Disaster hero terrified as Trump threatens new catastrophe for his tiny town
rawstory.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 5:36:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Classified Documents & National Security, Presidential Campaigns, Republican Party Politics
VILLA PARK, ILLINOIS - "No one locks their doors in Villa Park," says village board President Kevin Patrick.
This town of 22,000 could be the set for Andy of Mayberry, a Norman Rockwell painting of America.
Patrick sports a military haircut befitting his years in the Coast Guard and steel blue eyes that reflect military determination, compassion -- and fear. Fear of what could happen to his town.
We filmed Patrick while he watched the videos of bodies floating face down in another small town, in Kerr County, Texas, where the death toll from a flood in July has reached 136 and counting.
Patrick was shaken. Because it's a horror he knows all too well.
Twenty years ago this month, Coast Guardsman Patrick was one of the first responders sent in after Hurricane Katrina drowned Gulfport and New Orleans. He told me about recovering the bloated bodies of pregnant women -- or pieces of pregnant women -- out of the water. He tried to pull one corpse from the flood, but the "arm slid off like a chicken wing."
The horror still haunts him. Because he knows that drownings in Texas were not an act of God. They were an act of Donald Trump. Trump and his DOGE buddies had, just before the Texas flood, cut the heart out of Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA.
The so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) slashed one out of three FEMA staff employees just before the Texas flood. The head of FEMA's National Response Coordination Center, Jeremy Greenberg, whose job was to warn of such floods, was forced out just weeks before the Texas catastrophe. And since the DOGE massacre of April, FEMA's San Antonio office has had no permanent Warning-Coordination Meteorologist.
Supervisor Patrick needs no reminder of the dangers his town faces. Patrick has two rail lines running through his town. In 2023, trains derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling a deadly toxic cloud over the town. If the chemicals hit the fan in Villa Park, who's he going to call? Trump has announced he's planning to close FEMA by this December, leaving emergency response -- and its costs -- to states and local officials like Patrick.
This reporter, in a prior work life, was on the team that wrote an emergency evacuation plan for the very rich County of Suffolk, Long Island. That plan cost $20 million, which the Richie Rich kids of the Hamptons could afford, but an impossible sum for a town of 22,000.
All Washed Away: A Greg Palast Investigation. [Now available on YouTube and Substack]
Trump's fantasy is, ultimately, to privatize emergency evacuation.
Been there. Done that. The privatization of emergency evacuation led to over a thousand Americans floating face down in New Orleans in 2005.
Patrick still has nightmares about those bodies coming apart in his hands after Katrina. That too, was not an act of God. It was an Act of George W. Bush, specifically, the privatization of the New Orleans evacuation plan.
Back in 2006, I did an investigation of the drownings in New Orleans for a program called Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman.
I'm asking you to watch the film of the investigation, All Washed Away, which I've just updated with an exposé of the Trump drownings of 2025 -- out today for free on YouTube and Substack.
Back in 2005, as I watched the mayhem of those trying to escape New Orleans, I called FEMA to get a copy of the evacuation plan for the city. FEMA, which Bush had just put under the Department of Homeland Security, said the plan was "classified," a national security secret.
How the f -- do you "classify" an evacuation plan and expect people to evacuate?
Our investigation uncovered the truth: there was no real plan because the Bush gang had privatized the evacuation planning, turning it over to a GOP crony who ran a company called, Innovative Emergency Management (IEM).
When I went to IEM's offices in Baton Rouge, the company officers literally hid from me. They hid because they knew that I knew they had NO PLAN to evacuate 127,000 residents who did not have cars. They were left to drown.
In our film, I talk to Stephen Smith, who had no car, no way out and couldn't swim. Nevertheless, Smith floated on a mattress, pulling survivors from rooftops. He told me how Bush's helicopters flew over the bridge where Black folk were stranded for days without food nor water. Smith closed the eyes of a man who died after he gave his grandchildren his last bottle of water.
And the Bush crew knew it would happen because the Director of the Hurricane Center at Louisiana State University blew the whistle. Ivor van Heerden and his experts at LSU had an expert plan to save the city ready to go, but it was ignored so that the politically connected IEM could cash in.
Prof. Van Heerden, when I asked about the effect of rejecting the LSU plan said, "Well, 1,500 people drowned."
The professor shouldn't have told me that. The university's response was to fire him. The pressure came from Chevron Oil Corporation, but that's a story you'll have to watch yourself when you watch the film.
IEM, as so many privateers, won its contract through flim-flam, claiming that its team included the Clinton administration's evacuation expert James Lee Witt. In fact, Mr. Witt had nothing to do with these scoundrels.
