Blogger Notes

Hey, I'm surprised he even bothered going. Or maybe he had ulterior motives. Like checking on damage to oil refineries and platforms for his buddies. Can you tell I'm still smarting from my trip to the gas station today?

September 03, 2005 12:06 AM

I know that as an "outsider" I shouldn't probably be talking about it... but it came to my mind... who did the state of Louisiana vote for president? Let me remind you...

Do they still feel proud about it after this behavior? (Although I know this is not their main concern right now)

Sorry in advance if some people are annoyed from my comment.

September 03, 2005 2:29 AM

OldRoses, I had actually considered not going to my brother's BBQ today because of the gas prices. It is only three hours away, but that has become quite a price!

DrWho, they voted for Bush. I think most of the people that were trapped most likely did not vote for him though. So that really sucks. I was hoping for some poetic justice- not that I could really get that much satisfaction from so much grief.

September 03, 2005 8:41 AM

When he was being interviewed by the press on his little trip, he was smiling. SMILING!!! What a callous asshole. Like the Daily Mirror asked, how could 59,054,087 people be so dumb as to think he can be trusted to run this country and keep us safe?

September 03, 2005 8:56 AM

I can't even watch him talk on t.v. His voice is very annoying and his spews stupidity. It doesn't bother me if he checks out the damage or not. What bothers me is he should believe the mayor of New Orleans when he says "Get some &^%$# help here now!" To little,way to late.

September 03, 2005 11:29 AM

I love the mayor of New Orleans and his cursing on cnn.com. I hate to say I smile when I hear it, but I'm glad someone in leadership is expressing anger on behalf of the people.

It sends me into f'n fits of anger everytime I hear Bush talk about this with his meaningless promises and empty words. "This is a big,uh uh uh, problem, and the goverment's gonna, uh uh uh, do something." And no one can call him on it- "Do what Mr. President?"

"well, first I'm gonna go to my ranch and give money to my friends to rebuild those refineries..."

September 03, 2005 11:43 AM

AARGH! I just wrote that and I'm still livid!

September 03, 2005 11:43 AM

If Bush visited Ground Zero, he'd be ripped to shreds...
Perhaps they should dangle him above the crowds for a while.

September 03, 2005 12:45 PM

Great joke about celebtating too much in New Olreans! Ha ha ha (if George laughs loud enough it covers up the wailing crys of the victims at the Superdome.)

September 03, 2005 4:50 PM

Sorry to break the news to you, Sylvana, and your regular readers, but, it is not the responsibility of the President or the Federal government to manage catastrophes. It is first the responsibility of local authorities and private citizens; then, state and regional agencies; the rescuers of last resort are the Feds.

In this case, in New Orleans, Mayor Nagin said on Saturday he had an evacuation plan that was going to save everybody. The Governor said she was sure the state agencies were prepared for anything and the Feds should stand off until and if needed. The President went ahead and declared the region a disaster area even before H-Kat came ashore, while still a cat-4. It was the Feds who kept saying, "this is the big one, the Category 5 monster that will destroy everything in its path - get the hell out." Even now, eighteen-wheelers with $2.2 million each of rescue equipment aboard are still sitting at response centers because neither the Louisiana Governor nor New Orleans Mayor have made a formal request for them as is required by law, a law President Bush reminded the Governor and Mayor of last Wednesday.

That 100K-300K people decided to stay, citizens never prepared for the disaster they all knew would happen, the mayors plans were non-existent, hundreds of school busses were left unused in the school yard is hardly the fault of the Federal government nor the fault of the President even if the office was still held by the that scum sucker, Bill Clinton.

Hurricanes cannot be legislated. Disasters happen and no one can know what will present the following morn. Sure, the liberal conmen and policy wonks will Monday morning quarterback, but where were they when their unerring prescience was needed most? I’ll tell you – they were in the wings watching, waiting, hoping things would go wrong, people would suffer, people would die so they could blame the President. Those not snickering to themselves are deep in thought as to how they can apply more ineffectual Federal over site to an already bloated Liberal socialist government that “can’t even brew a gallon of beer economically” (Gerald Ford.)

