Are we ready for the next 9/11?Surely Veronique de Rugy could have come up with a better example of homeland security Noun 1. Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Department of Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States waste than the "$38 million to fully cover all remaining fire claims from the Cerro Grande Fire The Cerro Grande Fire was a disastrous forest fire in New Mexico, United States of America that occurred in May 2000. The fire started as a result of a controlled burn that became uncontrolled owing to high winds and drought conditions. in New Mexico New Mexico, state in the SW United States. At its northwestern corner are the so-called Four Corners, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet at right angles; New Mexico is also bordered by Oklahoma (NE), Texas (E, S), and Mexico (S). " ("Are We Ready for the Next 9/11?," March). The Cerro Grande Fire was a disaster caused by the federal government. Bandelier National Monument Bandelier National Monument: see National Parks and Monuments (table). Bandelier National Monument Archaeological area, north-central New Mexico, U.S. Lying along the Rio Grande 20 mi (32 km) northwest of Santa Fe, it was established in 1916. set the fire during our driest and windiest season, and a lack of coordination amongst various federal agencies allowed it to get out of control. Ultimately it cost taxpayers more than 10 times De Rugy's lamented $38 million figure, but it could have been much worse with only a slight change in wind direction. Since the federal government set and failed to control this ill-conceived "controlled burn," it clearly had an obligation to make right the consequences to the extent such a thing is possible. Fortunately there was no loss of life--only irreplaceable heirlooms, businesses that couldn't recover, and magnificent scenery reduced to black sticks on the mountainsides. This is actually an example of the Federal Emergency Management Agency The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency responsible for coordinating emergency planning, preparedness, risk reduction, response, and recovery. The agency works closely with state and local governments by funding emergency programs and providing technical mostly doing its job right. Shame on you for mischaracterizing it as a boon-doggle. Dave Kloepper Los Alamos, NM |
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