the primary responsibility for disaster preparedness and relief. The federal government should have a secondary and support role in these situations.