In a letter to Democrat Party supporters meant to solicit help with housing of Katrina evacuees, Chairman Howard Dean slammed the federal government, saying its irresponsibility lead directly to “the loss of American lives.”
Wrote Dean: “Since [Katrina hit] Americans have seen another kind of disaster unfold. The irresponsible lack of attention by our federal government has led directly to the devastation of communities and the loss of American lives.
“The federal response over these crucial first days has been totally unacceptable. There will be a time for a full accounting of the preventable part of this disaster, and those responsible will be held accountable. It will be soon.”
Dean goes on to urge party members to volunteer for a MoveOn.org-sponsored program called HurricaneHousing.org, matching families needing a place to stay with those who have room.
Beginning in the spring, Dean has made headlines for the caustic way he has used his position to criticize the Republican Party, saying the GOP is pretty much a “white Christian party,” and that its members “never made an honest living in their lives.” He later clarified his comment, claiming he meant to say Republican “leaders.”
Dean has been under fire within the party for not raising enough cash. In his recent e-mail, Dean said all party fund-raisers had been canceled until further notice and that donations would be forwarded to relief organizations.
Those wishing to contribute to hurricane relief efforts can donate to the Salvation Army online or by calling 1-800-725-2769. Red Cross donations can be made
online or by calling 1-800-435-7669.
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