FEMA Drops the Ball

In a post-Katrina society, the word "FEMA" is typically connotative of a stream of harsh words and possibly graphic images of the terrible events of the Hurricane. Giving FEMA the benefit of the doubt, I investigated more closely. However, the articles I found time and time again reviled that FEMA did, indeed, drop the ball.

According to a 2005 ABC.com article (http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1108268&page=1), one of the main reasons that FEMA was unprepared stemmed from a recent turn over in authority to the Department of Homeland Security after being an independent organization for several years. Because of internal re-organization and confusion that erupted due to new leadership, FEMA was unprepared for any emergency, including that of a Hurricane.

Still too, many blame FEMA's director Michael Brown (http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2005-09-07-our-view_x.htm). A former commissioner for an Arabian horse association, many give total credit for Brown's hiring to another former director, and close friend. Deemed unfit to lead an emergency organization by many, Brown was (and still is) harshly criticized for much of the chaos that took place in New Orleans.

Perhaps many articles and evidence do exist showing FEMA and another, less harsh, light. However, I challenge one to find such an article, because I find it nearly impossible to locate.

When I first read the novel Zeitoun, I found it hard to believe that the American government could really react to a situation so poorly. However, after researching several articles it is obvious that the situation that the main character is placed in is possible and probable. I personally will hold on to the hope that Zeitoun hyperbolises the events that took place, because I find the alternative to be a scary reality.