President Obama Vacations As Flood Worsens In Baton Rouge
According to a survey, when Americans go on vacation, about 61% of them continue to work. And while this is somewhat true for President Obama, who is vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, it’s not true enough for many people affected by the severe flooding in Louisiana.
After three days of heavy downpour, historic flooding has killed 13, and 30 parishes have been declared as disaster zones.
The U.S. Coast Guard, along with other first responders, have rescued more than 20,000 people over the weekend. More than 70,000 people have registered for federal disaster assistance, and 9,000 have already filed flood insurance claims.
Amid this disaster, President Obama has received heavy criticism for vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, and for failing to cut that vacation short.
Earlier in the week, the President approved John Bel Edward’s request for federal disaster funding, and reportedly is being updated on new developments on Martha’s Vineyard by his officials and aids.
Lousiana’s largest daily newspaper, The Advocate, called the President out on his lack of action last week.
“A disaster this big begs for the personal presence of the President at ground zero,” read the editorial. “In coming here, the President can decisively demonstrate that Louisiana’s recovery is a priority for his administration — and the United States of America.”
The column continued to call on Obama, saying that “The President’s vacation is scheduled to wrap up on Sunday. But he should pack his bags now, and pay a call on communities who need to know that in a national catastrophe, they are not alone. The President’s presence is already late to this crisis, but it’s better later than never.”
