New Liberalism

“The good news is -- and it's hard for some to see it now -- that out of this chaos is going to come a fantastic Gulf Coast, like it was before. Out of the rubbles of Trent Lott's house -- he's lost his entire house -- there's going to be a fantastic house. And I'm looking forward to sitting on the porch. (Laughter).” President Bush.

This quote has been pretty widely circulated and pilloried- for good reason mind you. Obviously, its in poor taste. It’s a little early to be talking about “good news” in the Gulf Coast, and if anyone should be broaching the subject it is not the President who many people are blaming for the total failure of government and the complete breakdown of society within the New Orleans city limits.

Some people have used this statement as evidence of Bush’s indifference to the suffering going on in the wake of Katrina. I’m not sure that’s fair, but there is quite a lot to be concerned about in his words. I think it shows a lack of understanding, and a lack of an ability to strike the right tone or the right balance in a time of national crisis and mourning, which shows he doesn’t quite understand the primacy of his role in all of this. He doesn’t understand why people are directing so much of the criticism at him and his administration, because if he did he wouldn’t be making jokes about Trent Lott’s porch.

# posted by Mayflower @ 6:23 AM