The Washington Post examines the lack of progress in New Orleans compared to what Bush promised. If we all didn't know how incompetent Bush was, this article would be shocking. Instead, it's expected:
While the administration can claim some clear progress, Bush's ringing call from New Orleans's Jackson Square on Sept. 15 to "do what it takes" to make the city rise from the waters has not been matched by action, critics at multiple levels of government say, resulting in a record that is largely incomplete as Bush heads into next week's State of the Union address.Just because Bush said he'd rebuild New Orleans, doesn't make it true. Bush got a good photo op, New Orleans got the shaft:
The problems include the slow federal cleanup of debris in Mississippi and Louisiana; a lack of authority for Bush's handpicked recovery coordinator, Donald E. Powell; the shortage and poor quality of housing for evacuees; and federal restrictions on reconstruction money and where coastal communities can rebuild.What's amazing on some levels is the lack of outrage that one hears from elected officials and other pundits about Bush's failings in the Gulf Coast. The GOPers won't challenge Bush, and the Democrats from that region apparently have no voice.
Right after Bush's September 15 speech, Democratic pundit Donna Brazile wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post, titled "I Will Rebuild With You, Mr. President." Since the President isn't rebuilding New Orleans, one wonders if Donna recanted her unbridled praise for Bush -- she "could not have been prouder of the President" that night. Hmmm.
