Passing the buck? Yes and no. Yes, FEMA is passing the buck to its inspector and the inspector back to the computer. No, FEMA is not giving you your due financial compensation. This incompetence can be traced directly through Michael Brown and onto to President Bush.

If that is not damage I dont know what is

Unbelievable, talk about passing the buck. Maybe future FEMA employees MUST live for a week in their client's shoes, since a house might not be available.

US Government at its best. Just can't trust em to do anything right.

Just add this to the list of ineptness that this administration seems to be so good at.

I wish I could say I was surprised by this, but I'm not. Immediately after 9/11, I submitted an application for some assistance since the company I was temping at was located in the World Financial Center (next to the WTC). However, since the company had temporarily relocated to the midtown area after the disaster, I got a response saying that I was "outside the affected disaster area" and therefore inelligible for assistance. Luckily, I was able to show proof that I was there, via my ATM receipt from 7:48am September 11 from 1 World Trade Center. I certainly wasn't asking for much, especially since I didn't lose my home or my life, and I didn't pursue any further assistance - other people needed it more than I did. The incompetence certainly is staggering though.

Is this another case of the state and Federal republican administrations have aboused their porwer against Democrats? Sure makes one wonder wether there are still professionals in government or just political hacks.

Is this another case of the state and Federal republican administrations have aboused their porwer against Democrats? Sure makes one wonder whether there are still professionals in government or just political hacks.

Just one more reason I ask if we want the Federal Government to do more for you or anyone else. Can you imagine if the Feds every get to run health care. As screwed up as that is, Washington running it realy scares me.

Maybe they throught since it wasn't there, they couldn't inspect it? Another loophole to use to extend the time frame for assistance? Why is this so hard for our government? Passing the buck, making up excuses, ignorance....it's time to get with the program!

Typical government agency incompetence-Isn't there anyone at FEMA with common sense-or even listening to the people they are supposed to assist? Very sad. There has to be an answer to this. Oh yes, I know what it is - they should be fired but that's also impossible these days, too. Unbelievable.

Isn't there some news agency out there who is interested in knowing/letting the public know who IS receiving assistance from FEMA. Perhaps it would be helpful if FEMA was made to be more publicly accountable (how many claims are pending, how many have been processed, how many claimants received assistance and how much) on a weekly basis. Then might see if there is any progress and, perhaps, be able to discover why some claims are handled faster/better than others.

Our nightmaare began the week after the hurricane when we had to meet the FEMA inspector at our home that was on the beach in Biloxi, MS.. We spent $1500.00 which we didn't really have to go there(we're staying with relatives in MD. and DE.), and were told they couldn't help because we had nothing to rebuild from. We were referred to SBA who turned us down cold because we have no assets, so with no insurance and a big mortgage we're $150,000.00 in the hole and are forced to pay for something that isn't there. So I can really feel your pain and disbelief.

It's really sad to think about all the damage Bush can still do in the 3yrs. he has left. How many more stories like this? Iraq? Katrina? They tried to impeach Clinton for alot less. What's it gonna take?
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

I got a check for $214 to repair $76,000 in uninsured losses to my house from FEMA.

I am sorry to see this kind and level of governmental abuse, however we voted for an inept president and he selected inept people to serve in his administration, so this is what we get.

This has nothing to do with Brown or Bush. It is one person dealing with another person who is probably over burdened, or maybe just does not want to do their job. We have all run into people at work that just want to do the bare minimum. My grandson and his wife received outstanding service from both FEMA and their insurance company.

I am so sorry for your loss and the compounding of it by the complete lack of ability to do anything about it by our useless government.
Hopefully next time we have the opportunity to "elect" a president, people will vote based on infrastructure, sustaining and aiding the poor etc, the ability of a candidate to lead and appoint leaders etc.

your problem is that you are dealing with an administration(yes, bush also) who really dont give a rat's a** about you.are u big business, are you in oil ? probably not and that's also your problem.

Wow. Blame the President. Everyone with a brain knows its the STATE government's job to ASK FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE. The Federal Government cannot simply step in and take over the state's responsibilities without permission. Get a clue, Robert.

It just goes to show that they, the american govnt, is just as good as they say they arnt.
Brent Wright
It just goes to show!!!!

I'm a mainframe contract programmer, working for a Fed. Govt. agency. No, not FEMA. I would guess that FEMA wanted their computer system up and running quickly, without adequate testing. Frequently happens. Not at all unusual. Unfortunately. It would be nice if Congress would hold hearings regarding this. Hold someone's feet to the fire. But, don't expect this kind of stupidity to ever end.

I wish I could say I am surprised, this is normal for this administration and the president talks about the economy (Look I am Doing Good) speech this administration and the president need to be impeached.

I don't think this is not a republican vs. democrat issue, or an issue relating to cronyism in this administration. Government organizations at all levels suffer from having no competition, no outside force that keeps them sharp. Whether it's FEMA or your local Department of Motor Vechicles, the people and processes are often inept because of the simple fact they don't have to be good. Where else are you going to go?

I am sympathetic with Ms. Russell's plight and wish I knew the answer. What I do know is that this is the result of the fundamental difference between goverment and business. Goverment cannot act unless a law tells it to. Business can act unless the law says it can't. Hence, employees with inititive gravitate to business instead of goverment. It's not a Republican or Democratic problem.

We all can talk about this but here are real people who are living this and what makes me angry is that there is no retribution for them or accountaibility by any official.

Why when this happens, where does one turn to????

FEMA stands for stonewalling; the government is famous for that in all areas.

