Conclusions

Abstract

It is clear that Washington has had a checkered past with regard to emergency management, whether from geological or biological causes. This is no less true of the country’s recent history. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, presents superb examples, both of inexcusably poor performance and of sterling response to great need. The agency demonstrates that the quality and character of political leaders make the difference between a failed agency and one that performs quickly and effectively. Almost identical lessons can be learned from the Veterans’ Health Administration. At times, the agency has been among the government’s most justifiably criticized; at other times, it has supplied world-class health care unexcelled in this country. The differences in performance reflect the political philosophies, and the skills, of the country’s top governmental leaders. The lessons to be learned should be obvious, but apparently they are not obvious enough. They should be stressed continually.

The country is a long way from overcoming years of mismanagement and ideological excess. Ultimately, American security depends upon completely recreating our infrastructure—both physical and institutional, employing delicate monitoring systems, emphasizing broad public education (including health education), and ensuring universal health care.