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Ronald Bailey argues that if FEMA isn't going to be very good at helping people get out of the way of a hurricane, it might at least try not to put them there in the first place.

Comments

TomHynes | September 14, 2005, 12:33pm | #

http://wuzzadem.typepad.com/wuz/2005/09/another_katrina_1.html

It wasn't the federal government that blocked the Red Cross - it was the Louisiana Department of Homeland Security. However, the feds have been getting the blame.

Dave W. | September 14, 2005, 1:08pm | #

Not clear what Mr. Bailey means when he says that the "Feds took over in 1917" on the levees. Wouldn't this have prevented the locals from doing levee maintenance, as the article suggests, even if they wanted to? I mean, the fed Gov't does have something of a propensity for fences and barb wire.

On the other hand, couldn't the Feds had *unilaterally* removed itself from control of the levees if it wanted to?

If the Fed gov't wants to not be looked to for competence, then they need to stop "taking things over."

Also: Why isn't Mr. Bailey suggesting that the Fed gov't relinquish control of levees now? His point about insurance is well-taken, but if the locals are ever to become responsible for levees, then it seems like NOW is the time.

So Mr. Bailey, should Bush and Congress give up levee control now? I am open to this approach, but not clear what you think about this.

Larry A | September 14, 2005, 2:38pm | #

So Mr. Bailey, should Bush and Congress give up levee control now? I am open to this approach, but not clear what you think about this.

I would say that "It's time for local citizens take more responsibility for constructing and maintaining the infrastructure that protects them and their property." pretty well spells that out.

Deacon Blues | September 14, 2005, 2:43pm | #

I'm not absolutely positive about this but I believe the levees on the Mississippi River are under Federal Control and the levees elsewhere are under the New Orleans Levee Board. Could be wrong.

Dave W. | September 14, 2005, 3:36pm | #

"It's time for local citizens take more responsibility for constructing and maintaining the infrastructure that protects them and their property." pretty well spells that out.

Wrong. it is not clear whether or not he means: "It's time for federal gov't to cede control of the levees so that, subsequent to that, local citizens can take more responsibility for [blah, blah, blah]." If that is what he means, then that is what he should of said. If he dosn't mean this, then it is difficult to see how Bailey's plan would work.

Ron Bailey | September 14, 2005, 4:09pm | #

Dave W: The Feds should cede control to local citizens who can decide to tax themselves for their upkeep; privatize their maintenance to insurance companies; or just give up and leave the flood plains. Now I hope that's clear.