This issue isn't anything new. As I posted on a page yesterday, National Guard equipment shortages here in Kansas were in the news back in January, when an ice and snow storm buried eastern Colorado, New Mexico and western Kansas. In many cases, states have been left with junk, while the good stuff goes to help Haliburton in Iraq. Kansas National Guard, spokesman, Sharon Watson, brought this problem to light during that winter disaster, and the problem isn't confined to Kansas . . . January 6, 2007 . . . http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/jan/06/guard_stretched_thin_outages/ . . . Power outages across 44 counties in western Kansas have stretched the resources of the Kansas National Guard, a spokeswoman said. While the Army and Air Guard has more than 7,000 of its 8,000 members in-state, a large portion of its equipment — Black Hawk helicopters and heavy trucks — is committed to American operations overseas. “We have enough equipment to manage the current disaster, but if another hits we would have a problem,” said Sharon Watson, Kansas National Guard public affairs director. . . May 7, 2007 . . . http://cbs2.com/topstories/topstories_story_128022013.html . . . Iraq Deployments Are Leading To A Lack Of Equipment At The State Level . . . WASHINGTON Kansas' governor says tornado cleanup efforts are being hamstrung because the state National Guard is on a mission in Iraq. But the Kansas National Guard isn't alone with its equipment shortages. According to the chief of the National Guard, it's a national epidemic. Listen to what he told a Senate committee last month about the state of a Guard unit that had just returned stateside from Iraq. "He doesn't have a problem of old equipment. He has a problem of no equipment," Lt. General H. Steven Blum said. "His unit, when it came back in November, came back to two Humvees that were left because they were not good enough to go to war — not suitable to go to war — and that's the equipment that he has in his unit today."

She just said that all the States she can call upon are straped for equipment also. If the flooding in the State of Kanas or a new tornado strikes she will have to choose just one area to send assistant to. A terrible choice to make.

Where's Brownie when we need him.

Thank you George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, Karl Rove and Paul Wolfowicz: not only have you led us to disaster in Iraq, you have lessened our ability to survive disasters here at home. The worst disaster was allowing these men to have positions of responsibility in our government.

We Kansans don't call her "Photo Op" for nothing. She's milking her 15 seconds in the national spotlight for all it's worth. "Standing up" to that rascal Bush, who probably sent the tornado here in the first place. Tempest in a teacup. Insignificant governor making noises about a situation we already have well in hand. But remember her in 2008, when it's time to pick a 'strong woman with executive experience'. You're welcome to her.

You go girl.

i did not know, until today, that when National guard Units were deployed for the war, all their equipment went with them. I assumed the army supplied the equipment. The army is suppose to replace any equipment damaged or destroyed while the unit is deployed. So, my question is how many National Guard Units, across the country, have not had their equipment replaced? And how many personell are actually not here at home?When it was announced that five more units would be deployed this coming December, I remember the governors of Nebraska and Ohio raising concerns for their states.I also know that under the Patriot Act, the President of the United States can supercede control over any State National Gurad unit if he deems in the national interest.Do states receive funding from the government to support their National guards, or are they soley funded by the individual state?any valid info someone can give me would be appreciated.

No need to ask why we are in the mess we are in when those in charge (Bush and his cronies) have not and never will admit any lie, any error, or any mistake.

Leave it to Bush, Cheney, and their apologizers, Tony Snow and Dana Perino to never, ever take responsibility for anything. It's always someone else's fault, no matter what the issue. This White House never takes responsibility for anything. It's nothing but a shift the blame, spin factory. Black is always white and they never make mistakes, misjudgements, bad decisions. But now only a hard core 28% are buying this crap - no matter how they spin it or package it.

Just another attempt by the repukes to make a democrat govener look bad, and distort the truth again. Tony Snow job is a putrid neocon with cancer, too bad the cancer didn't do its job, maybe next time. The national guard is stretched too thin, too bad it will take another disaster to expose the repukes lies and distortions. My god, is this nightmare administration ever going to end or does it just go on and on until this country has enough of this crap and just vote everyone of them out of office. Thats the only way we can get back to sanity.

This is the kind of "leadership" we are supposed to expect during a time of crisis? The Governor's comments are pure shameless political posturing. The terrific people I know from Kansas deserve so much better than this. Once the citizens and neighbors of Greensburg rebuild (AND THEY WILL, THANK YOU) I will take any one of them over their sitting Governor.

Most of the Kansas Guard is NOT deployed to Iraq and the Governor has at least half of the equipment at home. What would she do if Wichita was hit? She's playing politics. Find out the facts.

Sabre-rattling from the Kansas Governess? Looks like it's aimed at the Wicked Warlock of the East, Dubby! Look out Kathleen, he's got those same flying monkeys that they have in Oz! Remember, a bucket of water worked on the Witch, but you'll have to douse Him with a bucket of Old Milwaukee. There's no place like home, there's no place like home!

