Today the President concluded those efforts so far were "not acceptable." They are not acceptable. In the weeks and months ahead. those of us charged with oversight of homeland security issues will be asking hard questions about the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. commonly referred to as FEMA. for their response. planning and execution. Streams of refugees and reports of lawless gangs terrorizing the streets of New Orleans convey images more commonly associated with the Third World than with a major commercial port in the New World. When a catastrophe. natural or manmade. rips through the social fabric. the first obligation of governments at all levels is to maintain order and deal with the shortterm needs of the populace. The capability to reestablish public safety and protect the lives and property of lawabiding citizens must be brought to bear visibly and promptly.
Identified stereotypes
Associating refugees with lawlessness and Third World conditions.