Hurricane Helene FEMA and the weak Federal response

[Maxmars]

And here (gasp) I think I might accuse you of being too cynical.

The fact is, FEMA is filled with many people who really do want to help.  Yes, there's opportunism and all the normal high-school power game crap, but there actually are idealists, lots, who are trying their best with the system they feel is the best existing possibility to magnify their efforts.  They actually take this seriously.

And in a way, that's even more of a tragedy.  The intrinsic inhuman selfishness is an emergent effect of the bureaucratic system itself.  Bad eggs can be thrown out, but the fundamental dynamics of the larger system will remain.

I said no one is seriously talking about eliminating FEMA.  Not true -- some people are.  But it seems no elected representative in the executive or legislative branch, which has actual authority over them, is.  And if they were, then they'd likely replace it with something pretty much exactly like what's there, because FEMA is something, and something must be done.  And of course, FEMA is also staffed with management who are more than happy to undertake investigations of how to improve the agency, and, if Congress is willing to fund modifications, they will be more than happy to implement it.  See how it works?

Perhaps you are correct that I am being too cynical.

But I would like to add that I, for one, do not feel that FEMA itself is the problem... the mission is clear, the means and methods are a fair start to address emergencies.  It's intent, as I know it, is not without honor.  And there certainly are many people who operate within that sense of honor... but there are too many that clearly don't... and they seem to be clustered within the 'decision-making' layers of the organization.  But when it's more important that the "contracts" and budgetary decisions get steered into foibles like DEI, and 'continuity of governance' it must be stripped bare and accounted for... disasters are no time for social justice and virtue signaling.  FEMA's existence needs to cut through the bullshit and act... not prevaricate over political appearances and power gamesmanship.

I never believed that it is all a big 'show' for the rank and file at the front lines... but I insist we acknowledge that just because it's not 'there' doesn't mean it's not at the root of the problem in the 'appointed class' leadership...  Hurricane victims need help... not virtue and public relations, or being a showpiece for some politicians.