During his first all-hands meeting with agency personnel, acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Richardson issued a striking warning: “Don’t get in my way,” the former United States Marine Corps ground combat officer told staff, according to a recording of the speech obtained by CBS News.

“Obfuscation, delay, undermining,” Richardson continued, referencing tactics he believed a fraction of FEMA staff might try to subvert his agenda. “If you’re one of those 20% of the people and you think those tactics and techniques are going to help you, they will not, because I will run right over you. I will achieve the president’s intent.”

Richardson’s formal title is Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator. He was named to the role Thursday and has not been formally nominated nor confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

  • ThePowerOfGeek@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    “I don’t stop at yield signs,” he continued.

    I haven’t heard this expression before. I understand that he’s trying to project the whole ‘alpha male’ things through that phrase. But that’s a fucking stupid expression. Yield signs are there for everyone’s safety, including your own. Not yielding at them, either literally or figuratively, is the sign of a dunce.

    • Cethin@lemmy.zip
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      13 hours ago

      Yeah, he’s trying to project power in attempt to make people comply before they’re forced to. Hopefully it fails. If it were me, I’d be more likely to fight back after he says something like this.

    • Zaktor@sopuli.xyz
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      1 day ago

      Also, many times you’re not supposed to stop at yield signs. I assume he means “ever, including when someone else is in the roadway”, but it’s just a muddled statement.