This post contains the text of President Bush's speech last night. I thought the beginning of the speech was really good but once we get below the fold, I start commenting on the speech giving my thoughts on what he said. I highlighted my thoughts in bold throughout this post.

BUSH: Good evening. I am speaking to you from the city of New Orleans, nearly empty, still partly underwater, and waiting for life and hope to return. Eastward from Lake Pontchartrain, across the Mississippi coast, to Alabama and into Florida, millions of lives were changed in a day by a cruel and wasteful storm.

In the aftermath, we have seen fellow citizens left stunned and uprooted, searching for loved ones, and grieving for the dead and looking for meaning in a tragedy that seems so blind and random. We have also witnessed the kind of desperation no citizen of this great and generous nation should ever have to know — fellow Americans calling out for food and water, vulnerable people left at the mercy of criminals who had no mercy, and the bodies of the dead lying uncovered and untended in the street.

These days of sorrow and outrage have also been marked by acts of courage and kindness that make all Americans proud. Coast Guard and other personnel rescued tens of thousands of people from flooded neighborhoods. Religious congregations and families have welcomed strangers as brothers and sisters and neighbors.

In the community of Chalmette, when two men tried to break into a home, the owner invited them to stay and took in 15 other people who had no place to go. At Tulane Hospital for Children, doctors and nurses didn't eat for days so patients could have food, and eventually carried the patients on their backs up eight flights of stairs to helicopters.

Many first responders were victims themselves — wounded healers, with a sense of duty greater than their own suffering. When I met Steve Scott of the Biloxi Fire Department, he and his colleagues were conducting a house-to-house search for survivors. Steve told me this: "I lost my house and I lost my cars, but I still got my family ... and I still got my spirit."

Across the Gulf Coast, among people who have lost much and suffered much and given to the limit of their power, we are seeing that same spirit: a core of strength that survives all hurt, a faith in God no storm can take away and a powerful American determination to clear the ruins and build better than before.

Tonight so many victims of the hurricane and the flood are far from home and friends and familiar things. You need to know that our whole nation cares about you, and in the journey ahead, you are not alone. To all who carry a burden of loss, I extend the deepest sympathy of our country. To every person who has served and sacrificed in this emergency, I offer the gratitude of our country.

And tonight I also offer this pledge of the American people: Throughout the area hit by the hurricane, we will do what it takes. We will stay as long as it takes to help citizens rebuild their communities and their lives. And all who question the future of the Crescent City need to know: There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again.

The work of rescue is largely finished; the work of recovery is moving forward. In nearly all of Mississippi, electric power has been restored. Trade is starting to return to the Port of New Orleans, and agricultural shipments are moving down the Mississippi River. All major gasoline pipelines are now in operation, preventing the supply disruptions that many feared.

The breaks in the levees have been closed, the pumps are running, and the water here in New Orleans is receding by the hour. Environmental officials are on the ground, taking water samples, identifying and dealing with hazardous debris, and working to get drinking water and wastewater treatment systems operating again. And some very sad duties are being carried out by professionals who gather the dead, treat them with respect and prepare them for their rest.

In the task of recovery and rebuilding, some of the hardest work is still ahead and it will require the creative skill and generosity of a united country.

So far so good, excellent speech Mr. President.

Our first commitment is to meet the immediate needs of those who had to flee their homes and leave all their possessions behind. For these Americans, every night brings uncertainty, every day requires new courage and the months to come will bring more than their fair share of struggles.

I understand, let's help them recuperate. Let's help these people get back on their feet, I understand that.

The Department of Homeland Security is registering evacuees who are now in shelters, churches or private homes, whether in the Gulf region or far away. I have signed an order providing immediate assistance to people from the disaster area. As of today, more than 500 thousand evacuee families have gotten emergency help to pay for food, clothing and other essentials.

Impressive, 500 you say? Not bad, now let's just get to the rest of the 1.3 million that resides in New Orleans plus the people in the affected areas and we'll be alright. But 500,000 is worthy of boastfullness.

Evacuees who have not yet registered should contact FEMA or the Red Cross. We need to know who you are, because many of you will also be eligible for broader assistance in the future. Many families were separated during the evacuation, and we are working to help you reunite. Please call 1-877-568-3317 — that's 1-877-568-3317 — and we will work to bring your family back together, and pay for your travel to reach them.

