Marilyn Musgrave's statement on Katrina relief

One thing that the majority of the country agrees on is that the preparation for and response to Hurricane Katrina was woefully inadequate. I'm not the first to say that there was a complete failure of leadership at all levels of government. Most shameful to me, though, is that the federal government waited days before even embarking on relief efforts. Here is my congresswoman, Marilyn Musgrave, speaking of the relief efforts

“I am proud of the response from state leaders in the region and federal leaders throughout the nation. Their efforts so far will undoubtedly save lives. Also, the U.S. Congress will adjourn early from its month long recess to pass emergency legislation provide funds needed to help immediate relief efforts in the hurricane-torn area.”

Proud, she says. Proud of an underused troop carrier just off the coast (the USS Bataan, chicagotribune.com)? Proud of FEMA chief Michael Brown unaware of thousands of refugees in the New Orleans Convention Center?

Providing relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina needs to be our highest national priority now, but there will come a time, soon, when we need to hold our leaders accountable for their failures. Given Rep. Musgrave's comment above, I do not have faith in her judgement and ability to provide an effective check or balance to administrative excess and incompetence.