I THINK THAT IS HORRIBLE WHAT FEMA IS DOING. I WENT THROUGH HURRICANE CHARLEY AND NOBODY DID ANYTHING TO HELP ME. MY FAMILY AND I HELPED OURSELVES. BETWEEN FEMA AND THE RED CROSS I DON'T KNOW WHO WAS WORSE.

THERE ISN'T A DAY SINCE THE DAY AFTER ELECTIONS, THAT I AM NOT SORRY I VOTED FOR GEORGE BUSH!. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!

Bureaucratic incompetency has nothing to do with either political party...FEMA has an established track record of this kind of performance regardless of the party of the President. Perseverance is the key now and it always has been.

This is a disheartening example of the work of government employees. The same kind of work ethic frustrates us at the DMV, public schools, IRS, etc..
Civil servants forget about the service part of the job description, but enjoy job protection, benefits, and a good retirement. This situation can't be blamed on a particular administration. It's been this way for my 65 years, and probably forever.

And the screaming meemies of all this is that creepy "Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job" is starting his OWN company based on his experience at FEMA!! Only in America!!

The magnitude of your loss and many in the region is staggering. In regards to government relief, what you are experiancing is government at it best. This is not a Republician or Democrat issue (although many like to blame a specific party). It is government....period. The bigger the government, the larger the wheel, and the larger the wheel the slower it turns and the longer it takes. The Federal Government is the biggst and it runs on millions of rules and forms, more than any other. Your need is your home, the person "helping" you is in Washington. They can not see the damage, can not smell the mold, can not feel the night chill, or really care to....caring is not part of there job. Your case is one of tens of thousands, you are put in line like a chess pawn. If Americams want real help, then we need to stop asking the Federal Government to be our parents, make the Federal government smaller, we need to seek lower federal taxes, we need to invest (or raise taxes if you must) in our community and state. Then give the state the ability and power to respond and vote in leaders with real vision and leadership skills (the opposite of Blanco et al in LA). Then the solutions to local problems are within the reach of the citizens, not at the end of a "machine" in DC.

I also received that letter from FEMA. I lived in Slidell, LA and every home on my street was flooded. I called FEMA and they stated that since I had flood insurance that they could not qualify me for any assistance until all flood insurance transactions were completed and to continue with the filing process. I have completed the process and have not received any assistance as of today. I also am having a hard time trusting in our government since the issue of that letter. Even though my letter stated I had insufficient damage (my flood insurance adjuster marked the water level in my house at 23 inches) they have contacted me to see if I would like a FEMA trailer. Since I have relocated, I turned the offer down hoping that someone else in need will receive it. So maybe there is still hope. Keep your head up, their are a lot of people praying for you. God Bless you, I will add you to my prayer list of family and friends still struggling.

Why does anything the government does surprise you? The president has no clue of what ids taking place. He is being told everything is moving along accordingly to plan, reminds you of Iran and Irag doesn't (Mission Accomplished). If, you look back in our history too the Great Chicago Fire, you will see FIVE (5) weeks not monyhs are the fire 20,000 homes were being built. New orleans is not really yet fit to live in. But I bet if you look we have spent 100
's of millions with little to show forit. Another large storm will leave the city in the same mess.

FEMA Employees are telling their friends that they are being told to "hold the line" and keep payments down to 15% or eligible claims. They are being told that most claims are fraudulent anyway, so no one is really getting hurt.

The ineptness of the Federal government, State governments, and City governments have absolutely nothing to do with the Bush Administration. Can anyone say, with a straight face, that the Federal government was EVER adept at anything (besides spending our money!) before Bush was in office? What happened on the Mississippi Gulf Coast had absolutely nothing to do with politics...let's try and keep it that way!

"The intake computer was processing claims wrongly" Computers do not do anything humans don't tell them to do. When does buck passing stop and humans take responsibility for their own mistakes. I thought when Brown was relieved things were supposed to be better. Guess not.

Your story just made me furious. Not only were you treated in an offhanded way, but then the people you called didn't really care. Ho-hum, another flood vicitm pestering us. I cna't stand it! Good luck - - I do hope you get some satisfaction soon.
Hildy, Pennsylvania

I think before attacking the government (which I do not believe is in the right still) people should get after the people who is getting and taking up the assistance that don't need it. Like the real estate agent who had enough money to build a new home and new business without taking out a mortgage but yet had a FEMA issued trailer to live in and work out of just because she wanted to feel what others where going through. She was going to see those people in a jaguar. Those kind of people are keeping people like the one in this article from getting what they need.

Sadly, there will be no further accountability until Bush is out of office. They have lost the war, they will lose (have already lost) the presidency, both houses of congress and the trust of America and the rest of the planet. They will spend the next 3 years issuing appointments, pardons and lining their pockets with everything they can squeeze out of the system.

I think before attacking the government (which I do not believe is in the right still) people should get after the people who is getting and taking up the assistance that don't need it. Like the real estate agent who had enough money to build a new home and new business without taking out a mortgage but yet had a FEMA issued trailer to live in and work out of just because she wanted to feel what others where going through. She was going to see those people in a jaguar. Those kind of people are keeping people like the one in this article from getting what they need.

This is an example of Bureaucratic Nonsensense at its fines.

No one should be suprised by this. And I wish it was as simple as blaming Bush. It goes beyond the republicans and the democrats. The Government is to big.It is filled with political hacks. People who get their jobs because of who they know not what they know. Any professionals that are left in Gov't. service are either disheartened or have gone over to the "Dark Side". Katrina was a lesson we can all learn from. If you are expecting the government to take care you, You are in for a long wait, unless you 'know someone'

We have the best government money can buy... but evidently you don't have enough to buy very much of their attention. Too bad you're not a senator, a poor airline company or a sad oil company with mega-buck lobby firms working on your behalf.

