Dean: ''Four Years Later, America Still Not Prepared to Deal with Disaster''

"Today, we remember the great loss suffered by the victims, their families and loved ones on September 11, 2001, but we also remember the heroism, generosity and spirit of our first responders and ordinary Americans. We remember the patriotism and unity we felt in the aftermath of that horrible day when we came together as one community.

Some four years after the most violent terrorist attack on American soil, we were horrified by images from the worst natural disaster in American history. And again we saw America at its best, coming together to try and bring some measure of comfort to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Unfortunately, when the skies cleared, the catastrophe was just beginning. In addition to the painful reminders about poverty that the storm uncovered, it also uncovered frightening questions as to whether or not our nation is adequately prepared to handle the aftermath of a large scale incident. Too many questions remain as to why, despite the experience of mobilizing a large-scale relief and recovery effort after 9/11, the federal government struggled to assist in evacuation and search-and-rescue efforts, and the flow of food, bottled water and other desperately needed supplies were bogged down in a tangled mess of red tape.

Sadly, the federal government's lack of preparation followed by its inept response had deadly consequences for far too many Americans in Katrina's path. Today is a day not just to remember the violence of four years ago. It's also a day to remember the lessons of that terrible day and our promise that we won't ever let it happen again. The American people are counting on their leaders in Washington, DC to do better."-from DNC.