Seeking own relief, Bush blames politics

Seeking own relief, Bush blames politics
By JULIE MASON
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3337803

WASHINGTON - Hurricane Katrina was the worst national disaster since the 2001 terrorist attacks, and for President Bush, the two calamities presented some similar challenges: the need to demonstrate leadership and the chance to rally the nation in the face of grievous adversity.

In 2001, Bush was criticized for spending hours flying around in Air Force One after the attacks in New York and Washington. He made a brief statement in Sarasota, Fla., where he was reading to elementary school students when the terrorists struck, then flew to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where he also spoke briefly. He was back in Washington by evening and delivered a nationally televised address from the White House.

Traveling to New York soon after the terrorist attacks, the president galvanized the nation with his iconic, bullhorn speech at Ground Zero. This week, the logistics of a city largely under water made it impossible for Bush to stride into New Orleans, rally its citizens and create a goosebump moment. There was another crucial difference. In 2001, the nation had a foreign enemy, Osama bin Laden, on whom to focus its anger. This time, the suffering residents of the Gulf Coast believe the enemy is a government that has been slow to deliver help.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan repeatedly blamed "politics" for criticism of the president. Was there a breakdown in preparedness? "This is not a time to get into any finger-pointing or politics or anything of that nature," he said. Could more have been done to get resources and relief to the affected areas sooner? "There will be a time for politics later."



"President Bush speaks at a Friday news conference with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at his side. In the face of blistering criticism of his and his administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, Bush promised more disaster relief and the restoration of order in lawless New Orleans."

Someone needs to remind Mr. McClellan that the bodies are floating in New Orleans now. What a stooge.

Entirely self-serving.

--p!

Is negligent homicide a matter of politics?