‘Failure of leadership’: Former HUD Secy slams gov’t over Texas tragedy

Government Response & Preparedness - Questions arise regarding the National Weather Service's staffing and the adequacy of flash flood warnings along the Guadalupe River [1][2] - A former lieutenant governor highlights the reliance of states on the federal government, particularly FEMA, during disasters [4] - Criticism of President Trump's desire to "wean off of FEMA," calling it ignorant and demonstrating a lack of understanding of the federal-state relationship [5] - The administration's deconstruction of systems has led to a lack of preparation, information, and forewarning for communities [6] - Failure of leadership at the federal, state, and local levels contributed to the tragedy, including potential staffing cuts and lack of outreach [8][9] Accountability & Prevention - Local officials are resisting accountability and avoiding discussions about what went wrong, causing further distress to affected families [12][13][14] - There was an early attempt at the local level to deny responsibility by claiming the disaster was unpredictable [14][15] - The importance of government officials appreciating government's role and being dedicated to competent and effective governance is emphasized [10] - The need for early warning systems and preparedness measures, such as tornado drills, to save lives is highlighted [11][12] Community Impact & Individual Responsibility - Unimaginable grief and trauma are affecting hundreds, potentially thousands, of people [2] - People in Texas are beginning to feel they can no longer depend on the government for protection and are considering individual measures for self-protection [16]