Man you said that number too fast, what's that number again? THANK GOODNESS NBC put that number up on the screen. Oh never mind, they didn't. I wonder if Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are going to call NBC racist for not putting the number up on the screen for African Americans to write it down?

In addition, we are taking steps to ensure that evacuees don't have to travel great distances or navigate bureaucracies to get the benefits that are there for them. The Department of Health and Human Services has sent more than 15 hundred health professionals, along with over 50 tons of medical supplies, including vaccines, antibiotics and medicines, for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes. The Social Security Administration is delivering checks. The Department of Labor is helping displaced persons apply for temporary jobs and unemployment benefits. And the Postal Service is registering new addresses so that people can get their mail.

So far I'm with you Mr. President, effective government, not bad.

To carry out the first stages of the relief effort and begin the rebuilding at once, I have asked for, and the Congress has provided, more than $60 billion. This is an unprecedented response to an unprecedented crisis, which demonstrates the compassion and resolve of our nation.

Actually Mr. President, what that demonstrates is that the house, the senate, and the President are willing to spend other people's money and then take credit for being compassionate. If these two branches of government were so compassionate with money, shouldn't they open their own wallets? It's one thing to assist with government money but to call congress and the President compassionate because of it is misleading. I'll tell you what, Mr. President, let me have access to your finances in the form of taxes, I'll spend it and then take credit for being compassionate, how's that sound?

Our second commitment is to help the citizens of the Gulf Coast to overcome this disaster, put their lives back together and rebuild their communities. Along this coast, for mile after mile, the wind and water swept the land clean. In Mississippi, many thousands of houses were damaged or destroyed. In New Orleans and surrounding parishes, more than a quarter million houses are no longer safe to live in. Hundreds of thousands of people from across this region will need to find longer-term housing.

Our goal is to get people out of shelters by the middle of October. So we are providing direct assistance to evacuees that allows them to rent apartments, and many already are moving into places of their own. A number of states have taken in evacuees and shown them great compassion, admitting children to school and providing health care. So I will work with Congress to ensure that states are reimbursed for these extra expenses.

Arrrrgh, Mr. President, If those states chose to assist us, why does the federal government need to reimburse them? If the Federal government will reimburse New York, why then shouldn't New York just offer us an additional 50 billion in aid, then they can take even more credit for being compassionate with New Yorkers money and then not have to spend a dime of it? Just think, if the other 49 states decides to be just as compassionate as the Federal Government? What's to stop them? they will be reimbursed. Also, using this reasoning, shouldn't the federal government also reimburse the good citizens in the United States for all they gave? It is after all the role of the United States to reimburse people for being compassionate, or is it just compassionate with other people's money?

In the disaster area and in cities that have received huge numbers of displaced people we are beginning to bring in mobile homes and trailers for temporary use. To relieve the burden on local health care facilities in the region, we are sending extra doctors and nurses to these areas. We are also providing money that can be used to cover overtime pay for police and fire departments while cities and towns rebuild.

Okay, this is spending that I don't necessarily agree with but I understand it. However, with the influx of doctors, nurses, police, and fire departments from the affected area, we may have enough employees to avoid the overtime.

Near New Orleans, Biloxi and other cities, housing is urgently needed for police and firefighters, other service providers and the many workers who are going to rebuild those cities. Right now, many are sleeping on ships we have brought to the Port of New Orleans, and more ships are on their way to the region. And we will provide mobile homes and supply them with basic services, as close to the construction areas as possible, so the rebuilding process can go forward as quickly as possible.

Okay, you got me back on track with you here. For awhile there, I thought you were going to say, 'Congratulations Louisiana, you hit the Jackpot!' Mr. President, I think I speak on behalf of most Louisianans (at least I hope I do) when I say that we don't want anything extra, we just want to get back to our daily lives. We aren't asking for freebies, (most of us aren't) we are asking for some assistance.

And the federal government will undertake a close partnership with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, the city of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities so they can rebuild in a sensible, well planned way. Federal funds will cover the great majority of the costs of repairing public infrastructure in the disaster zone, from roads and bridges to schools and water systems. Our goal is to get the work done quickly. And taxpayers expect this work to be done honestly and wisely, so we will have a team of inspectors general reviewing all expenditures.

