Katrina anniversary brings out the pols
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- August
- 29
Politicians are wont to note the upcoming anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s strike on the Gulf Coast. But perhaps none have done it in as – um – unusual a way as Kieran Lalor, the Republican running for Congress against U.S. Rep. John Hall, whose campaign put out a press release last night titled, “Hurricane Katrina’s Hero.”
The hero? Him. And he’s available for interviews about it. (It should be noted I have no reason to doubt the facts in the email, which I’ll post here:
As another Hurricane bears down upon the Gulf of Mexico, possibly hitting New Orleans like Hurricane Katrina did three years ago, this week-end, 19th Congressional District candidate Kieran M. Lalor recalls how he quietly organized a group of fellow Marines to leave on a 1,400-mile overnight journey to reach the people of New Orleans.
While our elected officials bickered in Washington, Lalor, along with two fellow Marine Reservists, drove quickly through the night to New Orleans to help rescue people from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Lalor’s reserve unit was not activated; rather he and two Marine buddies merely acted upon their training, initiative and need to serve. Once in New Orleans the Marines met with local Metropolitan Police and the National Guard and assisted in the search and rescue for five days.
“Because of the way the country rallied behind New York after 9-11, we felt the compelling need to help our fellow Americans in New Orleans, Lalor said.
For his efforts Lalor was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The citation reads in part: Corporal Lalor conducted numerous rescue missions by land and water working from dawn until dusk. “Corporal Lalor’s initiative and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.â€
On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Lalor’s efforts shine as an example of exemplary strength of character and dedication to his country. His story is compelling and reflects a man comfortable making decisions and getting the job done. If you would like to interview Kieran Lalor please contact Campaign Spokesperson – Chris Covucci at (deleted).
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, opted for a statement in which she said “too many are still struggling and waiting for the help that they have been promised and deserved.”
Full text after the jump:Clinton’s statement: “Three years have passed since Hurricane Katrina swept across the Gulf Coast, devastating New Orleans and leaving so many homeless and in need. The floods have long since receded. However, the searing memories of those days remain with us and too many are still struggling and waiting for the help that they have been promised and deserve. The tragedy of the Gulf Coast became a national disgrace that the Bush Administration still has yet to adequately address. There is no doubt that more must be done to aid reconstruction, help the displaced and prevent a disaster like the failed response to Katrina from ever happening again. Yet for all the hardship and heartbreak brought on by Katrina and its aftermath, the storm also revealed the inspiring strength of the American spirit. From across our Nation, Americans have stepped up to help in any way they can, and so many people of the Gulf Coast have persevered in the face of tremendous challenge to rebuild and renew their communities. There is so much work still to be done, and so many mistakes to correct, but I hope that this sense of solidarity and perseverance is the lasting legacy of this great tragedy. The approach of Tropical Storm Gustav to the Gulf Coast region is a sobering reminder that the failures of Katrina must never be repeated.â€
This entry was posted
on Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 2:32 pm by Liz Anderson.
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um- unusual because no other politican can say they did what Lalor did—actually rescue hurricane victims and do so putting himself at risk. And he needs to crow about it himself because the media (that’s you guys) do such a God-awful job of covering positive stories on your own. Digging in dirt, you’re good at.Don’t forget the brave actions of George Bush during Katrina, when he delivered a birthday cake to John McCain, went and played guitar at a fundraiser, then flew over New Orleans on his way back to Washington.
Oh, right, I remember now Sen. Clinton stood up on the Senate floor against the complete failure of this federal government to help those residents (tax paying residents) of New Orleans three years ago. I remember now her press conference she held in the rose garden when everyone realized what was taking place in New Orleans and she orchestrated immediate assistance to pluck people from the water.
Shame on her, she did nothing (absolutely nothing) for us in Manhattan after 9.11 and she did absolutely nothing for the people of New Orleans. This is why Barrack didn’t chose her – thankfully – and why I regret not having voted for Rick Lazio in 2000. No more regrets for do nothing politicians. I hope Lalor wins down there, and Barrack wins everywhere. Enough!
The contrast between the bickering politicians and Lalor, who actually got things done, could not be more clear.