The Buffalo News had asked the question, "Was the response to Hurricane Katrina adequate, and if not, who is to blame?"  The input of CPJ member Dan O'Rourke was published in the Sunday September 18 issues of the News.  His letter read:

"In news conferences after the FEMA’s ineptitude responding to Katrina  became apparent, the President’s Press Secretary Scott McCellen pressed by the White House press corps used the phrase “blame game” fifteen times.  President Bush used it also.  It’s the current mantra for the administration to defuse rising and legitimate criticism of its massive failure. It is not a “blame game,” Mr. President; it is accountability and responsibility.

Daniel O'Rourke, Cassadaga"