And, yes, I DO take it personally: Is there any doubt whatsoever that George Bush simply doesn't give a shit for the people of New Orleans or, for that matter, the U.S.?

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Is there any doubt whatsoever that George Bush simply doesn't give a shit for the people of New Orleans or, for that matter, the U.S.?

i followed the coverage of hurricane katrina more closely than i followed anything in years... as were many of us, i was, by turns, appalled, outraged, enraged and, many times, openly sobbing... particularly given the fact that i was watching from buenos aires, the spectacle of my country totally failing its people was an emotional experience i never thought i'd have and hoped to never have again... but, guess what...? bush has obviously decided to hell with making amends and is reneging on every promise he's made... you people are on your friggin' own, the very same thing he's saying to every one of us... you think your elected government cares about you...? think again...

President Bush announced he would not support a popular plan for a government buyout of damaged houses. Word leaked that the White House had ignored e-mail warnings of Hurricane Katrina's potential danger in the 48 hours before the storm, including predictions of breached levees and massive flooding. Administration officials said they would not provide information to a Senate inquiry into the government's response to the hurricane.

Even Laura Bush raised ire during a visit to the area when she had this to say to local reporters about governmental relief: "I know it's very, very slow. That's how government works."

The combined effect, after five months of trying to clean up homes, reopen businesses and resurrect life here had people muttering, local commentators fuming and Louisiana officials furious.