The Cracker Crib released its own 228-page report identifying 17 "lessons learned" and 125 specific recommendations following from "response" to Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, I don't think one of the recommendations is "Don't hire as head of FEMA the guy who has more experience with Arabian horses than with emergencies." Or, "When a huge disaster hits, the President should stop playing guitar and, if he must, cut his vacation short."

Instead, the report called for implementation of a new "National Preparedness System" to avoid another bungled response like that to Katrina.

Hmmm...I thought that we already tried doing something like that...what was it called...oh yeah--the Department of Homeland Security. According to the DHS Vision Statement:

MISSION STATEMENT

We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation. We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.

AWARENESS – Identify and understand threats, assess vulnerabilities, determine potential impacts, and disseminate timely information to our homeland security partners and the American public.

PREVENTION – Detect, deter, and mitigate threats to our homeland.

PROTECTION – Safeguard our people and their freedoms, critical infrastructure, property, and the economy of our Nation from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

RESPONSE – Lead, manage, and coordinate the national response to acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

RECOVERY – Lead national, state, local, and private sector efforts to restore services and rebuild communities after acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

SERVICE – Serve the public effectively by facilitating lawful trade, travel and immigration.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Value our most important resource, our people. Create a culture that promotes a common identity, innovation, mutual respect, accountability, and teamwork to achieve efficiencies, effectiveness, and operational synergies.

Gee, it seems to me that some might want to call that sort of plan a "National Preparedness System." But those people are probably just patchouli-scented liberal elite who hate America.