There are families in the Baltimore area that are still dealing with FEMA red tape, two years after the storm. I'm not surprised by anything I hear about FEMA.

I think the problem is no one (at Fema) is going to be held accountable for anything they do or don't do. There will always be excuses given as to why this or that happened or didn't happen. Many people do not consider the consequences of their actions and who it may hurt or cause more work for. It's just "a job".
Why isn't someone monitoring what the computer is sending out so the junk like this doesn't get out.
Sorry I couldn't offer a solution or fix the problem but good luck to you and your future. You and everyone else are being prayed for every day by many.

What happend to utilizing digital photo's of the damage incurred to the homes of Katrina's victems, it would be an instant indication of the condition and not totally relay on reports. A picture is worth a thousand words, in this case might expedite a report and get something done. Just a thought for FEMA, since they can't read maybe they can SEE.!!!

WE JUST GOT THE SAME LETTER, FOR DAMAGE DONE BY WILMA

It's all just a conspiracy anyway. The Government, medical system, all of it. You'll probably get what you need in the end, but it will take years off your life in frustration. And the thing that's actually sort of funny, the people in those jobs are just people. You'd think they'd care just a little bit, since it COULD be them needing help. Good luck.

As they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you owe… isn’t cronyism a wonderful political tool. Without doubt, the true author of this incompetence would advise you to simply "STAY THE COURSE!"

Sounds like a lower level issue than a senior administration level snaffu. Point the finger where it belongs people and stop beating a dead horse. Do you blame you Governor for the slow and agonizing service you get renewing your drivers license? Do you blame your mayor for property tax disputes? Expecting any governmental organization, the Military included, to be on time, within budget, working exceptionally efficient and everyone with a smile on their face....well...I have some real nice beach front property in Louisiana I want to sell you. Stuff happens, even when your house has a view.

"Heck of a job, Brownie". It starts at the top. Is this any different than the mess in Iraq? At least they are consistent.

Please call Thad Cochran's office immediately and report this to them! We went through the same thing, a mistake on the part of a FEMA employee that kept us in limbo for 2+ months. It wasn't until I called Sen. Cochran's office that I finally got someone to help us.

The response you received is unbelievable, infuriating, and many unprintable things!!

Unfortunately, depending on the government almost always results in such things. Changing the administration or the people in FEMA won't improve the situation much if at all. History proves (in this country as well as others) that depending on the government (with the possible exception of local governments) puts bureaucrats with no personal interest in the problem in charge and we can all see the result.

I suppose this sounds anti-government but what I mean is that we need to remember how the Fed's perform when we plan for what we will do 'in case'.

In this case, there is no alternative except to keep 'hounding' FEMA.

MAYBE IF THE WORKERS IN FEMA HAVE GONE THROUGH SUCH A TRADGEIC UPSET THEY WOULD RE-THINK THEIR MORAL STANDARDS, THIS IS REALLY SAD, THAT OUR PRESUDENT AND GOV ALLOW SUCH HORRIFIC ACTIVITIES

Not since the Nixon White House have I witnessed a more criminal federal government. God help us get past this insanity, lyiing, sneaking, snivvleing bunch of crooks who see the American People as nothing more than money machines that aren't to bright. It is very understandable why FEMA is so criminal in its activities.

Diasater after diasater, the government proves its ineptness. The workers dealing with those diplaced and injured seem to be willing to play the fool. Our tax dollars are paying for a top heavy slow moving hog.
Government ought to take a lesson form the new military
format, lighter, better trained and faster.

I find it sickening that our government can spend billions of dollars a month killing people and destroying property yet can't take care of its own citizens. Why do we pay taxes??

It is amazing how people are so quick to blame the Republical administration. I am not very proud of them right now but FEMA was not invented, nor did it mature under the guiding hand of George Bush. There is a lot that is wrong, on that we can agree but what is wrong is the culture within all Government agencys and this occured though many administrations.

Perhaps if you told FEMA that Halliburton is going to rebuild your house, it would speed up the process.

I work for a large condo management company in Florida. The amount of money that FEMA paid out for THEIR WORKERS as living expense was astronomical. Yet I still have a hole in my roof from Ivan.

i think that Bush and all his merry men should be impeached, it sad that the poor are treated less than human, and it is even sadder that the american public'
is not in an uproar regarding the entire Katrina. The incompetence starts at the top Bush and it filters down to all the republican whom has sat back and said nothing and did nothing to easy the pain of the poor,
all dogs have their days and Bush and his merry man hasn't seen nothing yet.
Nancy Valentine, Gary, Indiana

While this incident is tragic, the fact that the problems can not be fixed is much more tragic. We need a true champion to box some heads and get things to work like they should.

Yes, Maria, there is someone who can justify your dilemna. Our Precious, Gollum Dubya Bush. Stay the Course, Frodo. PP

Perhaps the inspector should seek work in Brown's new consulting firm. Whatever the firm doesn't know about disasters can quickly be compensated for by their expert knowledge in doing nothing, passing the buck and lying. The inspector should fit right in. Better yet, if the inspector can hold out until 2008 there might be even more Republicans out who will open up avenues that will capitalize on skills such as incompetence, finger-pointing and deception.

That's just a damn shame. Hopefully all of the people affected by such incompentence will remember this when it comes time to vote. I just hope the past 5 years have proven to all American citizens just important it is to be well informed when the polls open.

its just ashame that we americans mainly poor black americans are treated like dirt and the Bush adminstration could care less. Be a foreigner and you will be treated like gold.