I live in earthquake country. The first thing aid agencies will tell you is to have food, water, clothing, medicines, toiletries, flashlights and batteries, blankets and shelter, and cash money to last five to six days minimum because that's how long it will take for organized help to arrive.

I'm sorry that people are suffering and many have died, but neither Republicans nor Democrats created this Category 5 Hurricane Katrina. Mother Nature did. So go ahead and blame whomever you wish. In the meantime, who is preparing for the next hurricane gathering in the Atlantic off the Florida coast as we sit and argue over New Orleans, a city that even 250 years ago, should never have existed? The Bush Administration, that's who.

September 03, 2005 5:08 PM

Geez Indigo you're right! Here we thought the Leader of the Free World had to, at least once during his Presidency, accept some responsibility. The Economy? Nope, recovering from 9/11. Iraq? Nope, any questions hurt the troops moral. RESPONDING TO THE AFTERMATH OF A DISASTER THAT HAS DESTROYED SEVERAL AMERICAN CITIES (and please, wake up, NOT the hurricane itself)? Nope, it's the lazy local and state officials' fault (many of whom are, y'know, b-l-a-c-k.)

Now this guy is big into the standards testing for public schools, to make students and teachers ACCOUNTABLE. But, gosh darn it if he and his supporters seem to think he should be free of that himself. No matter what the hell he does, or in this case, DOESN'T do. Notice I didn't make a National Guard joke there.

You Bush supporters have every right in the world to your opinion. Keep telling yourselves this wasn't a failure of massive proportions this past week. And when you're finished diapering poor wittle George W, don't forget to burp him.

September 03, 2005 6:45 PM

For the record, I never, NEVER, mentioned race as a contributing factor to the Katrina disaster. I am not surprised at all that a liberal would whip out the race card. Run out of good arguements, persoanal attacks, and belittling comments just use the race card because that solves everything.

New Orleans is a city of 65-70% black Americans. Of course, the responsible city officials are black; of course, the police and emergency personnel are black; of course, the criminals are black. But, so are the the church goers, the Boy and Girl Scouts, the school teachers, the garbage collectors, the paperboy, and the pizza delivery guy.

DrMax, what does "black" have to do with the catastrophe. Shame on you for even bringing it up. If, as a liberal, you cannot feel shame, I will "feel your shame" for you.

September 03, 2005 8:33 PM

What did "black" have to do with this catastrophe? Are you serious Indigo? Honest I respect you, but are you fricking serious?

Are you saying race had NOTHING to do with the fact nearly everyone left at the Superdome was black? Or that they were the only ones who were too poor to leave!

By all means, let's be offended if anyone MENTIONS it so we shut that person up and continue to not talk about it and do what we usually do: squeeze our eyes really hard and hope it goes away.

And for your information I felt nothing but SHAME when I looked at those pictures. How did you feel about this great country when you watched it? Oh that's right, it was just mother nature, and local officials. Too bad, that's the way it goes.

Look Indigo, I'm sure you care about all the victims. I do to. But please do not lecture me about bringing up race. If we can't bring it up after what we saw this week, than than our country is really in trouble.

September 03, 2005 11:09 PM

I strongly agree with Indigo. The majority of the town is black. Therefore, the majority of the pictures that we see on the news are going to depict this fact. This is a natural disaster and has nothing to do with race. I am getting so sick of everyone pulling out the race card! Let’s say that…this disaster happened in Utah. The majority of the people here are white. Therefore, the majority of refugees would be white. Do you think there would be an uproar about that? NO! Everyone put race aside and use your energy for something positive. Uh…I don’t know like…giving your time and money to the cause instead of making up bullshit racial arguments about what has or has NOT occurred. The local government is responsible for the lack of supplies and assistance. The LOCAL government failed to properly notify the president of their need.

September 04, 2005 1:10 PM

Hey folks, I agree, let's all help as much as we can. Our family has donated and I hope you all have too. I don't quesion the compassion I'm sure you all feel for all the victims.

I'm wondering when is the proper time to bring up race in this country? Apparantly not after a disaster that seemed to highlight that race and poverty exist in this country. So when? Yes, by all means, let's all get together and help the victims now! And I am under no illusions that my arguments will change anyone's minds. But we had better wake up to this and soon. You can be sick and tired of having to hear about it, but many of our fellow Americans have to live with it every day of their lives.

