Obama, the Blizzard, and Personal Responsibility

President Barack Obama talks with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano about the preparations for the severe winter weather impacting a large part of the country during a phone call in the Oval Office, Feb. 1, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Obama was briefed on the monster storm hitting the Midwest and making its way across the country.

From ABC News:

ABC New's Sunlen Miller reports: From the Oval Office President Obama was briefed this morning over the phone by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in preparations being made for the winter storm that is making its way eastward across at least one-third of the country.

In what could be the worst snowstorm the country has seen in more than 40 years, more than a foot of snow may fall on a 2,100-mile stretch from New Mexico to Maine, weather forecasters have said.

Blizzard warnings are in effect for nine states with the storm expected to significantly affect Oklahoma City, Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit, Des Moines, Iowa, Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis.

“We encourage all Americans to follow the instructions of state and local officials, and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information,” the White House says in a statement, “We urge all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates and directions provided by their local officials.”

On his call with Napolitano and Fugate the White House says the president “stressed the need to be prepared for all scenarios, including significant power outages across the country, and that state and federal agencies need to work closely to support affected communities.”

I'm supposed to be prepared?

Why should I take personal responsibility?

Yes, I know that I've received plenty of warning about the impending emergency. I know the monster storm is knocking on my door.

So what?

How is this different from a hurricane in terms of being warned in advance and having time to prepare for the storm?

I expect FEMA and Obama to take care of me.

Hey, FEMA! Get me some milk and a loaf of bread. And two bags of Cheetos.

Then shovel my driveway. Thanks!