I bet you won't be surprised to learn that IEM has just received a contract with DOGE.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent article discussing the fears of Villa Park Village Board President Kevin Patrick serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in the ongoing struggle for effective governance and disaster preparedness in the United States. Patrick's harrowing experiences as a Coast Guardsman during Hurricane Katrina highlight the profound human costs associated with inadequate emergency response systems. The parallels drawn between the devastations of Katrina and the recent floods in Texas underscore an alarming trend: a government increasingly unwilling or unable to protect its citizens from natural disasters, especially in the wake of recent cuts to crucial federal agencies like FEMA. This not only raises questions about the current administration’s priorities but also serves as a stark reminder of the implications of privatization in public services, particularly in emergencies.
Historically, the privatization of public services has been linked to detrimental outcomes, particularly in times of crisis. The New Orleans disaster post-Katrina illustrated that when the government abdicates its responsibility to manage emergencies, the most vulnerable populations pay the heaviest price. The article poignantly recalls the horrors of drowned bodies in New Orleans, a chilling metaphor for the failures of a privatized emergency response system. In this context, the proposed closure of FEMA by former President Trump represents a continuation of a dangerous trend—one that prioritizes profit and efficiency over the safety and well-being of citizens. The looming privatization of emergency services evokes memories of a government that prioritizes corporate interests over the lives of its constituents, a dynamic that has historically marginalized lower-income communities and communities of color.
The implications of Trump's proposed cuts to FEMA resonate deeply with ongoing social struggles, particularly regarding equity and access to resources. The notion that emergency response could be left to states and local governments implies an unequal distribution of resources and capabilities. Smaller towns like Villa Park, which may not have the financial backbone to formulate an effective emergency response strategy, would be left at the mercy of their economic circumstances. This starkly contrasts with wealthier areas that can invest in comprehensive emergency planning, as illustrated by the expensive evacuation plan for Suffolk County. Such disparities raise critical questions about the role of government in promoting equitable safety measures and ensuring that all communities have access to the protection they need during disasters.
Moreover, the dismantling of FEMA and the proposed transfer of emergency response responsibilities to the states can be viewed through the lens of neoliberal ideology, which often champions deregulation and privatization as pathways to efficiency. However, this ideology frequently overlooks the realities of socioeconomic disparities and the practical implications of such policies. As seen in the aftermath of Katrina, when privatization takes precedence, the consequences can be catastrophic. The narrative of Kevin Patrick serves as a rallying cry for advocates of robust public services, emphasizing the need for a government that prioritizes the safety of its citizens over the interests of a few.
In conclusion, the fears expressed by President Patrick about the future of disaster response in Villa Park are emblematic of a broader national crisis—a crisis rooted in the erosion of public services and the prioritization of profit over people. The historical precedents set by events like Hurricane Katrina reinforce the urgent need for a recommitment to effective, equitable emergency management. As we navigate the contemporary landscape of governance, it is crucial for advocates of justice and equity to engage in discussions about the importance of strong public institutions. The message is clear: a society that fails to protect its most vulnerable members is one that risks repeating the horrors of the past. In the face of looming catastrophes, the question remains: will we allow fear to overshadow our collective responsibility to advocate for a government that truly serves all its citizens?
The article presents a chilling perspective on the implications of potential cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by former President Donald Trump and his administration, framing it as a direct threat to small communities like Villa Park, Illinois. The haunting memories of Hurricane Katrina, as recounted by village board President Kevin Patrick, serve not only as a reminder of past tragedies but also as an urgent warning about the future of emergency management in America. As climate change intensifies natural disasters and the frequency of catastrophic events increases, a well-resourced and fully operational FEMA is critical. The proposed dismantling of this agency, paired with the disturbing trend towards privatization of emergency services, raises significant concerns about the safety and welfare of vulnerable communities across the nation.
Historically, the federal government has played an essential role in disaster response and recovery, particularly for low-income and underserved areas that often lack the resources to adequately prepare for and respond to emergencies. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 highlighted the disastrous consequences of neglecting this responsibility, as systemic failures led to thousands of preventable deaths. The current moves to cut FEMA's budget and staff mirror those of the Bush administration during Katrina and signal a troubling trajectory that prioritizes fiscal austerity over public safety. Rather than providing the necessary support to communities facing increasingly severe weather events, these policies threaten to leave them ill-equipped and vulnerable to future disasters.
