See a full transcript of the President's address.
The White house reported today that President Obama's weekly radio address focused on the plight of the people affected by the flood ravaged landscape of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He tried to give comfort to the flooding victims by mentioning the major role that government is engaging in to minimize the disastrous consequences of the rising waters. the president also commended the many volunteers: "In the Fargodome, thousands of people gathered not to watch a football game or a rodeo, but to fill sandbags. Volunteers filled 2.5 million of them in just five days, working against the clock, day and night, with tired arms and aching backs. Others braved freezing temperatures, gusting winds, and falling snow to build levees along the river’s banks to help protect against waters that have exceeded record levels."
"Earlier this week," President Obama "signed emergency and disaster declarations, these declarations provide Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to coordinate the federal response and are working closely with State and Local officials. But it is the people who have filled sandbags, built levees, and contributed other ways in these communities that stand out as a reminder of what Americans can achieve when we serve others."
The midwest flooding marks the first major disaster test that President Obama has had to face in his young presidency and he "urged" Midwesterners to "remain vigilant" as the flood water rise and he assured those affected "that his administration was being vigilant as well," according to The New York Times.
“Even as we face an economic crisis which demands our constant focus, forces of nature can also intervene in ways that create other crises to which we must respond — and respond urgently,” Mr. Obama said. “For the people of North and South Dakota and Minnesota who live along rivers spilling over their banks, this is one such moment.”
Mr Obama lauded the efforts of volunteers: “College students have traveled by the busload from nearby campuses to lend a hand during their spring breaks,” Mr. Obama said. “Students from local high schools have asked if they could take time to participate.”
Obama continued his praise: “In the face of an incredible challenge, the people of these communities have rallied in support of one another, and their service isn’t just inspirational — it’s integral to our response. It’s also a reminder of what we can achieve when Americans come together to serve their communities.”
The New York Times explained that: "Mr. Obama’s remarks reflected the deep scar that another natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina, left on the administration of his predecessor, former President George W. Bush. The Bush administration’s bungled response to the disaster left a permanent stain on that presidency; Mr. Obama is no doubt acutely aware that the nation expects to hear from him when nature is putting Americans at risk."
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