[A visibly shaken Blanco described a helicopter tour she had taken as] mile after mile after mile of homes inundated with water. ... This catastrophe is unprecedented. |
[More will be coming. Last week, Louisiana's two senators didn't even blink when they asked the feds for an ultimate total of $250 billion in assistance just for their state.] We recognize that it's a very high number, ... But this is an unprecedented national tragedy and needs an unprecedented national response. |
[The program's long list of supporters includes Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu.] The people behind Operation Mend a Heart understand that one way we can support our troops is by supporting the people they are fighting for, the children of Iraq, ... Operation Mend a Heart will help provide the humanitarian medical assistance to the underprivileged children of Iraq who would otherwise not have access to the pediatric medical and surgical care they need. |
A budget should reflect the values and priorities of our nation and its people. |
A penny saved is not a penny earned if at the end of the day you still owe a quarter. |
a real and significant effort to get a handle on a major cause of this catastrophe. |
Accountability at every level is critical, and leadership begins at the top. |
All of it is vital, there is not anything in here that we would consider a wish list or pie in the sky, |
but so do our governors and our local elected officials. |
Clearly the Gulf Coast and our only energy coast is a priority, but I don't believe we have to sacrifice every other good civil works project around the country. |
Democracy still has a real hope and chance in Iraq, and true freedom in this country would be the greatest testament to those who gave their lives for it. |
Everybody anticipated the breach of the levee, Mr. President, |
FEMA has proven to be a shell of what it once was and has been unable, and seemingly unwilling, to provide the direct and immediate resources necessary in the aftermath of the most devastating natural disaster in American history, |
FEMA, now a shell of what it once was, continues to be overwhelmed by the task at hand. |
First, let me begin by thanking each of you and the companies for what you all did to save lives, to save property, to restore the communities along the Gulf Coast. |