The Politics of Disaster

This text was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be a more objective analysis of the politics surrounding the Hurricane Katrina incident and other disasters (much like Olshansky & Johnson's Clear as Mud). Instead, the author wore his biases on his sleeve. I also try to remember when this book published. Corruption and ineptitude in Katrina are old news in 2019. Perhaps it was shocking enough in 2006 to warrant the author's tone. In fairness, Olasky did not portend to write a scholarly piece; that was an expectation I placed on the book.

That said, rarely do I find books from which I don't learn something. I appreciated Olasky's take on the paperocracy. I have dealt with that issue alongside many clients. I understand the need to balance due diligence with quick action, and I was glad to see the author highlighted the issue. Most salient of the points in this text was the notion that we don't often know where to look for recovery assistance, and assistance often comes from unexpected sources. Finally, Olasky addressed the nuance of planning for flexibility at the same time one strives for specificity.

I appreciate the author's fondness of faith-based responders and feel we should find more ways to integrate them (i.e., responders from all faiths) into our efforts. Unfortunately, however, this point was emphasized to almost comical levels.

I caution those that wish to read this book. It is interesting, but it is loaded.