FEMA Training Pastors

[shocker1]

I heard on talk radio about FEMA training Pastors and other religious leaders for FEMA programs. So I googled for the news report they were talking about. Thoughts?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE_o62WhQrI

[ibstolidude]

Haven't watched the clip; however, this rec. was made quite some time ago.
Faith-based organizaitons ave always played a critical role, with or with-out government assistance. This is especially true when one considers such threats as pandemic disease, where social behaviors will play a critical role in the spread, reaction, and recovery of a community. The government pretty much sucks at behavior modification, while faith-based groups have a proven track record.

[shocker1]

I do not have a problem with it as far as emergency preparedness and coordination. However I see a huge problem without very strict and completely transparent oversight. I really think this should be a local deal and FEMA only deals with the local elected government. Then the locals use the resources available from religious groups and private individuals. I just do not like religion and government mixing period. Bush's faith based programs are very precarious and ****e to government sanctioned prostilization.

I do not know how old this is or what but I have never discussed it here. It is a serious issue IMO.

[ibstolidude]

Watched it until it stated that the Posse Comitatus Act was eliminated - in the words of Popeye, "That's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more."

[ibstolidude]

I do not have a problem with it as far as emergency preparedness and coordination. However I see a huge problem without very strict and completely transparent oversight. I really think this should be a local deal and FEMA only deals with the local elected government. Then the locals use the resources available from religious groups and private individuals. I just do not like religion and government mixing period. Bush's faith based programs are very precarious and ****e to government sanctioned prostilization.

I do not know how old this is or what but I have never discussed it here. It is a serious issue IMO.
How old is it? Since the advent of organized religion, after all they are the original progenitors of the modern hospital - regardless of which faith discussed.

When given the choice between trusted/integrated local members of the community - or some outsider - offering direction and assistance - I would chose the local, as would the vast majority of the world. Who wouldn't choose to capitalize on key communicators in the community?

[AZRON]

I do not have a problem with it as far as emergency preparedness and coordination. However I see a huge problem without very strict and completely transparent oversight. I really think this should be a local deal and FEMA only deals with the local elected government. Then the locals use the resources available from religious groups and private individuals. I just do not like religion and government mixing period. Bush's faith based programs are very precarious and ****e to government sanctioned prostilization.



The way I look at it if the gov't directly supports those in emergency needy situations for every $1.00 spent $0.50 goes to bureaucratic red-tape fouled up things such as SUVs , lawyers , accountants and redundant goobly-gook make work and regulations.

If $1.00 goes to St. Vincent DePaul or the Salvation Army $0.85-$0.90 gets to those in need.
So $11.00 to the Salvation Army/St. Vincent DePaul equals $20.00 if the Feds handle it.
But hey so what it's only our tax money.

[shocker1]

I think they inferred the abolishment of posse comitatus from the Guard in New Orleans. I guess they skipped the exemption for National Guard. Anyway besides that ignorance it is good to know this is going on. That way I can study up on what this is about and the legal fine print with it. I am going to study some more into the means this is used and the legislation it originates from. I am a Christian and when government is involving itself in my church regardless of the reason it really makes me look into it. I will post anything that concerns me for discussion here.

[Ordie]

I agree with Shocker. It can be a slippery slope.

I'm more in favor of churches inviting and facilitating Red Cross and the Fire Dept. in disaster education and first aid training.

Historically churches are seen as places of sanctuary and comfort in times of need. However, giving the churches funds without oversight is not a smart move.

[shocker1]

If $1.00 goes to St. Vincent DePaul or the Salvation Army $0.85-$0.90 gets to those in need.
So $11.00 to the Salvation Army/St. Vincent DePaul equals $20.00 if the Feds handle it.
But hey so what it's only our tax money.
I volunteer at the Chattanooga Food bank. Faith Based dollars go there and is a good thing. However it is still church and State even if it is good. It can turn bad quick without proper oversight and our Congress lacks in that area. Which is why we as voters must inform ourselves and be very aware of what is going on.

[shocker1]

I must say also that I was not happy at all with what went down in New Orleans. Law abiding citizens had their homes raided and guns taken by military. That was a complete cluster and if that was indicative of a FEMA disaster operation. Then I would rather not have them in my town. Even if a massive disaster took place. I have yet to see a huge government bureaucracy do a good job with our lives, taxes and our rights.

[ibstolidude]

Who is putting these people on the payroll? No one.

However FEMA and DHS (along with state and local agencies) do need to have an established relationship, protocol's, and common training. Fed budgetting of such initiatives goes to the education of such organizations in areas such as FEMA's IS ICS & NIMS (etc) training - so there is standardizations - the same standardization expected of civil responders and health care workers.