Actually, I think I prefer an independent organization to oversee the expenditures. A company not linked with any Democrats or Republicans. Independent CPA's from around the nation, anything but government overseeing how they spend money, they haven't proved to be the best spenders.

In the rebuilding process, there will be many important decisions and many details to resolve, yet we are moving forward according to some clear principles. The federal government will be fully engaged in the mission, but Governor Barbour, Governor Blanco, Mayor Nagin and other state and local leaders will have the primary role in planning for their own future. Clearly, communities will need to move decisively to change zoning laws and building codes, in order to avoid a repeat of what we have seen. And in the work of rebuilding, as many jobs as possible should go to men and women who live in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Oh God, I wish he hadn't said Governor Blanco. Anybody willing to bet Shaw gets a large portion of that cash now?

Our third commitment is this: When communities are rebuilt, they must be even better and stronger than before the storm. Within the Gulf region are some of the most beautiful and historic places in America. As all of us saw on television, there is also some deep, persistent poverty in this region as well. And that poverty has roots in a history of racial discrimination, which cut off generations from the opportunity of America. We have a duty to confront this poverty with bold action. So let us restore all that we have cherished from yesterday, and let us rise above the legacy of inequality.

Mr. President, the Democrats have long controlled the South, are you accusing the Democrats of racism? I certainly hope not, besides, it's perfectly okay to be a racist- if you are a Democrat. But the legacy of inequality? That's an interesting term, can you name a single system without the Super rich and the Super poor? Doesn't even the most socialist countries get tainted by the rich and powerful that keep the poor down and in poverty? Anyway, I would like to see a country that everybody is perfectly equal as far as finances. Do you think that once we make everybody financially equal that they will stay that way? Or do you think that maybe some people will spend their money in ways that lead to poverty, while others will spend their money in ways that will lead them to riches? Personally, I think some people just choose to be wiser with their money than others, thus creating inequalities.

When the streets are rebuilt, there should be many new businesses, including minority-owned businesses, along those streets. When the houses are rebuilt, more families should own, not rent, those houses. When the regional economy revives, local people should be prepared for the jobs being created. Americans want the Gulf Coast not just to survive, but to thrive, not just to cope, but to overcome. We want evacuees to come home for the best of reasons, because they have a real chance at a better life in a place they love.

I have to admit, when I heard this, my face cringed. Although it's obvious that I misheard what the President said. I don't believe in excluding minorities but I do not believe in giving extra treatment. I believe that in God's eyes we are all CREATED equal and that government ought to treat us as such. In other words, Government ought not to give favoritism based on the color of ones skin. That being said, rereading the transcript is actually better than the way I heard it.

When one resident of this city who lost his home was asked by a reporter if he would relocate, he said, "Naw, I will rebuild but I'll build higher." That is our vision of the future, in this city and beyond: We will not just rebuild, we will build higher and better.

You should have gotten his name, he's got the right spirit.

To meet this goal, I will listen to good ideas from Congress, state and local officials, and the private sector. I believe we should start with three initiatives that the Congress should pass.

Listen to the private sector Mr. President, we already had our fill of what government can do for us.

Tonight I propose the creation of a Gulf Opportunity Zone, encompassing the region of the disaster in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Within this zone, we should provide immediate incentives for job-creating, investment tax relief for small businesses, incentives to companies that create jobs, and loans and loan guarantees for small businesses, including minority-owned enterprises, to get them up and running again. It is entrepreneurship that creates jobs and opportunity, it is entrepreneurship that helps break the cycle of poverty and we will take the side of entrepreneurs as they lead the economic revival of the Gulf region.

Oh, good advice. Leave government out of this as much as possible. Trust me, we've had our fill of government assistance.

I propose the creation of Worker Recovery Accounts to help those evacuees who need extra help finding work. Under this plan, the federal government would provide accounts of up to $5,000, which these evacuees could draw upon for job training and education to help them get a good job and for child care expenses during their job search.

Well Mr. President, I think educational funds and job training courses are readily available for just about anybody that wants it. I am not quite sure if you think this is a new idea, but we have plenty of that already. I could be wrong, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama might not have it.