As for the "local government faild to notify the President of it needs" argument. Boy, the bar certainly has lowered in what we expect from a President. He couldn't act because he didn't get Federal Aid Request form A-JK48 in triplicate? As President he couldn't just watch the TV and see what was happening and say screw the rules I'm gonna mobilize? Really? You guys stick with that, that should work out real well for you in the midterms.

September 04, 2005 1:47 PM

Yes, DrMax, I am serious. You and I respecting each other I take as a given. Your writing is fabulous, but claiming race as a contributing cause is way out of line especially when one reads the Washington Post today. Blanco refused federal aid and manuevered to maintain her own control over a situation that was so much out of her control. Gov Blanco didn't summon Federal help until Wednesday after the hurricane. If there was any racism, it was on her part not the Presidents.

In ktbug's example, I am sure that the religion card would be played because the majority of folks in Utah are religios and more - Mormon.

In the words of a great liberal black man, Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

September 04, 2005 1:48 PM

I know you are sincere in your beliefs Indigo and thanks for the compliment.

Can't agree with you on the aspect of race in this mess though. Just how I feel. You say it's way out of line to mention it, everybody does, that's why it's never seriously addressed. Argued over? Oh my yes, but addressed, no.

I also know you really want to believe George W. couldn't do anything without approval of the the proper state leaders. Like I said earlier, fine, go with that. Use it in the upcoming midterm campaigns. "George W Bush. When unprecedented disaster struck the gulf, he knew what to do! With courage and leadership he patiently waited until he recieved proper permission from each states' govenor and a mere four days later leaped into action!" Put some flags and patriotic music behind that, and you got yourself a winner!

September 04, 2005 9:19 PM

I was cracking jokes the entire time I saw him hop around "accessing the damage." I was hoping they were going to take him out in an American Pope mobile around the heart of the looting, shooting, and burning that is taking place in the rubble of it all. I was very disappointed to say the least.

September 04, 2005 10:38 PM

DrMax -

I will go with that. And as the chain of events are revealed we are seeing more and more the incompetence of the (corrupt) political leaders of Louisiana.

Over in Mississippi, Governor Haley Barbour has done a Giuliani of a job in a state that was hit directly by Hurricane Katrina. Governor Barbour did not go on national television complaining that the Federal government wasn't aiding Ol' Miss because of the majority black population. He didn't wring his hands crying "Poor me! Whatever shall I do?" No, he got to work. He got his people to work.

Only the crybaby leaders of Louisiana and New Orleans are wetting their pants out of fear and indecision. The Governor and Mayor should resign or do what two NOPD cops did - commit suicide.

After the fact, the La and NO leaders were so focused on complaining about New Orleans they didn't even bother to check the surrounding communities where thousands more people still need to be delivered. But, it's too late for a dozen residents of a nursing home who were found dead.

So much for the socialist village in which everyone has responsibility for everyone else. As the Kitty Genovese case in 1964 demonstrated, when everyone is responsible for everyone else each believes someone else will take care of the situation resulting in no one doing anything.

The song "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" by Phil Ochs, put it this way:

"Oh look outside the window, there's a woman being grabbed
They've dragged her to the bushes and now she's being stabbed
Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain
But Monopoly is so much fun, I'd hate to blow the game
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends"

September 05, 2005 3:28 PM

And besides all that, Dr. Condoleezza Rice , the Secratary of State in the Bush Administration is a BLACK WOMAN BORN AND RAISED IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA.

Bush has appointed more blacks to high office than any other President including the Black President, Slick Willy.

September 05, 2005 3:36 PM

Clinton was pretty slick wasn't he? He handled things with such efficiency and ease, you'd practically think a monkey could do his job. But now we've found that not to be true.

Welcome to my blog Kitty! Glad to have you aboard!

September 05, 2005 3:47 PM

You know who hates the race card? The race with all the power! Other races prefer to think of it as the "harsh reality" card.

And I think the Kitty Genovese case was more of a commentary on the fact that the inhabitants in large, American cities had become detached from society, with many faining it hard to develop any real connections to people; in fact, the words 'social' and 'village' seemed the antithesis of the makeup of these enormous urban areas. The large city, surrounded by so many other people, made it far easier to remain anonymous.

