Look at that destruction, that massive, senseless, cruel loss of human life ... and then I ask you to look in your hearts and recognize that there is no room for neutrality on the issue of terrorism. You're either with civilization or with terrorists.
On one side is democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human life; on the other is tyranny, arbitrary executions, and mass murder.
We're right and they're wrong. It's as simple as that.
-- Rudy Giulani, October 1, 2001
I have been riveted by the news from New Orleans over the past several days, like everyone else. Incredible tragedy mixed with heroism. Such is the power of the immense power of nature.
Now as things begin to settle down, however, we naturally slide into the unseemly world of human nature. Politics, criminality, finger pointing, excuses and just plain nonsense.
For example, take the nonsense being spewed by the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans. Both of whom, had primary responsibility before, during and after the storm to protect their people but failed. They both lash out at Pres. Bush and the feds. Of course. They are Democrats and he is a Republican. However as even the left wing, Bush hating Washington Post points out:
Behind the scenes, a power struggle emerged, as federal officials tried to wrest authority from Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D). Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state's emergency operations center said Saturday.
The administration sought unified control over all local police and state National Guard units reporting to the governor. Louisiana officials rejected the request after talks throughout the night, concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law. Some officials in the state suspected a political motive behind the request. "Quite frankly, if they'd been able to pull off taking it away from the locals, they then could have blamed everything on the locals," said the source, who does not have the authority to speak publicly. Louisiana did not reach out to a multi-state mutual aid compact for assistance until Wednesday, three state and federal officials said. As of Saturday, Blanco still had not declared a state of emergency, the senior Bush official said.
A senior administration official said that Bush has clear legal authority to federalize National Guard units to quell civil disturbances under the Insurrection Act and will continue to try to unify the chains of command that are split among the president, the Louisiana governor and the New Orleans mayor.
She STILL HASN'T DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY!!! Exactly what is she waiting for? It is just the usual blame game. LIES!
Then we have some no name loser on a what is supposed to be fundraiser, opening his stupid mouth and letting his ignorance flow out by claiming GW hates black people. Where did they find this example of an urban low life crack head?What an asshole.
Then we have the BIG LIE that stealing big screens and shooting at rescue helicopters is to be expected from people who have been abused by American racism.
HELLO! These scumbags were criminals before Katrina and are now. They are responsible for N.O. having one of the highest murder rates in the country and have preyed on their neighbors for years.
The storm only gave them more opportunity to succumb to their criminal inclinations. They do not need sympathy or water or a jobs program. They just need to be shot. Hopefully the national guard brought plenty of live ammo.
Finally, we have the incredibly stupid remarks by a German Minister and our very own Bobby Kennedy Jr. claiming it's all Bush's fault because he didn't sign Kyoto. Global warming don't you know.
Perhaps someone can tell these geniuses that the Southeastern U.S. is prone to hurricanes this time of year. Has been for millions of years. Well before the SUV. SHEESH!