It makes me very sad to see how little the American people mean to the government - especially the current administration. Their attitude is to send aid and try really hard to build up a country that basically hates us, but at the same time tell the people of the United States, our citizens, that they "do not qualify" for help after a disaster of the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina.

Folks should know that the FEMA inspectors do not work for the federal government. They are independent contractors who work for a very politically connected firm, Parsons Brinkeroff. Inspectors are responsible for all their expenses and receive a set amount for each claim investigated. I suspect it is Parson's who is responsible for the screw up. Ironically, FEMA does not pay that much out in claims. It probably pays more to outsource the claim process than is actually paid out in claims.

I would ask that we not politicize this issue. What we should focus our energy in getting these people the help the need. Once that is done then we can play the blame game

You're surprised at the level of incompetence in a government agency? Honey, where have you been? Ever heard of Pearl Harbor? This is SOP, especially in the Bush Administration. If they couldn't get the correct intelligence on Iraq's WMD, what makes you think they can get a little detail like your vanished house correct? And some people still think "Bushie, you're doing a great job!"

The FEMA employees are sitting waiting for people like you to give up after they are told no. They are trying to wear you down. Don't let them! You sound like a person who has paid your dues and paid taxes for the many services that FEMA has to offer. There are plenty of others that were shipped over here to Texas that have not worked more than a day in their life and they are reaping all the rewards. You are more entitled than anyone, and please don't let people's indifference towards your situation sway your determination. Keep posting and keep the pressure on. There are plenty of good people who do care and together we can make a pretty loud voice to have to deal with.

I can't believe the level of incompetence and lack of compassion the FEMA has shown. I doubt history will remember them kindly although I doubt that offers much comfort to the homeless. I hope you and your family are able to get the assistance you need.

As President Reagan once said, "The most frightening words you can ever hear are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.'".

Good grief. What does being Democratic or Republican have anything to do with this? This is awful, whatever your politics are. I suppose you could say Pres. Bush and the RNC stormed the FEMA center with the Secret Service and deliberately reprogrammed their computer to reject assistance requests automatically, but if you're not willing to go that far then the worst thing you could charge Bush with is not appointing a good director (which is a charge I'm inclined to agree with - for whatever reason he was chosen, this was not the most experienced director). Ineptitude does not equal abuse of power. By definition, an abuse of power is an action. This ineptitude is caused by lack of action. They are both equally bad, but it is best not to confuse them.

I wonder what the "greatest generation" is thinking about all this. They certainly had their share of foul-ups during WW2 but somehow got through it all. Can it be that nothing has changed in over 60 yrs? If so, in 2006 we should start voting each and every current one out of office and start over. Oh I guess we need to look at all those gov't workers as well.

I lost the roof to my house after hurricane Rita. I too was denied benefits because of insufficient damage. In my case I know for a fact that not one inspector looked at my house. I was there. I too am curious how FEMA came to their conclusion.

This type of treatment by FEMA and the US Government's response can only be described as BUSH, BUSH, BUSH.

I would suspect that the computer "error" was intentional and that the code was written or changed at the direction/directly or indirectly of a Bush political appointie. This has the aspect of deniability if caught and gives the abiility of all parties to point fingers elsewere. The reason for this is self enrichment- since monies spent on actual direct reimbursment can not be spent on their buddies contracts and political nepotism or political donation (real kick backs) I suspect that many of the people directing the contracts will somehow get jobs with the very same companies that they gave the contracts to upon leaving the government.

Look, the administration is way too busy to bother with your little house. There's Thankgiving in Texas, tree lighting ceremonies to attend, and wars to wage halfway across the world. Are you a terrorist? If not, take a number and get in line. To do otherwise is clearly unpatriotic.

I find this story hard to believe. After all, I vividly remember a prime-time speech our President gave from New Orleans with a well-lit church backdrop assuring the American public that assistance was on its way and about how we were going to commit to the rebuilding process. But I guess that was a couple of months back. We've moved on. This month, we're busy winning the war in Iraq. Oh yah, and "We Don't Torture" either, but don't pass legislation saying so, because he'll have to veto it. My heart goes out to those in the Gulf. If Katrina was going to happen regardless, I just wish it had been under the watch of a real President. Competence should trump the size of campaign contributions.

When disasters such as this happen the last thing one should do is expect the government to flawlessly come to their rescue, if at all. Government bureacracies by nature are mired in mind numbingly frustrating and often counter productive procedures and processes. Good luck

This is an organization that was operated for some time by a crony of Bush who handled animal shows. Horses wasnt it? You don't HAVE to care how the animals feel, just the bottom dollar - and thats how FEMA has been behaving all along. It was "too expensive" to prepare for the worst so they 'just did enough' .. and we all saw how inadequate that was and continues to be.
Political Hacks? Thats all our gov't has been for some time. Its better than the alternatives, but is that really saying much?

I'm sure the employee's of FEMA are comprised of both Republicans, Democrat's and probably other parties ... I don't think political party stances have anything to do with it .... it boils down to AMERICAN's doing their jobs .. and wether they do them competently or not.. I do agree that FEMA has not responded appropriately to those affected by Katrina ... but also believe that the rules and regulations they operate under were not just drafted by Republicans... I think the disaster was just of such a magnitude that no agency, governmental or private, could handle the job at hand with efficiency.. the numbers were just too large ... denying this claim is more than likely a result of a particular inspector who did not really inspect the property ... but documented that he did ... hardly something you can blame the President for, but for sure you can blame this particular inspector ...

