When Fully Prepared Isn't Fully Prepared
March 2, 2006 - (Washington) - Homeland Security Ranking Democrat Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), issued the following
statement regarding the tapes informing the White House about the possible levee breach by Hurricane Katrina:
"If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million. Six months after Hurricane Katrina destroyed
the homes and livelihoods of millions along the Gulf Coast, the truth about what the President knew and when he knew it
has come to light. The President's declaration that we were 'fully prepared' is as incredulous as his statement that
'Brownie [was] doing a heck of a job.'
"Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a series of revelations about how this Administration has failed to prepare
for the threats facing the American people - both natural and man-made. It's crystal clear that the Bush Administration
doesn't get it. While the Administration stumbles to cover its missteps, the people of the Gulf Coast struggle to
rebuild their lives. We can do better. The American people deserve straight-talk and not double-talk," said Rep.
Thompson.