Bush Radio 10/27/07: "I went to Southern California with a message..."

[Amerigo Vespucci]

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 27, 2007

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071027.html

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Thursday, I traveled to California to visit communities ravaged by wildfires. I walked with a married couple through the charred remains of their home. I met with emergency responders. I talked with displaced families at a disaster assistance center. And I made a pledge to the people of California on behalf of all Americans: We will help you put out the fires, get through the crisis, and rebuild your lives.

State and local authorities in California were well prepared for this crisis, and they responded quickly and effectively. Officials warned those in danger, moved residents out of the path of the flames, and set up dozens of shelters for thousands of people.

State officials also reached out to the Federal government for help. And we responded. Shortly after the fires broke out, we started mobilizing and providing assistance, including the deployment of Federal firefighters and aircraft to drop fire retardant on the fires. As high winds spread the fires, Governor Schwarzenegger requested more Federal help. Within one hour of that request, we approved an emergency declaration that authorized Federal agencies across the government to help state and local responders save lives, protect property, and maintain public health and safety.

On Wednesday, I issued a second declaration. This action made additional Federal funding available to the residents of the counties affected by the wildfires, so they can recover and rebuild. This Federal assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repair, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, loans for small business owners, and funding to help clean up debris.

I was impressed by the performance of the first responders I met in California. Despite the challenges of high winds and dry weather, firefighters are gaining the upper hand and earning the gratitude of their fellow citizens. Many of these brave men and women have battled the blaze in triple-digit heat. Some have worked around the clock. And more than once, firefighting teams were forced to take emergency shelter in their fire tents when threatened by approaching walls of flame. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet them, and I thank them for their courage.

I was also encouraged by the spirit of the families I met. At one recovery center, I met an amazing young girl named Alyssa Lamborn. Alyssa told me, "I lost my house, but I didn't lose my home -- because my family and my pets are safe." I saw this same spirit in many others who are grateful for their safety and determined to rebuild.

People like Alyssa and her family are receiving help from their fellow Americans. Some have opened their homes to strangers who were evacuated and could not find a hotel room. Doctors and nurses have answered the call to help seniors who were forced from their nursing homes. And volunteers from every walk of life have come forward to provide food, clothing, and blankets -- and a shoulder to lean on.

I went to Southern California with a message: We want you to know the country cares for you. We're concerned about you, your neighborhoods, and your homes. Things may look dismal now, but there is a better day ahead. And we will not forget you in Washington, D.C.

Thank you for listening.

[katmondoo]

1. Then he goes home to veto another SCHIPS program

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

2. Typical Bush speak, he says "I" 15 times and the royal "we" 6 times.

In eight paragraphs.

Selfish and arrogant. MKJ

[Turbineguy]

3. a message

and a song in his heart.:silly:

[daninthemoon]

4. Don't suppose he dropped by New Orleans on the way home.

"And we will not forget you in Washington, D.C." "message, we care". Ok, are the cameras off? Like the shepherd said, let's get the flock outta here.

[MindPilot]

5. And here's how it REALLY went down

Some time Sunday evening, the Mayor of San Diego open Qualcomm Stadium as an evacuation center. Within minutes, the people who actually know how to do this shit--the Salvation Army & the Red Cross are on-scene. Word goes out via local news that they need donation of supplies. Within 24 hours word goes out again this time to stop donations; they have enough. By wednesday morning a million people and thousands of animals have been evacuated.

Then FEMA shows up with some cots and blankets. Thursday FEMA holds a fake press conference to take credit for it all while shitboy's photo-op visit keeps people from returning to their homes. And while he was here, not a whole lot of "...help put out the fires, get through the crisis, and rebuild your lives" was forthcoming since the firefighting aircraft were grounded during the visit.

[lunatica]

6. Like California doesn't

Doesn't know how to deal with fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds every year or two. Duh!

Those who want to give Bush credit for 'helping' California are ignorant and welcomed to willfully keep their ignorance. A special press conference from FEMA was held for them. The rest of us know that it takes equipment and firefighters to control the fires. Both of which we lacked in great numbers due to unnecessary Federal rules (FEMA) and lack of National Guard. Thank whatever gods you believe in that we can take care of our own, or FEMA would turn this state into a giant FEMA trailer park, probably guarded by Blackwater while citizens waited for any further help.

Bush should fix New Orleans' Lower Ninth, get every single displaced citizen their house back and then come and smirk about how great he is. He can't take credit for what he doesn't do and think no one will notice the disasters he leaves with what he doesn't do.