I have a different question
Where EXACTLY have all the public funds that were raised for the hurricane victims gone? I am sure there is money out there somewhere...I know FEMA will be crying pverty but WHERE is all the donated money going? Is is helping anyone at all?

What did you expect?!?! This is America. Where you can steal the Presidency. Have no experience or background for the job, but get it by who you know. And start a war and nobody has a clue as to WHY? or WHAT FOR? We are being punished for our GREED, SELFISHNESS, DISRESPECT, and DISREGARD for LIFE.

I completely understand and sympathize with the frustration surrounding this issue. However, let us please remember, that the very people who are slamming Bush and the federal government, are the same people who vote for Democrats who only make government even bigger and more in control of your lives. If you think Republicans are bad, then think about the bureaucracies involved with a Democratic administration if they had their way. This is what happens when there are too many government programs and we rely on them to take care of us. Please remember this next time you go to the polls.

It is inconceivable that people blame a single person in the government for this obvious error. It is not President Bushes fault. It is the general ineptitude of our government. If this disaster shows us nothing else it is that we do not want the government running anything as important as our health care system.

FEMA in itself is a total disaster. What have they actually accomplished, if anything? As part of homeland security, like the entire Bush administration, they have done nothing viable. Just more waste of Taxpayers money.

I'm a mainframe contract programmer, working for a Fed. Govt. agency. No, not FEMA. I would guess that FEMA wanted their computer system up and running quickly, without adequate testing. Frequently happens. Not at all unusual. Unfortunately. It would be nice if Congress would hold hearings regarding this. Hold someone's feet to the fire. But, don't expect this kind of stupidity to ever end.

Impeachment is too good for Mr. Bush and his cabinet. They should all be inducted in the military and sent to Iraq. They have used big business to destroy the working class, they have taken well paying jobs and sent them to other countries. He is a jinx to the American public; nothing has gone right since he was elected.

This is really sad. I guess what frustrate me the most, is that no one takes any responsibility. What is wrong with America?

Take it easy. It was just a mistake. It will get worked out. It may be a pain for those dealing with it, but it will be resolved I am sure.

Otherwise this is just a big gripe session. People looking to blame a political enemy or just complain because that is what they do best. If you don't like do something about you bunch of weenies.

Seems reasonable to me. With all the hotel rooms and those three cruise ships filled with FEMA and emergency workers this could stretch out forever. Barbara Bush got it wrong. It was the middle-class FEMA workers who were better off after the storm. "Brownie" excepted. He's not middle class, but still collecting his outrageous salary as a "consultant".

The situation is revolting. Why aren't the people?

I've been dealing with the USCIS (the present name for the INS) for the last two and a half years--ever since I married a Mexican citizen. The ordeals and strains that have been placed on our lives and marriage by the government indifference and delay was mindblowing, infuriating, and deeply troubling. The vast governmental machine will continue on as indifferent to the lives it affects as Hurricane Katrina was. My husband was beginning to believe it was Machiavellian motivation to discourage more immigration by making it so difficult. Concurrent with all our troubles was the indifference we encountered from our friends and family ("Well, that's what happens when you marry someone from another country"). I hope your ordeal doesn't last two and a half years like ours did and I hope no one tells you: "Well, that's what happens when you live close to the ocean"

I went for a walk with my youngest last night. Past vacant and gutted houses, past homes of families that no longer live near us. A few Christmas lights twinkled. The storm is over but literally it still rages. May you find the strength it takes, the answers you seek, and the peace we all need.

You people are unbelievable!! Any problems in FEMA or any other agency were there LONG before Bush got into office!! What kind of stupid are you drinking? The Storm prblems would have been No better with Clinton in office or even Kerry!! Hammer that inspector and definately call Sen. Cochran. That's were you'll get expedited. Most of these responses are so bitter at the presidential loss to Kerry that it does not matter what issues are at hand - those whiners are going to blame Republicans (of which I am not) I am a republicrat and I choose to see the real issues without being blinded by politics.

Which is sadder - the pain from the disasters or the way we respond with shallow sniping based upon our political biases? We MUST demand better performance from our federal government. It IS a big problem that has developed over years. Snipes at this administration or any previous will not solve the problem. Perserverance & serious, thoughtful discourse are steps in the right direction.

It simply amazes me the amount of people here bashing Bush/FEMA/the federal government. I attempted to post a comment earlier pointing out that its the state government's responsibility to call for assistance from the federal government. The federal government cannot simply step in. They're not allowed to. Call it checks and balances if you will.

If you want to blame anyone, blame the state govenor.

I'll be surprised if this post makes it up here.

The responsibility lies with the ineptness of the local/state politicians. Not the Federal Government!! It is a fact that the most corrupt and ineffective political state is Louisiana. They line their own pockets at the expense of their neighbors welfare. Just look at their history and look at their current politicians.

For those that assert that FEMA and other federal failures are not symptomatic of any one party, please refer to the key Republican Party talking points of the past 2 decades: government is "too large" and "needs to get off the backs of people." Is it any wonder that the party that professes an anti-goverment tone has government agencies that don't work when they're needed?!?

One of the great things about this country is that we can say whatever we want. Leaders of other countries that have suppressed freedom of speech for fear that it would cause riots are realizing now that as long as people can just complain and feel like anyone can hear them, that is all they will be happy with. Bashing bush, and fema, no matter how relevant accomplishes nothing. Why is it so difficult to navigate the bureaucratic red tape? I am a nurse, I have people's lives in my hands all of the time. If mistakes are made there is a very short chain. So what exactly is their method of assessment, upon evaluation is their assessment tool accurate, and what are they doing to correct it. Making excuses doesn't count.