[shocker1]

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Homeland Security Grant Funding for High-Risk Non-Governmental Organizations

Release Date: 07/13/06 00:00:00
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
July 13, 2006
This year's Homeland Security Grant Program includes approximately $25 million for non-governmental organizations and the faith-based community to help with security measures they deem appropriate in response to a potential threat. Yesterday, I personally directed that these resources be made available and promptly and appropriately allocated.
This department is steadfast in its commitment to effective risk management, and this decision is driven by that very premise. We will free up these funds and award them to appropriate parties based on risk, so that these organizations and their members can take important precautionary and preventative measures that strengthen baseline security in their communities.
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0951.shtm
Other reading and info
http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is288.asp
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NRP_FullText.pdf
Related news
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/09/06/48hours/main821587.shtml



Citizen Corps

Citizen Corps is the citizen preparedness initiative for the state of Alabama. Coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the Alabama Citizen Corps Council was established for the purpose of bringing together state and local leaders to strengthen communities and prepare individuals to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, and disasters. The Alabama Citizen Corps Council remains committed to promoting a culture of preparedness by uniting all organizations and groups active in community involvement. Leadership for Alabama Citizen Corps is provided by the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
100 North Union Street, Suite 134
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Local Phone: (334) 242-7110
Toll Free Phone: (877) 273-5018
http://www.servealabama.gov (http://www.ready.gov/america/redirect.html?url=http://www.servealabama.gov)
http://www.ready.gov/america/local/al.html Each State listed

[Ordie]

Okay, I have a better understanding.

It makes sense.

Its no different than the San Francisco NERT teams we have here. But NERT is organized by the SFFD not state, FEMA nor church.

In San Francisco, there is a general understanding that FEMA is worthless and an emphasis to fend for ourselves for at least 72 hours.

[Freedom-Fries]

its a very old idea

[ibstolidude]

In San Francisco, there is a general understanding that FEMA is worthless and an emphasis to fend for ourselves for at least 72 hours.

Regardless of FEMA's worth, you are expected to fend for yourselves for much longer than that - it takes almost that long for FEMA's assistance to be requested, except in specific incidents.

[Laconian]

There is this idea out there that FEMA is supposed to show up after some major castastrophe and take over everything and fix it. "OK everyone, rest easy FEMA's here to take over." That is just not true. It not what it is designed to do. Local gov'ts that are fvcked up like polio, want them to come and take over, but they can't. FEMA is an organization to pool and manage resources to help the local and state gov'ts get up and running again. It is only smart to build relationships and training at the lowest level of community and that is with local worship groups.

[Hollis]

One reason FEMA is slow is because the State has got to Authorize their envolvement.

In LA, Gov. Blanco held things up. That was not a FEMA fault.

BTW, I have a few FEMA, certs, a normal part of being a member of SAR.

FEMA has some issues, but in regards to NO, the issues was Blanco and Nagin.

Also look at your state emergency management system.

BTW, everyone needs to be involved in their own security and emergency issues.

[shocker1]

FEMA has some issues, but in regards to NO, the issues was Blanco and Nagin.


:cantbeli:What a turd that Nagin.

New Orleans Mayor May Run for Governor
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Mayor Ray Nagin could be days away from announcing he will run for governor of Louisiana (http://get.lingospot.com/f?url=http%3A//search.breitbart.com/q%3Fs%3D%22governor+of%20Louisiana%22%26sid%3Dbreitbart.com&eid=csl&tid=ebcd250f8&site=breitbart.com)—a move many in this stricken city regard as preposterous. If Nagin runs, he will do so on his stewardship of New Orleans (http://get.lingospot.com/f?url=http%3A//search.breitbart.com/q%3Fs%3D%22New+Orleans%22%26sid%3Dbreitbart.com&eid=csl&tid=6ab41f000&site=breitbart.com). But this is a city in great distress two years after Hurricane Katrina (http://get.lingospot.com/f?url=http%3A//search.breitbart.com/q%3Fs%3D%22Hurricane+Katrina%22%26sid%3Dbreitbart.com&eid=csl&tid=d57b7dd16&site=breitbart.com), with large swaths still empty, an appalling murder rate and a painfully sluggish recovery. Nagin's disapproval rating stood at 65 percent in a recent poll.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8RETO000&show_article=1

[Ordie]

Regardless of FEMA's worth, you are expected to fend for yourselves for much longer than that - it takes almost that long for FEMA's assistance to be requested, except in specific incidents.

One of my first plans is to have a BBQ before all of the meat gets goes bad.

Unfortunately no cold beer to go along with it.

Being in earthquake country we grew up having emergency kits in our homes and work.

[Herrmannek]

I don't think priests have to be schooled on emergency thing at all... Managing and organizing bunch of clueless sheep* is what they do for living.

*I'm the one of sheep, maybe not that dumb in person but as a herd dumb as hell...


BTW why s h i t is still banned word? Its not as bas as c u n t or something for People's sake if there is any...