In response to these alarming developments, Americans must take proactive steps to advocate for the restoration and strengthening of FEMA. This can begin with grassroots activism—engaging in local community discussions about disaster preparedness and advocating for increased funding at both state and federal levels. Citizens can also connect with organizations focused on climate justice and emergency management reform, uniting voices to demand accountability from elected officials. Engaging in public forums, writing letters to representatives, and participating in town hall meetings can amplify the message that community safety is paramount, and cutting essential services like FEMA is unacceptable.
Moreover, citizens can educate themselves and their communities about the importance of emergency preparedness. Hosting workshops on disaster response and recovery, sharing resources on local emergency services, and participating in training programs can empower individuals to take charge of their safety and that of their neighbors. As Patrick's experience in Villa Park exemplifies, local leaders must be supported and equipped to handle emergencies; the idea that communities can simply fend for themselves without federal assistance is not only misguided but dangerous. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, communities can better advocate for the resources they need from their government.
Finally, it is crucial to engage in broader conversations about the implications of privatizing emergency response services. The historical precedent set during Hurricane Katrina showed that reliance on privatization can lead to disastrous outcomes, particularly for disenfranchised populations. Public safety should not be a for-profit venture; rather, it should be a fundamental right guaranteed by the government to all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status. Advocating for policies that prioritize public infrastructure and emergency services over profit can help ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten, and that communities like Villa Park are not left to navigate disasters without the support they desperately need.
In conclusion, the potential dismantling of FEMA and the push for privatization highlight a critical moment for American society. It underscores the need to reaffirm our commitment to public safety and community resilience. By taking action—whether through grassroots advocacy, education, or public discourse—we can challenge the dangerous narrative that seeks to undermine federal support for disaster management. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of every American to safeguard their community against the increasingly perilous impacts of climate change and to ensure that no town is left behind in the face of disaster.
The article highlights an urgent situation regarding the impact of government policies on emergency management and disaster response, particularly in the context of threats posed by political actions. Here’s a detailed list of ideas for personal actions we can take to address this issue:
### Personal Actions to Take
1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - Learn about the history and current state of emergency management in your area. Share this information through social media, community meetings, or informal discussions to raise awareness.
2. **Engage with Local Officials** - Attend town hall meetings or local government sessions and voice your concerns about the potential impacts of federal cuts to emergency management agencies like FEMA. Engage in discussions about the importance of preparedness funding.
3. **Support Local Emergency Preparedness Initiatives** - Volunteer with local organizations that focus on disaster preparedness and response. This could include working with local fire departments, community centers, or Red Cross chapters.
4. **Advocate for Stronger Local Policies** - Work with community members to draft and propose local ordinances that prioritize emergency preparedness funding and resources.
5. **Sign and Share Petitions** - Look for petitions that advocate for the preservation of FEMA and the protection of emergency management resources. Websites like Change.org often have relevant petitions you can support and share within your networks.
### Specific Actions
1. **Write to Elected Officials** - Contact your congressional representatives to express your concerns. Here are examples of how to structure this:
**Sample Contacts:** - **Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)** - Email: [Contact through the official website] - USPS: 1015 W 22nd St Suite 101, Oak Brook, IL 60523
- **Senator Dick Durbin (IL)** - Email: [Contact through the official website] - USPS: 230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3892, Chicago, IL 60604
- **Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL)** - Email: [Contact through the official website] - USPS: 230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3900, Chicago, IL 60604 **What to Say:** - Express your concern about the cuts to FEMA and the implications for local disaster preparedness. Emphasize the importance of federal support for emergency management and urge them to oppose any measures that would weaken FEMA’s capacity.
**Sample Message:** ``` Dear [Official's Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the proposed plans to dismantle it. The tragic events in Texas highlight the critical need for a robust emergency response system. We cannot afford to privatize emergency management, as history has shown us the devastating consequences of such actions.
I urge you to advocate for the restoration of FEMA’s funding and resources to ensure that our community is prepared for any disaster.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```
2. **Join or Form Community Action Groups** - Collaborate with like-minded individuals to create or join local advocacy groups focused on emergency preparedness and disaster response. Use platforms like Meetup or Facebook Groups to connect with others in your area.
3. **Promote Awareness on Social Media** - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to share information about the importance of FEMA and the risks of its privatization. Create a campaign to encourage others to contact their representatives.
4. **Participate in or Organize Community Workshops** - Work with local organizations to host workshops about disaster preparedness. Topics can include creating emergency kits, evacuation plans, and community resources.
5. **Support Organizations Focused on Disaster Relief** - Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that provide disaster relief and preparedness training, such as the American Red Cross or local non-profits.
### Conclusion
By taking these actions, we can collectively work towards ensuring that our communities are better prepared for emergencies and that vital support systems like FEMA are maintained and strengthened. It is crucial to engage with our local representatives and advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents.