Is he attempting to dupe the American public and the good people of Louisiana that he has forced the Obama Administration to their knees?Or, has he specifically misrepresented his actions and those of FEMA’s due to the intense pressure from many members of the media, from fellow Republicans, from officials throughout the nation and more importantly from many Louisiana citizens?
On Tuesday, Vitter announced the release of his hold on the nomination of Craig Fugate to be the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management agency.In doing so, he stated that “Louisianans have gotten way too many easy spoken assurances from FEMA over the last four years that didn't mean anything. Now that I've secured a specific written commitment from them on the V-Zone issue, we can move forward.
Also on Vitter’s website, is a letter dated Tuesday May 12 to Nancy Ward, the acting FEMA Administrator, appears a letter from the Senator that says, “Thank you for your letter dated yesterday, responding to mine of May 8. Because it meets all of the requests of my letter, confirming in writing the assurances you gave me in our May 4 meeting, I am allowing Mr. Fugate's nomination to proceed immediately. (Emphasis in bold by Bayoubuzz)
However, Vitter failed to place the May 11 letter from Nancy Ward on his website.In it, at the most, Nancy Ward said, “Thank you for your letter of May 8, 2009. As we have discussed with your staff, as well as in our personal conversations back in late February and again in our May 4, meeting with you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to work with you, Senator Mary Landrieu, and the House congressional delegation to find a reasonable resolution on the V-zone issue and other matters important to the state of Louisiana.
Thus, despite Senator Vitter’s pretense that there has been a specific written commitment, the very most that Senator Vitter received was a written statement that FEMA would “continue to work with you, Senator Mary Landrieu, and the House congressional delegation to find a reasonable resolution on the V-zone issue and other matters important to the state of Louisiana”
In effect, the so-called written assurance is no more than a statement that FEMA would work with the state’s delegation to find a reasonable solution…”.
In essence, there are no specifics, no definite actions, no time lines or anything definitive whatsoever.Vitter’s claims of written solutions amount to no more than “easy spoken assurances” just as those President Bush made in September 2005.
The truth is that David Vitter got nothing in return.Louisiana is in reality in no better situation than it was prior to the exchange of writings.
The harsh reality is that David Vitter has been slammed by many in America (including Republicans) for endangering Louisiana and other states for putting a hold on the FEMA Administrator weeks away from the beginning of hurricane season while at the same time trying to make political hay and money by his actions while claiming that he was not acting politically.
Specially, on May 7, Vitter wrote via a campaign email sent to “supporters, saying in part” “After being hit with four major hurricanes in the last 4 years, I can assure you that this isn’t about politics.”.However, ever since Obama was sworn into office, Vitter has centered his campaign opposing President Obama and other Democrats and has frequently urged readers to send him money so he could continue in his opposition.That May 7 campaign email said it was “Paid for by David Vitter for U.S. Senate”.It gave the campaign website.The email displayed a prominent square which took the reader to his campaign web site displaying a very prominent “donate” to the Vitter campaign button.
The truth is simple.Vitter caved in, got nothing, yet is claiming victory.This is another example of a string of deceptions by the junior Louisiana US Senator that continue to bring shame and embarrassment to the State of Louisiana.
Below is the May 12 statement to the public, and the exchanges between the US Senator and the acting FEMA Admiinistrator of which his letter refers:
Statement by David Vitter on his website and his letter to Nancy Ward both written on Tuesday May 12.Beneath that is the letter from Nancy Ward to David Vitter dated May 11.
(Washington, D.C.) – U. S. Sen. David Vitter today announced the release of his hold on the nomination of Craig Fugate to be administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a letter to acting FEMA Administrator Nancy Ward.
“Louisianans have gotten way too many easy spoken assurances from FEMA over the last four years that didn't mean anything. Now that I've secured a specific written commitment from them on the V-Zone issue, we can move forward.
“I'm very confident based on their written commitment that the V-Zone issue will be solved soon so that crucial infrastructure and facilities can be rebuilt. I look forward to working with the new FEMA administrator on that and much more,” said Vitter.
Text of the letter:
May 12, 2009
VIA FACSIMILE AND ELECTRONIC MAIL
IMMEIDATE ATTENTION REQIURED
Ms. Nancy Ward
Acting Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20472
Dear Acting Administrator Ward:
Thank you for your letter dated yesterday, responding to mine of May 8. Because it meets all of the requests of my letter, confirming in writing the assurances you gave me in our May 4 meeting, I am allowing Mr. Fugate's nomination to proceed immediately.
I look forward to this promised resolution of the V-Zone issue soon, allowing for the crucial rebuilding of key infrastructure like I outlined in our meeting.
Sincerely,
David Vitter
United State Senator
FEMA’s Nancy Ward’s letter to David Vitter dated May 11:
The Honorable David Vitter
United States Senate
Washington, DC20510
Dear Senator Viner:
Thank you for your letter of May 8, 2009. As we have discussed with your staff, as well as in our personal conversations back in late February and again in our May 4, meeting with you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to work with you, Senator Mary Landrieu,
and the House congressional delegation to find a reasonable resolution on the V-zone issue and other matters important to the state of Louisiana. We understand that prompt action is necessary due to the impact that delays can have on affected individuals and communities, and we share your desire to achieve solutions that meet the needs and are in the best interests of those affected.
The need for quick action must be balanced with the need for FEMA to follow the laws written by Congress, as well as its own regulations during the decision-making process. However, FEMA is working with the utmost diligence to resolve the outstanding issues in your State, and we pledge to
continue to keep you and all members of the Louisiana delegation apprised as we work through this process.
As you know, on March 1th, President Obama nominated Craig Fugate as Administrator of FEMA. His speedy confirmation is critical to FEMA's ability to address the challenges facing GulfCoast states as hurricane season approaches. I look forward to continuing FEMA's work with you
to ensure the safety of the people of Louisiana.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly at (202) 646-3900.
Phyllis says, "FEMa promises the world, but never delivers. Vitter knew what it would take to get what we needed--not just more empty talk from FEMA"....Haa!.. Phyllis, Vitter didn't get a damn thing..... 'cept a lot of press (which is what he REALLY wanted.).. Where was he BEFORE?... Tell me exactly what Vitter got in exchange for his stupid posturing?
Written by KjunLady
on 5/15/2009
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Not the biggest fan of Vitter--but, say what u want--he always seems to get results because he doesn't care about the talking heads comments. He does whatever it takes to get what us folks in La. need. even if it is a small town like Grand Isle. we are important , too. Even Landrieu said she agree with his position on FEMA. She wasn't willing to demand it in wriritng. Vitter did and got the promise fulfilled. Case Closed !!!!!!
HE GOT RESULTS FOR US IN GRAND ISLE AND OTHER V-ZONES. FEMa promises the world, but never delivers. Vitter knew what it would take to get what we needed--not just more empty talk from FEMA Written by Phyllis
on 5/15/2009
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For you republicans, Bayoubuzz has numerous "conservative" items on the web site today. I really don't understand how you can say Bayoubuzz or Stephen Sabludowsky, the publisher is liberal when he allows both sides to publish and all sides to blog. I am proud to call myself a liberal and his own writings anger me sometimes and sometimes please me. I do not think you can put Bayoubuzz or Stephen in a category other than fair and balanced and in the middle of the road which is more than you get from many in the national media on both sides of the aisle. Yes, he has strong opinions, and he allows strong opinions, but they are on both sides. That is a mark of a good publisher. I also agree with Cajun. If you want to unsubscribe just do it from his email newsletter. He uses a Internatinal newsletter company that is easy to unsubscribe since I have done it before with other newsletters and it works successfully. I agree with Rhett's Wife in this case. We all know he thinks Vitter has harmed Louisiana and he is the only person who has laid out the facts here and in his past writings. Is he liberal? Well, my lord, didn't he recommend Republican Bobby Jindal to run against Vitter since he thought that Vitter was the only person who could win? At least he is honest, fair and non-partisan. Since he gets bashed from both sides, he obviously is doing something right, even when I disagree with him. Written by LousyAna
on 5/14/2009
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Bluntly, dears, Stephen has simply outlined the facts - read and you will understand. Wonder if some of you are graduates of New Orleans Public Schools. Written by RhettsWife
on 5/14/2009
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They need writers not propaganda writers which is what most democratic writers are on the national level anyway. Written by Sid
on 5/14/2009
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Ben says, "It doesn't do any good to unsubscribe, Ken, you will still receive it. "....Not true, Ben....... if you want OFF-- then, unsubscribe...<g>..... (but, who are you fooling?...you ain't goin' nowhere.).... With contributors like Jeff Crouere, former Head of the Republican Party, and Christopher Tidmore, Republican politican and Conservative radio Host--- I would've SWORN this was a Republican Political Blog...... Truth is- Bayou Buzz does NOT have a Democratic Writer on Staff ... Nobody over there is a liberal--- including Stephen.... You see that ad saying "We Need Writers"... they mean Democrats.
Written by KjunLady
on 5/13/2009
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Ben, just because you are a radical right wing nut, does not make Stephen a left-wihg radical. There sre many Republicans who despite David Vitter for his hypocrisy and for bringing down the party. People were saying Steve was a Jindal supporter until he questioned Jindal's travels. In the other article recently he said Jindal should run against Vitter, meaning a Republican in office. Would a left-wing radical recommend that? Stephen has left and right wing writers as columnists, how many web sites will do that? Stephen is saying no more than many conservative blogs are saying about Governor Jindal and what Republicans are thinking about Vitter. I think if you want to question someone, question Vitter. Why did he claim to have received written committments when he did not receive anything more than what he had before? Why did Vitter not put up on his web site the FEMA letter written to him? Simple answer: He was hiding and lying as he always does. Vitter was running scared. He lost big and is a total loser. Stephen is just pointing out the truth. Also, Stephen has in fact attacked Democrats. I recall twice he went after the Democratic party in recent days. He even said Stormy would not win unless Vitter was under the sheets with Edwin Edwards and even then, she probably could not win. Does that sound like a somebody who is a left wing radical or somebody who is just calling it how he sees it? Written by Ed
on 5/13/2009
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Written by Ken:
Finally someone writing on this blog style understands Stephen's writings! Ken you are correct Steve is a left wing radical demo that sees no wrong with any democrat regardless of what they do.
Most likely he'll support Stormy Daniels in the 2010 senate election.
It doesn't do any good to unsubscribe Ken you will still receive it. Written by Ben
on 5/13/2009
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"Counterfit phony" - does that mean he's authentic? Written by just curious (and just kidding)
on 5/13/2009
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Sen. Vitter's selfish and shameful antics and behavior are certainly entertaining. Vitter does not care how much shame and disgrace he brings his state or his party--the ends completely justify the means in his world. Wasn't prostitution illegal when he was calling the madame while votes on the house floor on matters such as national security were being discussed? Certainly a little 'ole thing like ILLEGALITY should not stand in the way. His "blame the media" mindset is typical of people like him who will stoop to any level to enrich themselves and keep their power. Every day brings a new embarassing and shameful episode in the "Days of Our Lives" or "Young and the Restless" saga that has become Louisiana's junior senator--madamegate, airportgate, femagate--what a resume!!! The rest of the nation is laughing at us not with us for keeping this utterly, totally counterfit phony in office. Written by Randall
on 5/13/2009
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JUst ask Republican Mel Martinez from Florida and the other Republicans on the Gulf coast who were very angry at Vitter. Also, ask the Republicans both outside of Louisiana and those within Louisiana how they felt about Vitter's grandstanding and asking for campaign contributions. Vitter folded like a tent and he oovered up a very revealing FEMA letter that shows we got nothing in return. He is a total phony. Written by Gene
on 5/13/2009
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While I agree with your assessment of David Vitter I will disagree with your "Bush created problem" statement. Both political parties and we the people created this "problem." Most of the money Obama and the Democrats are spending has nothing to do with "fixing" the economic problem, in fact they may be making things far worse than even "George the Dunce" (and his bipartisan conspirators in congress) managed to fouled things up, which is quite an accomplishment (not in a "good" way though). Written by kpf
on 5/13/2009
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James Carville--- please step up. Written by KjunLady
on 5/13/2009
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Ken, you talk about "objectivity". It was not Stephen who cavorted with a prostitute, who decided to take the fifth during the D.C. Madam case, who has constantly used his podium to bash Obama and Democrats and ask for money while not providing any solutions for the Bush created problem. Remember, Vitter did nothing during Katrina when Bush was President except author a bill that made Louisiana pay back its share of costs during disasters when other states were exempted. Vitter, of all people, had the power as a Republican US Senator to push Louisiana to the President, yet was mute. The whole idea that Vitter was trying to explain his position to the public and the media on the Fugate hold, endangering this and other states, yet asking for money for his campaign for his actions was pathetic. Then, what would we expect from Vitter. Written by Clarence
on 5/13/2009
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You guys are wrong here. I read those other articles. Stephen did not spread rumors about Jindal. What he said was he would like Jindal to run against Vitter since Jindal wants national exposure and to reframe the national GOP party while Vitter has been a great national embarassment. He also said there were many Republicans who could be good candidates for Governor should Jindal decide to run, so he is not pushing Democrats. As far as this piece, it is obvious that Vitter was not telling us the whole story. Also, it is very obvious that Vitter extracted no WRITTEN concessions in writing from FEMA although he pretended to do so. Why did he not have the complete story on the web site, except for his public comment and his own letter to FEMA? I thank Stephen for telling the truth about a man who is nothing but lies and who was trying to take credit for being a hero, when in reality, he was being considered to be a "political freak" show and was finding any way to get out of the negative spotlight. We should be thankful that Stephen went the extra mile to show us the truth about Vitter's so called heroic victory. The Senator is a simple liar, a cheat and deserves to be exposed for being a fraud. Written by Dave
on 5/13/2009
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Much ado about nothing. I wish you had the same excitment when Mary Landrieu does the same exact thing. Written by CN
on 5/13/2009
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I receive e-mail from Vitter (not sure when this started, it's just one of those "usually deleted" e-mails I get) and I (when I read the one yeaterday) thought the same as you - he is claiming that he "won" a concession when in reality he was badgered into backing down on holding up Fugate's nomination. On the other hand, you do seem obsessed with pointing out how both Jindal and itter behave as ... well ... politicians. I say "politicians" because the behaviors you point out are no different than what I see from MOST politicians. Both Jindal and Vitter are politicians. That means they are arrogant, self-centered and are not above lying. Typical politicians; nothing more or less than that. Written by kpf
on 5/13/2009
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Steve, your obvious hatred and obsession with David Vitter is beginning to say more about him than you. You refused to report on the Dem. operative involved in the Stormie matter. You float rumors about Jindal running against Vitter, when you know it is not true and has been denied by Jindal. Never , mind the fact the you would be the first one to jump on Jindal for switiching jobs again so sooon and know it would look as if Bobby were running from his current problems.
You are becoming more and more partiasn and I am considering unsubscribing to your newsletter. You are becoming a Dem. mouth piece and have lost your objectivity and balance. Written by Ken
on 5/13/2009
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Has David Vitter done it again?
