In times of national crisis it's up to our leaders to take immediate action and mobilize the resources necessary to avert disaster. George Bush and his Republican administration failed to lead our country when Hurricane Katrina made landfall 10 days ago. Today, its inaction still plagues the Gulf Coast region. That's why I'm asking you to step forward and demand that the Bush administration take responsibility.
Sign the petition demanding Bush take responsibility for his failure.
http://www.dscc.org/makeadifference/petitions/katrinaNo one can prevent natural disasters like hurricanes but real leadership demands that when confronted with a crisis like Katrina, immediate and decisive action be taken. President Bush and his administration utterly failed to respond quickly, adequately, or with the much-needed resources that could have saved lives.
If we are ever going to be prepared for similar disasters in the future action must be taken today. George Bush must fire those responsible for our lack of national response to Hurricane Katrina, investigate why our emergency response system failed, and pledge to make the response to national disasters a top priority for the remainder of his administration.
Sign the petition and demand that President Bush take the following actions immediately:
http://www.dscc.org/makeadifference/petitions/katrina1. Fire Under Secretary Michael Brown
The Head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Michael Brown, should be fired immediately. His agency failed to respond to the greatest natural disaster of our times. As Time Magazine writes, Browns credentials seem "to consist of once being the commissioner of the International Arabian Horse Association." Senator Barbara Mikulski has been a Democratic leader on this issue and she has called for him to step down. The next FEMA director needs to actually be experienced in leading a disaster relief effort.
2. Establish an Independent Commission
George Bush should immediately announce his support for an independent commission to investigate Katrina-related response failures. The proposed commission would be modeled after the 9/11 commission. President Bush should give the proposal his full support so that we can get to the bottom of the Republican administration's failures.
3. Fully Fund Common Sense National Defense Measures
President Bush should make it a top priority to fund programs that will help prepare our country for future disasters. That includes repairs to aging infrastructure, upgrading the public-health system to anticipate disasters and minimize human damage, increasing alternative energy sources, and reversing the Bush administration's previous decision to slash 20 percent of the funding to build up the levees on New Orleans Lake Pontchartrain.
4. Respond Rapidly to Future National Crises
George Bush should pledge he and his staff will respond immediately to any future national disasters as rapidly as possible. President Bush toured Arizona and California for two days after Hurricane Katrina struck. While Gulf Coast residents fought for their lives, Vice President Cheney refused to cut short his Wyoming vacation, Condoleeza Rice watched a play and went shoe shopping on New York's Fifth Avenue, and a number of top Bush aides attended a wedding in Greece.
Don't let the Bush administration's embarrassing response to the greatest natural disaster of our times go unpunished. Demand that Bush accept responsibility for his administration and take these steps immediately.
Sign the petition demanding Bush take responsibility for his failure today.
http://www.dscc.org/makeadifference/petitions/katrinaSincerely,
Chuck Schumer
Chair, DSCC
P.S. At the same time you are demanding change from the Bush administration, please don't forget those in need. The Red Cross and other relief efforts still need your help.
http://www.redcross.org 
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