To help lower-income citizens in the hurricane region build new and better lives, I also propose that Congress pass an Urban Homesteading Act. Under this approach, we will identify property in the region owned by the federal government, and provide building sites to low-income citizens free of charge, through a lottery. In return, they would pledge to build on the lot, with either a mortgage or help from a charitable organization like Habitat for Humanity. Homeownership is one of the great strengths of any community, and it must be a central part of our vision for the revival of this region.

When I heard this I already had my fill of hearing of your compassion with the People's money. Now that I reread this, I think that this is a very good idea, but does that mean that we now have to find more property to create more projects so that we can fill that up with more poor people? I'm not opposed to giving people property and breaking up Projects with homeowners, I think I like this idea.

In the long run, the New Orleans area has a particular challenge, because much of the city lies below sea level. The people who call it home need to have reassurance that their lives will be safer in the years to come. Protecting a city that sits lower than the water around it is not easy, but it can and has been done. City and parish officials in New Orleans and state officials in Louisiana will have a large part in the engineering decisions to come, and the Army Corps of Engineers will work at their side to make the flood protection system stronger than it has ever been.

Ah h*ll no! They were given enough chances to fix the levee and given another opportunity they would just build a Category 3 Levee and then milk the system for funds to build it up to a Category 5. No! On the flood protection system, send somebody else, h*ll contract Halliburton.

The work that has begun in the Gulf Coast region will be one of the largest reconstruction efforts the world has ever seen. When that job is done, all Americans will have something to be very proud of, and all Americans are needed in this common effort. It is the armies of compassion — charities and houses of worship and idealistic men and women — that give our reconstruction effort its humanity. They offer to those who hurt a friendly face, an arm around the shoulder and the reassurance that in hard times, they can count on someone who cares. By land, by sea and by air, good people wanting to make a difference deployed to the Gulf Coast, and they have been working around the clock ever since.

The cash needed to support the armies of compassion is great, and Americans have given generously. For example, the private fundraising effort led by former Presidents Bush and Clinton has already received pledges of more than $100 million. Some of that money is going to governors, to be used for immediate needs within their states. A portion will also be sent to local houses of worship, to help reimburse them for the expense of helping others. This evening the need is still urgent, and I ask the American people to continue donating to the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, other good charities and religious congregations in the region.

You know, speaking of churches, they have really been extraordinary around here. Without the churches, uniting, working, helping, who knows what kind of mess we'd be in right now.

It is also essential for the many organizations of our country to reach out to your fellow citizens in the Gulf area. So I have asked USA Freedom Corps to create an information clearinghouse, available at usafreedomcorps.gov, so that families anywhere in the country can find opportunities to help families in the region or a school can support a school. And I challenge existing organizations — churches, Scout troops or labor union locals — to get in touch with their counterparts in Mississippi, Louisiana or Alabama, and learn what they can do to help. In this great national enterprise, important work can be done by everyone, and everyone should find their role and do their part.

Ah, now there's the REAL compassion. It's in people's hearts. Republicans, Independents, and EVEN A COUPLE of Democrats were able to put their politics to the side and just help people in a time of need. Rich and poor alike reached out and helped the rich and poor that was suffering. People of all races united to help people of all races that were suffering. People helped not because it "was the compassionate thing to do" they helped because for them to do otherwise was inhumane. For many, they did what they did because they had to, for their own well being. They did exactly what anybody else would do and they did not seek credit for being "compassionate"

The government of this nation will do its part as well. Our cities must have clear and up-to-date plans for responding to natural disasters, disease outbreaks or terrorist attack, for evacuating large numbers of people in an emergency and for providing the food, water and security they would need. In a time of terror threats and weapons of mass destruction, the danger to our citizens reaches much wider than a fault line or a flood plain. I consider detailed emergency planning to be a national security priority. Therefore, I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to undertake an immediate review, in cooperation with local counterparts, of emergency plans in every major city in America.

Oh don't go there Mr. President. Really, this whole terrorism thing is a little overboard. I understand national security issues but do we really have to jump at our own shadow? A natural disaster is not the same thing as terrorism.