This is the incompetence I would expect from an agency staffed by political cronies. The baffling part is that Bush Senior also had inept political chums staffing FEMA in 1992 when Hurrican Andrew struck Florida. It also took them more than 5 days to react to the crisis. President Clinton revampt FEMA during his administration and then George W brought it to a new low. Proving once again that George W learned nothing from his father's mistakes.

After 9/11, the money was flowing freely to a bunch of Dunkin Donuts franchises that were nowhere near Ground Zero. Also, a woman that owned a perfume shop in the Virgin Islands received assistance, as well. Yet people in the middle of the hurricane affected areas get diddlysquat. This is an absolute disgrace.

To Mike from Austin:

The affected people DID get a response from Washington - one that was totally screwed up BY the people from Washington.

Get a clue, Mike...

I found the story of your experience angering me, but at the same time it was completely unsurprising. What you are experiencing transcends politics and comes down to the extreme and very noticable inefficiency of our so-called government. In that regard, it comes right down to the people at FEMA whose job it is to CARE about what happens to others whom are affected by a disaster, to be prepared for it and to make sure that the immediate needs of victims are met and that they have the assistance that tax payers have put in place so that they may pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.

Those people (FEMA), whose responsibility it is to administer this aid and who have been milking the government teet and calling it a job, are obviously not doing a very good job when it comes time for them to actually do some work and it shows. The type of behavior they exhibit could - and probably would - be expected from an insurance company but, it should not be tolerated when it comes to agents of our own government doling out the relief money that was put in place for exactly this purpose. Maybe this is a good test case for an official inquiry into this matter...and not just into who is to blame at the top, but all the way down. Perhaps by removing some of the dead wood that exists in the FEMA agency, the remainder of it will learn to be more efficient and effective.

If this type of error had happened in a private business, the employee would have been reprimanded and possibly fired. But the largely inept people who work for government are "protected". This protection will have to change before any of us can expect to be anything but ciphers in the system. It is not the fault of either party-it's the system.

I am a recently retired certified building inspector and have offered my services to every web site i could find in the gulf region . staggering bureaucratic paperwork and b s .i was informed that fema has retained applied technology services to train unskilled persons to perform inspections.It looks like they have accomplished their mission.

This whole administration is a joke, Bush and the boys have been robbing us blind and no one sees it. Tax breaks for the rich, oil companies and anyone who gave big bucks for his campaign. You think Enron got us? That is Childs play to what they are doing now. The war in Iraq been a way to funnel funds into the good ole boys’ pockets.

FEMA has stolen tax dollars from poor decent people and forced them to live in the streets. After Katrina, how can anyone feel safe with this administration?

The American people know that it’s going to cost big bucks to fix the damage, this would be good money spent. Yes, we should help people around the world, but we need to be there for our people first when disaster strikes.

In my opinion, George W. Bush will go down in history as the worst President ever.

My heart goes out to all those who have suffered loss of family and homes and businesses - all things familiar. For the rest of us American citizens watching helplessly, not knowing what to do or how to do anything other than donate to structured organizations, there is the added weight of knowing we could easily share the same fate as any of these hurricane victims since no noticeable changes have been made to rectify the incredible mismanagement in these government programs. Any average American is a potential victim, as we have seen, to disasters and then to be at the mercy of uncaring, incompetent workers lacking in empathy and a decent work ethic. And I am including workers from the bottom to the TOP.

This article should be e-mailed to the President, Vice President, every Cabinet member, and every member of Congress. I know that it won't do any good, but you have to keep trying.

If this type of error had happened in a private business, the employee would have been reprimanded and possibly fired. But the largely inept people who work for government are "protected". This protection will have to change before any of us can expect to be anything but ciphers in the system. It is not the fault of either party-it's the system.

The level of entitlement the american people have is impressive. It is always someone else's (the government, the red cross, etc) responsibility to protect us from all problems. I am all for helping people out in this situation - both from the government and private charity, but it seems to me that people should realize this is charity. It is not something they are entitled to. People who are blaming the federal government for a lack of monetary assistance are the people who failed to adequately insure themselves prior to a foreseeable disaster. I feel very sorry for them and I'm sure they would prefer not to spend extra money on insurance against such disasters, but if you chose not to pay for such insurance it seems a bit hypocritical to blame someone else for not bailing you out of the predicament.

You commenters make me ill with all your Bush bashing and government hating. Of *course* there are going to have issues, there were over 2.5 MILLION people affected and making claims. But to go and blame it on someone who has *nothing* to do with operations at FEMA - Brown didn't either.... that falls on the heads of area managers - is foul and dirty. You all should have your heads examined.

All of these foulups started when LA Governor refused help prior to Katrina - it's a sad state of affairs, but it is true - and has been documented everywhere, especially MSNBC and Newsweek. These problems have been indemic to FEMA for years - my aunt is a mortage lender in Florida, I think she would know.

Dearest Maria, what you have gone through is horrible, and I hope that you do get everything settled and worked out. I also know that this is happening all over the place with Wilma, Katrina, and Rita victims. The saddest part is that our nation wasn't prepared, once again. I wish there was something that we could do immediately to help, but with the Senate and House all trying to bitch and moan about decisions they made three years ago, as congressional record, and complain that they were mislead... they can't get any hearings or legislation done on the real problems that are impacting our country, such as the systemic problems with hurricane aid and relief. Congress has dodged the ball at every turn, and will continue to do so - as they have always done.

