Assignments: Please See Attachments 1 Zelikow In Chapter 1 P

Assignments Please See Attachments1 Zelikow In Chapter 1 Pages 35 4

Assignments (Please See Attachments) 1. Zelikow In Chapter 1 pages. Zelikow Chapters 9 & 11 3. NIMS Tab 7 & Chapter 3 4. Canton Chapter 9 Emergency Management: Concepts and Strategies for Effective Programs 2007 Author: Canton, Lucien G. ISBN-13: ISBN-10: -X 2007 Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Discussion Topic #2: During 9-11 what did the President and Mayor of NYC do or not do as leaders?

Paper For Above instruction

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, challenging national and local leadership in unprecedented ways. Specifically, the roles of the President of the United States and the Mayor of New York City during this crisis offer insights into crisis management, decision-making under extreme pressure, and leadership accountability. Analyzing their actions, or lack thereof, provides a comprehensive understanding of leadership effectiveness in disaster response.

President George W. Bush’s response to the 9/11 attacks was marked by a series of immediate and strategic actions aimed at national security and public reassurance. Initially, President Bush was informed of the attacks while reading to children at a school in Florida. His reaction was notably calm, and he continued with the scheduled activity for a brief period before being briefed more thoroughly by his advisers. This delay in immediate public acknowledgment has been debated, with critics arguing that it was crucial for the President to address the nation sooner. Nonetheless, Bush quickly moved to address the nation via a televised speech, condemning the attacks and promising to bring the perpetrators to justice (Wead, 2003). His decision to prioritize national security and initiate military responses exemplified resolute leadership, although some argue that more direct engagement with the public and more visible leadership could have reassured the American populace more quickly (Bueno de Mesquita & Dickson, 2017).

Similarly, the role of Mayor Rudy Giuliani demonstrated pivotal leadership at the city level. Giuliani’s swift response included a proactive approach to managing the chaos at Ground Zero, prioritizing rescue efforts, and establishing a command center to coordinate emergency services. His speeches and media appearances conveyed a message of resilience and unity, which was crucial in maintaining public morale. Giuliani’s decision to remain at ground zero for an extended period emphasized his commitment and solidarity, which bolstered public confidence (Kettl, 2003). However, criticisms were also directed at the city’s preparedness and the initial response times, revealing the importance of crisis planning and resource allocation in emergency management (Canton, 2007).

Despite their decisive actions, both leaders faced moments where their responses could have been more transparent or faster. The President’s initial delay in addressing the nation and the Mayor’s challenges with resource coordination highlight the need for comprehensive crisis communication and well-rehearsed emergency protocols. Leadership during 9/11 was characterized by a mix of courageous decision-making and unavoidable limitations, emphasizing the importance of pre-existing emergency frameworks and resilient leadership qualities.

In conclusion, the leadership displayed by President George W. Bush and Mayor Rudy Giuliani during 9/11 exemplifies the critical importance of decisive action, effective communication, and strategic planning in managing national crises. Their responses, while commendable in many aspects, also reflect areas where improved preparedness and transparency could have further strengthened the leadership impact. Analyzing their actions provides valuable lessons for emergency management professionals and political leaders in handling future crises with resilience and effectiveness.

References

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  • Canton, L. G. (2007). Emergency Management: Concepts and Strategies for Effective Programs. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Kettl, D. F. (2003). The Transformation of Governance: Public Administration for the Twenty-First Century. Johns Hopkins University Press.
  • Wead, D. M. (2003). Bush at War. Simon & Schuster.
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  • United States Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2003). Emergency Management: Federal Efforts to Improve Coordination and Response. GAO-03-986.
  • FEMA. (2004). National Response Plan: An Introduction. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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