Thursday, January 26, 2006

Bush did what?

I am not investigated this completely or read all that I need to read about this situation, but I am confused by a couple of things that the executive branch has done in the last two days.

1. The President has refused the Baker Bill which would buyout homes that were destroyed at 60% of their Pre-Katrina value claiming that this bill is too expensive. Instead, he wants people to apply for 6 billion in grants. Have the people of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast not had to endure enough without having to deal with more federal paperwork and beauracracy? I don't ever think that dumping money on a problem solves it, but, Jesus, can't we eliminate some of the b.s. already?

2. The White House is refusing to turn over documents related to the federal response to the Post-Katrina disaster citing executive privilege. If there is nothing to fear, turn over the documents, Mr. President. Sure, your private conversations are privileged, but your response and the response of the government is a public issue. If you know something beyond anyone's worst nightmares was happening, and you did not act in a timely manner, you deserve to be vilified and/or impeached. I have read Marty Bahamonde's emails to Mike "Heckuva Job" Brown, and I can't believe that you didn't know what was going on. I can't believe that you, as leader of the Free World, did not see reports on the news of the dire situation at the Superdome and Convention Center. I can't believe that you came and told the people New Orleans that you would do what it takes to make things right. If you are that removed from the pulse of the nation, you should be removed from office.

I am glad that you were able to see the wonderfully beautiful parts of New Orleans, Mr. President. They are indeed looking good. Now, have your people take you to the Lower Ninth Ward (which looks almost like it did 5 months ago) or New Orleans East (which is beyond description) or anywhere in St. Bernard Parish (where houses had water over the roofs and an oil spill to destroy that which was not flooded). I am glad you came and talked. But stop the political maneuvering and double speak and start demanding things get fixed. And then provide for that with monetary support and positive guidance. Jerk.

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