That's what angers me the most, is that all ya'll commenters are acting like this is something new! Have you forgotten all the screwups by former presidents... ya know, that shut down the entire federal government?!??! Or DIDN'T do anything about Osama, though we had him in a target scope, but *ohhhhhh* he's not going to hurt us, don't shoot! If you want to play the blame game, play it fair, or don't play it at all. Look to the *real* answers - and look on both sides of the aisle. You'll be surprised what your electee has done for YOU.

I've taken the opportunity to read all of the comments that have thusfar been posted and note that many blame the Republicans and President Bush. Those who believe that are uninformed, not well-read and obviously have limited experience dealing with the government. I worked for the government a number of years ago as an auditor and have first hand knowledge of the ineptness and lack of professionalism. That's why I made a career change and now work in the private sector, and have done so for over 30 years. The performance of those in the government that I have had direct contact with would lead to termination in the business world. Lack of ambition, the acceptance of below average performance, no leadership and no accountability are just a few of the problems with the government. Bring in some senior executives from the private sector who have successfully run some major corporations and you would see immediate improvement like you never could have imagined. That's why companies hire the very best and pay the very best for top performers who meet their goals and then set difficult/challenging objectives for the next fiscal period. If it works in the business world, then it will work in government. The problems encountered today are the same that I saw years ago, and that was when there was a Democratic President in office. You can pretty well assume that if the government gets involved, there will be overruns, delays, mistakes, excuses and ultimate failure to meet the set objectives. Until there is a major change in how government functions and until more of the activities are moved to the private sector, the results will always be the same...Unacceptable!

Putting everyone through the process again allows the government time to find more cash...while continuing to cut taxes. They're hoping you just give up.

I worked for a government agency once and that was the stated reason for making decisions and cutting checks take so long.

If you make people wait long enough, they'll stop bugging you or die.

As sorry as I was to hear that Maria Russell wasn't able to receive her FEMA grant at a moments notice, the good news is she can and will receive her grant. We don't live in a perfect world and our government isn't perfect either. Remember "they" are people like you and me. Think of the hundreds if not thousands of people that have been helped. It is a huge undertaking to even try and orchestrate helping people in need when there's been a natural disaster. I am speaking of experience from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. It was wonderful to see FEMA was there and the national guard (more government) to help keep the looters from stealing personal belongings of those who lossed their homes in the quake. So THANK YOU to the government for stepping in.

My friend from Texas also got the same letter from FEMA after Rita. I took the pictures of his trailer with the holes in the roof, soaked furniture and carpet, mold, and the tree in the middle of the roof. Their mistake was that they had him as a renter. He owns the trailer and the FEMA worker said she reported it as his trailer - not rented. We had to send in additional information to correct it. No word back from FEMA as of yet. In the mean time my friend is living in a trailer that pours water every time it rains and the mold is giving him a bad cough. He tried putting a temp roof and tarp but its not enough. If there was anything available to rent or buy in the area he would but everything else is in the same shape.

This is the sad result of lack of personal and organizational accountability. If you would be made eligible for contingent damages such as extra costs imposed by this type of inept decision, and then have it attributed to the responsible, or in this case irresponsible, party making this decision, it might clear their mind into applying a bit of common sense and quality control on their operatins. I'm sure there are no end of people in government who would proudly step forth and proclaim that this was their policy decision. :) Maybe if their performance salary raise was linked to this it might be a bit different

I really feel sorry for all of the victims of Katrina. The government is dragging it's feet again. They are so quick to give millions to other countries when there are disasters but Americans are basically left to pay for everything. Let's help American's first.

wow. everyone on this list who blamed bush, how is it directly his fault? good grief.

this is a terrible thing to happen. but FEMA is overworked, a lot of people are having problems. FEMA isn't very reliable, as everyone has seen.

i sincerely hope everything gets sorted out and everyone gets the damages they deserve.

Thank you for bring this out in the open. We got hit by Hurricane FEMA last year.

THE PROBLEM IS AS OTHERS HAVE STATED IN THE INCOMPETENT PEOPLE WORKING FOR THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS. THEY ARE ONLY THERE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO WORK FOR THE PRIVAGE SECTOR WHERE THEY MIGHT GET FIRED. I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR PLIGHT BUT UNTIL WE CHANGE THE WAY THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS HANDLE THE INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES WE ARE STUCK.

I WILL SAY THOUGH THAT IN MY EXPERIENCE THE ONLY GOVERNMENT AGENCY THAT WORKS IS THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.

I'm a government employee and I'll clearly state that if anyone in our agency treated a customer in the outrageous manner that the Russell's were, there would be an immediate repercussion and the situation would be resolved. Can the type of employee be any better than the level of managers who selected and hired them? I think that's the issue. What a shame.

That's horrible :(

After being emplyed with one of our government agencies for many years,I can certainly related to this sort of incompetence. I have discovered that this is very typical in most federal agencies. The most important concern for government managers is their own self, period!

I feel the same as Nate. What happened to all of the people affected by hurricane Katrina is terrible. However there is insurance that can be bought and there are plenty of places to live that don't get blown away 5 times a year. If you live in a hurricane zone and a city that literally sits under water to begin with you shouldn't be too surprised when another hurrican comes and wipes you out again. As far as the governments responsibility and total ineptitude this situation is no different than any other. The government has always been to big and slow to adequately be able to help the masses quickly. Get what you can and then move away from a place that is only going to get blown away again next year.

