FEMA Has Become an America Last Agency

 

Screenshot (Hurrican Helene, National Weather Service)

Hurricane Helene later classified as a tropical storm, was a powerful and destructive storm, made landfall in the United States causing widespread devastation and destruction. The impact of Hurricane Helene was felt across several states including Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia and others, leaving behind a trail of destruction that may take years to recover from. The storm brought with it heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges, leading to flooding, power outages, loss of communications, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. According to the National Weather, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of the Florida Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm late in the evening of September 26, 2024.  Although slowly weakening as it moved north across the Deep South and then northwestward across the southern Appalachians, Helene caused significant impacts across a large portion of the Southeast U.S., especially around the southern Appalachians.

One of the most immediate impacts of Hurricane Helene was the flooding caused by the heavy rains and storm surges. Many areas experienced flash floods as rivers and streams overflowed their banks, leaving homes and businesses underwater. The flooding also disrupted transportation and communication networks, making it difficult for rescue and relief efforts to reach those in need. In some areas, the floodwaters were so severe that residents had to be evacuated from their homes and brought to safety.

The strong winds of Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Trees were uprooted, power lines were brought down, and roofs were torn off of homes and businesses. The high winds also contributed to the spread of wildfires in some areas, further complicating the recovery efforts. The destruction caused by the storm will require extensive rebuilding and repair, costing billions of dollars and taking years to complete.

In addition to the physical damage caused by Hurricane Helene, the storm also had a significant impact on the mental and emotional well-being of those affected. Many residents experienced trauma and anxiety as they faced the uncertainty of the storm and its aftermath. The loss of homes, possessions, and livelihoods and lives has left many feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. The long-term effects of the storm on mental health cannot be understated and will require extensive support and resources to address.

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security in which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a component, is facing mounting criticism and calls for accountability in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Many are pointing fingers at Mayorkas and his department for their failures in responding to the disaster and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents. It is crucial that Mayorkas, DHS and FEMA be held accountable for their handling of this crisis to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in the future.

One of the key responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security, through FEMA, is to coordinate disaster response efforts and provide assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. However, in the case of Hurricane Helene, it appears the department was intentionally slow to mobilize resources and is inadequate in its response to the crisis. This lackluster performance has left many residents feeling abandoned and unsupported in their time of need. The response, or lack of appears to be politically motivated.

As the head of the Department of Homeland Security, Mayorkas bears ultimate responsibility for the agency's actions or inactions in response to Hurricane Helene. It is imperative that he be held accountable for any missteps or failures that occurred during the crisis. This accountability is essential not only for the sake of the affected communities, but also to restore public trust in the government's ability to respond effectively to disasters.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it has become clear that there were systemic failures in the Department of Homeland Security's response to the disaster. Reports have surfaced of delays in deploying resources, miscommunications among agencies, and inadequate coordination with state and local officials. These failures have had serious consequences for the affected communities, including delays in critical aid and support services.

Mayorkas must be held accountable for these failures and must take responsibility for ensuring that they are not repeated in future disaster response efforts. This includes conducting a thorough review of the department's response to Hurricane Helene by Congressional Oversight Committee, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing necessary reforms to strengthen the agency's disaster response capabilities. This should include removals of Mayorkas and the Head of FEMA, Deanne Criswell.

Furthermore, accountability is essential for fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within government agencies. By holding Mayorkas, Criswell and other officials accountable for their actions, we send a clear message that incompetence, negligence or political motivations will not be tolerated in matters of public safety and security. This accountability is crucial for maintaining public trust in the government and ensuring that officials are held to the highest standards of performance and integrity.

Vice President Kamala Harris recently announced that victims of Hurricane Helene would be receiving $750 to begin piecing their lives back together. Harris once again insulted Americans with this ridiculous announcement as she continues with her America last approach to governing. Every American should be outraged. While Ukraine continues to receive billions upon billions of dollars from taxpayers, our own government has neither the will nor the inclination of putting their own citizens first. Let’s also not forget that taxpayers are footing the bill to keep illegal aliens housed, fed and with every comfort that Americans are struggling with under this regime. Illegal aliens receive debit cards worth up to ten thousand dollars in many cases, a phone and other items immediately after committing the felony of illegally entering the country. Harris is not and will not be in the business of putting Americans first. She has proven this time and time again. Like her boss, Joe Biden, the recent Hawaii wildfire was also a demonstration of the Biden/Harris complete incompetence and lack of leadership. There have also been reports of private citizens being threatened with arrest for rescue efforts that FEMA should be doing. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has advised drone operators to cease flying drones over the affected areas because air restrictions were placed. What are they hiding?

Ultimately, this will be remembered as Harris’ “Katrina.”

Americans play a vital role in holding our leaders accountable and ensuring that they act in the best interests of the public. The likelihood of anyone being held accountable is close to zero. Establishment Republicans and Democrats have no interest in protecting you, finding out what really happened, and force accountability. Americans will have the opportunity for some accountability on November 5, 2024. Wield the power of the ballot and tell these feckless politicians we are done with them. Americans deserve better. These victims deserve better. Let’s bring true, responsible leaders back.