Dear Winston:

Californians know that a devastating earthquake could occur anywhere in
the state at any time. And we also know that a major earthquake would cause
hundreds or thousands of deaths, widespread homelessness, and massive
property damage.

Although Californians are aware of these important facts, somehow the
Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) still do not seem to have gotten the message. Last September, I
requested a copy of the FEMA disaster recovery plan for California. After
several months, I was disappointed to receive a general reply outlining the
things that might happen following a generic disaster.

Recently, following a new report from the Scripps Institution of
Oceanography on the geologic stress that is present especially along the southern
portions of the San Andreas Fault -- and the likelihood that a major
earthquake is, in fact, overdue -- I again asked for a detailed plan for actions
that would follow an earthquake. In a letter to Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff, I have again requested a plan specific to California
on the steps that would be taken in the immediate aftermath of an
earthquake to respond to widespread destruction.

Sadly, it appears that little has changed at FEMA in the year following
Hurricane Katrina. The agency appears to be woefully unprepared for an
earthquake of major magnitude and the devastation that would follow in
California. You can count on me to continue to demand a substantive plan that
is designed to keep Californians safe in the days following an earthquake.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Earthquakes in California?

Michael Chertoff probably doesn't know what an earthquake is.
(ah, that word is not in my talking points, have to get back to you later)
Heckova job Chertie

Doesn't that only happen in Superman movies? In which case, don't worry, Sup will save you

This is another one of those moments when I soooooooo wish that Bush was a strong (secure) man. If so, he would hire James Lee Witt back into the position of FEMA director and we'd have the most qualified man in the position. I am really tired of incompetence and cronyism.