Dear Maria -

May I suggest that you enlist the help of the inspector in compiling a list of all the folks who have had their claims rejected in this manner. Then work with your state or federal senator's office to get your claims re-opend and expedited. I have no idea whether it will work , but it would beat re-submitting and waiting another 3 months to be denied again. My heart goes out to you.

This has nothing to do with politics Republican or Democrat and everything to do with hiring of incompetents who have jobs for life and no accountability. This applies at all levels and departments of government. God help the victims.

Ah yes, FEMA hard at work! What FEMA and the administration haven’t said is that the poor folks in New Orleans and Mississippi do not matter! They are viewed by the current administration as insignificant peons. This would never have happen had it been New York, Los Angeles or the Sates of Texas. The bottom line is you do not matter. If you did somebody would have taken your situation seriously and put everything into helping the people down there. Since nothing has been (truly) done, it clearly signals that you are not valued either economically, politically or as citizens of this country. Given the lack time and attention given to your by the President, you can hardly expect FEMA to do anything that amounts to “true” assistance. Recommendation: Keep your home and take a trip to Crawford and protest over Christmas. I’m sure everyone down there will enjoy hearing “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” sung over and over and over again.

This illustrates the extremely poor return on investment that US taxpayers get from the hugh, bloated bureacracy that gets high pay for little work. How much longer are we voters going to tolerate a civil service this incompetent?

Nothing is going to change - remember "you can't fight city hall".

George Bush is what is wrong with this country. He and the Republican Party have done more damage to this country than we will ever know. I am so sorry for your loss, not only your house, but your faith in the American Government.

There are people who lost everything and have insurance that were turned down because they had insurance. The insurance didn't cover living expenses. People who don't have insurance and no damage are receiving FEMA money (and alot of it)and never had anything before the storm are making a living off of the storm.

the problem is not just with FEMA; an item that goes unnoticed throughout our dealings with local, state and federal government employees is the continuing decline in competence. This did not used to be the case but all levels of government are contracting out much of the public contact work, work previously performed by civil (and I stress civil) servants. Unfortunately, we the people are getting exactly what we have agreed to pay for - a level of incompetence that keeps the wheels of government turning, but just barely.

I can certainly feel for your plight. But in my 51 years I have no faith in government. They are adept at finger pointing, $600 toilet seats and spending money they don't have and telling us how much better we have it. Out here they still have not settled all of the insurance claims from the 1994 Northridge earth quake. I believde the other guys were in power then.

If a comet fell to the earth tomorrow, it would be blamed on the Bush administration. Face it folks, beauracracies exist because most of us are too busy with our own petty problems to challenge them or find ways to fix them. We want somene just to take care of us and make our problems go away. Well, I got a clue for you, it don't matter a hill of beans if the white house is republican or democrat. You are going to still have inept beuracracies long after the likes of the Clintons and Bushies have gone into obscurity.

Good luck as you manage through the system. I am disgusted though at the people who have used your misfortune and posting to make their own "statement" against the President, the republicans, or whoever they do not like. They make it sound like Bush himself was your inspector or he personally denied your claim. I'm sure many of the people you are dealing with are career government employees who are mostly unaffected with any administration change. I hope that everything will turn out ok for you.

It might be interesting to compare the government's response to Hurricanes Katrina & Rita with the government's response to Hurricane Andrew. I believe FEMA came out looking good on that one. It is also worth noting that the response to the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was more rapid than the response in 2005. True, the problem isn't government, it is stupidity, arrogance, and greed. Neither party has exclusive rights to these, but one party sure has shown an abundance of all three.

Funny how the only people left who read and respond to these stories that defend the Bush administration are from Texas- and not even all the Texans support him! You get the government you demand, and we need to demand better performance starting now. The people of America need to let it be known to those in government that we pay their salary and expect a certain level of performance from them. They are here to serve us, and obviously Ms. Russell is not getting the service she should. I also work for a government agency and if I made a mistake that huge that resulted in someone's quality of life being in jeopardy, I would be fired. At least drug tested! But that is the difference between local and federal government. FEMA exists to aid those who experience large scale disasters, and they can't even do their job to the level it is intended. This is a direct result from bad leadership. If people can not understand how Bush gets blamed for this, well then they just refuse to see that he put his friend into a high paying job- paid for by us the people- which he was not qualified for. Ms. Russell, I am so sorry to hear what you are experiencing. It must be very difficult to not have a home and had to have been separated from your loved ones. I can't even imagine how scary it must be not knowing what will make things better. Best wishes.

What is truly amazing to me is that WE, the American people, those who give power to govern, are allowing this ineptitude to continue. WE hold the power to make changes in leadership. WE should not allow this sort of outrage to continue. WE should demand better from those we elect.

I worked on hurricane relief on loan to FEMA in Florida last year. Anyone surprised by FEMA's ineptitude this year wasn't paying attention last year. They are the most dysfunctional organization I have ever tried to work with.

In this land of freedom I am appalled at how the Federal government has consistently treated disaster victims with disdain and lack of respect for their circumstances.

i spent two weeks volunteering for the Red Cross info line in November (and am well aware of said organization's own flaws). i spoke with hundreds of hurricane victims that were getting the deaf ear from FEMA or had been denied assistance beyond the initial emergency relief, and unfortunately the writer is just one of thousands. it is a very sad truth that many of the FEMA call agents are misinformed and poorly trained (and if pressed, may summon a supervisor who is more informed). my best advice, having spent two weeks counseling callers in similar situations is to push for a higher-up in FEMA to clarify the excuse, and always, ALWAYS remember that any FEMA decision can be submitted for review. it's a government agency and thus moves at the rate of government--really slowly--which is excruciating in such times. call your local food