Also, similarly to modern day areas with high poverty and minority population, the many in the neighborhood didn't see the police as heroes who would come save the day, but as callous harrassers.

September 05, 2005 4:03 PM

Hey SSB, thanks for covering that Kitty case!

Indigo Red, you can't claim that socialism failed because 38 people raised in a non-socialist environment failed to call the police or do anything to help the woman.

Many of the people interviewed said that they didn't do anything because it wasn't their problem and they didn't want to get involved. Perhaps if they had been raised in a society where people felt more connected and responsible to the people around them, those people would have been more likely to do something about Kitty.

September 05, 2005 4:43 PM

Hey Indigo,

You sure seem passionate about this "George W Bush is never to be blamed for anything during his administration" thing. You aren't perhaps a little nervous that maybe this last example of his fine leadership will finally effect your beloved party's status as the majority are you? No little bell going off deep down inside? Maybe something telling you that perhaps this was a f**kup of historic proportions?

Hey though, let me throw you a bone. The Democratic National Commitee has proven to be so incompetent lately that if you guys run the BTK killer as a candidate chances are he could win. However my personal opinion is that Bush's performance was sooooo bad, that not even the Democrat's usual ham handed performance can save your party.

Syl good to have you and SSB back. I did my best to battle while you were away. Hope you didn't mind us using your comment field.

September 05, 2005 5:11 PM

Glad to be back!

Nope, battle away! Both of you.
I enjoy the action and mayhem immensely.

September 05, 2005 7:16 PM

Now that Syl is back with a new post, I will say that the whole Hurricane Katrina fiasco was handled poorly by all agencies involved no matter the party affiliation.

DrMax, I have no bells going off anywhere deep down. Those bells sounded three years ago, when I finally realized that my Democratic Party had abandoned me. But, yes, this is a disaster of historic proportions which I have maintained since the storm was raised to Cat 5 status.

Sylvana, what I was talking about was group responsibilty and Genovese was only an example of common human behavior not the poster child of failed socialism which will fall of its own weight anyway. Clinton didn't face anything like this disaster so no one can say how his administration would have reacted. There is Rwanda, though.

Finally, DrMax and I were having an intelligent conversation without belittling each other or positions held. It was refreshing to talk frankly without vitriol. You have superb readers, Sylvana.

September 05, 2005 7:24 PM

It still doesn't work, because none of those people were necessarily raised in an environment where people are expected to look out for each other. No one felt responsible, it was Kitty's problem- that was the problem. We send messages like that in our society all the time. Someone's poor, having trouble feeding their family? Well that's THEIR problem, not mine. They really should take care of themselves. Someone dying because they can't afford the operation or the medicine they need and they don't have insurance? Well that's THEIR problem. They shouldn't have gotten sick or they should have bought insurance with money they didn't have. Those people lost their jobs because the company moved the factory overseas? So what, it wasn't me. It's their own problem. There are certain people that we help and there are certain people we instead blame. We aren't encouraged to think about the whole affect of our actions or inactions. Most in our country are raised for immediate self-gratification with a throw-away attitude.

Hurricane Rwanda? Never heard of it. You know we are talking about national affairs here. Don't be silly.

And thanks. My commenters are pretty superb, aren't they?

September 05, 2005 9:00 PM

I have also immensely enjoyed the action and mayhem. Nothing like a good free for all debate to keep the readers interested.

September 05, 2005 10:25 PM

oh he just needs a few pictures here and there to make it look like he is doing something to fix the problem

September 06, 2005 3:43 PM

Sandy, it has been pretty fun hasn't it?

Randi, you know he only cares about himself and his rich friends- but he only cares about them as far as they can do things for him. So we're right back to he only cares about himself.

September 06, 2005 6:55 PM

he couldn't visit right away cause he was at my TOGA party!

I said... Mr. Bush get down there...to the Bush!

So he did...that fucker!

Oh, by the way :-) I'm back :-)

You have been VANdalized!

September 07, 2005 8:27 PM

Hey! Van! Good to see you back.
He is a fucker, isn't he?

September 07, 2005 11:15 PM