Storms that produce tornadoes also produce rain. . . May 8, 2007 http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3160 . . . Flooding brought on by heavy rains has forced thousands of people in the Midwest from their homes as rivers and streams approached levels that some meteorologists said have not been seen since the major Midwestern floods of 1993. More than 500 residents in a Topeka, Kan., neighborhood had to be rescue by boats Monday . . . May 8, 2007 http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/13282066/detail.html . . . Mark Sitherwood, presiding commissioner of Holt County, said five major levees along the Missouri River south of Big Lake broke Monday, as well as four smaller levees along the Tarkio River and the Tarkio Creek. The water from those breaks reached the Village of Big Lake, a town of about 150 permanent residents and another 150 summer residents in northwest Missouri, Monday night and Tuesday. "The town and lake are completely under water," Sitherwood said. "The town is a loss. . . I'm going to beat Dorothy to this one: "Moving on down the Tarkio Road, Headed up to Crete, Nebraska " http://www.top40db.net/Lyrics/?SongID=71397&By=Genre&Match=Folk+Rock . . . And despite all the concerns about breached levees on the Missouri River, there are citizens in Kansas City who want to construct a levee so they can build a 2000 acre development in the Missouri River flood plain. . . May 5, 2007, http://www.kansascitykansan.com/articles/2007/05/06/news/news1.txt . . . The TIF district sought by UG officials at the meeting would have allowed the city to capture new sales tax dollars generated by the project to pay for the costs of infrastructure improvements and the levee. LaVert Murray, UG director of development, told commissioners Thursday night that the area is planned for a mix of retail, entertainment and recreation. The ordinance also included possible uses such as hotel and lodging facilities, condominium lofts and apartments, a technology center and an event and festival center. . . The more than 2,000 acre project would include an area bounded by the Missouri River on the north, Connor Creek on the west, Hutton Road and Kansas Highway 5 on the south, and generally 79th Street on the east. A number of residents also asked the commission about the impacts the construction of the new levee would have on flooding concerns further down river.

Yes, I am pretty certain that the world's number 1 superpower can't dig out from beneath a wind storm with out the help of the National Guard. Bush probably directed the storms to hit Kansas as well. Get a grip you whinners.

Seems like the NATIONAL Guard is now the INTER-NATIONAL Guard. And we hear that 35,000 more troops will go to Iraq at the end of this year. Wonder how many National Guard troops will be in that "surge".

Hyperbole? On whose part? Sebelius' seeking notoriety? Or Oslimy with his mere error factor of 1,000 (i.e., "10,000 die in Kansas tornado disaster")? Exaggeration for the purpose of inflaming the masses to buy his way into office? Be sincere, you creeps, whether you mean it or not.

Democrats sure are setting a high bar for themselves when they take over. People are going to remember all this "we would have" BS IF that happens. I'm looking forward to being able to call up the DNC and request the type of weather I want for the day.

I beleive Gov.Sebelius. Its just like Bush and his gang to blame everyone else for his failed policies. His only concern since he has been in office as been invading and occupying Iraq. Not only are we left short of equipment and man power, this president don't even mention job losses, health insurance, border patrol or any social issues anymore. I find it hard to beleive that there are still 28% of this country that supports this man.

Just another Democratic machine sound bite. If congress would pass an appropriations bill we just might get new equipment. Now who is a member of the vast "Left Wing Conspiracy". They sure are milking everything they can to make it look worse than it is. I watched this Governor on public TV last night. She said "We had decided that we would make this kind of statement and continue making it in order to call attention to our states". "I am pleased with the response that has been made for the tornado victims." God help the victims and I don't believe they could have too much help. We in Florida know what it is to loose your home. The situation should not be used for political advantage.

Cheney is in Iraq this today. That is one piece of used national equipment the Iraqi's can keep. Please!!! There are a few more "loyal Bushies" we'd be happy to send!

The Administration has fired back at the Governor by saying that most of the guardsmen aren't overseas but here in the US. They're neglecting to mention that construction and transportation groups are overseas in disproportionate numbers and with faster redeployments. Obviously these are exactly the people most needed in an emergencey. Desmond, as I understand it the process is to take their equipment overseas, then leave it for the next group when they come home. Afterward they're supposed to be resupplied with new or refurbished equipment. Unfortunately they aren't being resupplied at rates any higher than before the war. In a related issue guard commanders have been complaining for many months that they are expected to train for deployment with equipment and weapons they don't have!

Desmond, the destroyed equipment is one of the hidden cost of the war. It is more costly than is being reported. The destroyed equipment doesn't count as a cost until it is replaced. It is a good question as to whether the state or federal government will pay for the replacement but in the end it is you and I or our children who pay and pay and pay.

Any one else's gag reflex kicking in listening to Republicans complain about the politicizing of Misery?

John B, Russell thanks for the info. I did see a related story today in the news that answered some of my questions.I used to see those Guard units on the highways all the time when they were going to their week-end training sessions. When I think about it, I realize that I have not seen any of those convoys for a long time.

Mine is Gary,but for differing reasons.Over at a Jayhawker blog board,I was regaled with similar statements from Kansans as a few seen here,where they are registering disgust with Democrat posturing and scare tactics,such as those dredged up by Obama.Indeed,the only upbeat people appear to be the ones living in Greensburg.One woman thanked the president.Others waved and cheered,the mayor enthusiastically promised ''a brand new city''.American flags were in profusion,alongside of construction equiptment and crews.Everyone is putting their shoulders to the wheel while the drive-by press and the Democrats complain and attempt to turn this into crummy political theater.The shame is theirs alone.Kansas will first prove their chief executive wrong.Then they will have the good sense to send her packing when the time comes.Dems should beware.This disaster has been clocked as one of the quickest response times since not only the formation of FEMA,but in the last century.The bars high perch now rests with Greensburg.When another disaster strikes in a Dem administration,and it will,their own words will be used to haunt and dog them in their response to natural and manmade disasters.

In light of the experience of New Orleans and Waveland and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, I wonder how "upbeat" (per Lee Holmes) the citizens of Greensburg will be 20 months after their storm hit. Will their town be well on the road to recovery, or will they find their rebuilding efforts bogged down in government red tape? Namely the Stafford Act, under which Louisiana and Mississippi have to pay 10% of any rebuilding aid they get, which is holding up aid already allocated and I imagine Kansas will also have to do the same.

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