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Journalism of Courage
US President George W Bush accepted blame for the US government’s flawed response to Hurricane Katrina in a nationally televised speech late on Thursday, and promised one of the biggest rebuilding efforts the world has ever seen in the disaster zone.
In his speech, Bush promised a drastic safety review for every US city, on a day the death toll for the destructive August 29 storm reached 792.
‘‘The system, at every level of government, was not well co-ordinated, and was overwhelmed in the first few days,’’ Bush said in a live speech from Jackson Square in New Orleans. ‘‘Four years after the frightening experience of September 11, Americans have every right to expect a more effective response in a time of emergency. When the federal government fails to meet such an obligation, I as President am responsible for the problem, and for the solution.’’
Bush ordered a sweeping review of disaster-response plans in every major US city. ‘‘I consider detailed emergency planning to be a national security priority,’’ Bush said. The President gave no detail how much on top of the $62 billion allotted by Congress, but vowed, ‘‘The work that has begun in the Gulf Coast region will be one of the largest reconstruction efforts the world has ever seen.’’ AFP
