The New York Times makes clear this is Bush's biggest test since 9-11, one that in many ways is more complicated. (No countries to invade, at least as far as we know.) One very annoying passage:
It is reminiscent of how Mr. Bush has argued that progress is being made in Iraq. But as the administration has learned in Iraq, the imagery of violent chaos, repeated over and over, can undercut even the most frequently cited statistics. And so Mr. Bush's biggest risk may be an inability to control circumstances that are beyond his ability to shape from Washington.This is wrong on about eight different levels. It implies Bush's progress in Iraq is undercut by "the imagery of violent chaos." No, Bush's refusal to FACE FACTS in Iraq is undercut by the daily news of worsening conditions, increasing deaths, a stronger insurgency and no FACTS to back up Bush's claim that things were peachy.
Bush's risk in dealing with Hurrican Katrina is NOT "an inability to control circumstances that are beyond his ability to shape...." No one is holding Bush accountable for the storm striking land. Bush is accountable for what he CAN control -- his indifference and politics-as-usual attitude even AFTER the storm had struck; Bush's refusal to cut his vacation short until the last moment -- and spending ANOTHER night in Crawford rather than going straight to DC while the waters were rising and people were dying; the slashing of funds devoted to shoring up the levees; the reduced level of National Guard available; the possible lack of amphibious vehicles because they've been sent to Iraq; the sluggish response; the incompetent lack of coordination that MUST come from the federal government and on and on. The facts about all these issues will become clear as soon as the MSM starts demanding the relevant details.
All of these factors are under Bush's control and he can and should be held accountable for how he performs. Listing blocks of ice and a few generators on their way won't make people ignore the facts staring them in the face.
This is Bush's final exam. So far, he gets an "F."