I also want to know all the facts about the government response to Hurricane Katrina. The storm involved a massive flood, a major supply and security operation, and an evacuation order affecting more than a million people. It was not a normal hurricane and the normal disaster relief system was not equal to it. Many of the men and women of the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States military, the National Guard, Homeland Security and state and local governments performed skillfully under the worst conditions. Yet the system, at every level of government, was not well coordinated and was overwhelmed in the first few days. It is now clear that a challenge on this scale requires greater federal authority and a broader role for the armed forces, the institution of our government most capable of massive logistical operations on a moment's notice.

Mr. President, the biggest failure in all of this is the Louisiana State Government when they did not fix the levee when given the money in the past. They do that and there would not have been the flooding. The government would have been able to respond. It's not that hard to figure out.

Four years after the frightening experience of September 11th, Americans have every right to expect a more effective response in a time of emergency. When the federal government fails to meet such an obligation, I, as President, am responsible for the problem, and for the solution. So I have ordered every Cabinet secretary to participate in a comprehensive review of the government response to the hurricane. This government will learn the lessons of Hurricane Katrina. We are going to review every action and make necessary changes, so that we are better prepared for any challenge of nature, or act of evil men, that could threaten our people.

Don't remind us of terrorism, it's not the same thing. I know you Washingtonians think it is, but it ain't.

The United States Congress also has an important oversight function to perform. Congress is preparing an investigation, and I will work with members of both parties to make sure this effort is thorough.

I wonder if they will suggest a mismanaged government on the local level for not fixing the levee when given the money in the first place. Probably not, they'll replace incompetent government with an even bigger incompetent government, then tell us they solved the problem.

In the life of this nation, we have often been reminded that nature is an awesome force, and that all life is fragile. We are the heirs of men and women who lived through those first terrible winters at Jamestown and Plymouth, who rebuilt Chicago after a great fire, and San Francisco after a great earthquake, who reclaimed the prairie from the dust bowl of the 1930s. Every time, the people of this land have come back from fire, flood and storm to build anew and to build better than what we had before. Americans have never left our destiny to the whims of nature and we will not start now.

You know, I don't think Kathleen used Jamestown, Plymouth, or the Dust bowl yesterday, you must know history better than her.

These trials have also reminded us that we are often stronger than we know, with the help of grace and one another. They remind us of a hope beyond all pain and death, a God who welcomes the lost to a house not made with hands. And they remind us that we are tied together in this life, in this nation, and that the despair of any touches us all.

I know that when you sit on the steps of a porch where a home once stood or sleep on a cot in a crowded shelter it is hard to imagine a bright future. But that future will come. The streets of Biloxi and Gulfport will again be filled with lovely homes and the sound of children playing. The churches of Alabama will have their broken steeples mended and their congregations whole. And here in New Orleans, the streetcars will once again rumble down St. Charles, and the passionate soul of a great city will return.

In this place, there is a custom for the funerals of jazz musicians. The funeral procession parades slowly through the streets, followed by a band playing a mournful dirge as it moves to the cemetery. Once the casket has been laid in place, the band breaks into a joyful "second line" symbolizing the triumph of the spirit over death. Tonight the Gulf Coast is still coming through the dirge, yet we will live to see the second line.

Thank you, and may God bless America.

I liked this speech so much more after going through it the second time. I think after the last two weeks I expected more out of President Bush than I did out of Kathleen Blanco. Although I liked President Bush's speech much better, it didn't impress me as much as Kathleen Blanco.

The reason is simply this, immediately after Katrina, my support fell whole-heartedly behind all of our leaders. I was behind Nagin, Blanco, Landrieu, Vitter, Jindal, Jefferson, and yes President Bush. My support was there. Yet, I couldn't help but to notice the immediate politicization of this trajedy by the Democrats. Once Katrina turned political and political questions were raised, I wanted answers to the questions as well, but it was not the time to think about the answers. The day that we turned the corner down here, I began to look at what the problem was.

Had this never turned political, I would have never even thought about this politically. Yet, the questions raised continue to point at Kathleen Blanco. Also Mary Landrieu seemed to take some cheap political shots at the President as well but the ineptness was really on our Governor.

So when Kathleen gave her speech Weds night, it didn't take much from her to impress me. She finally actd like she had some control, and I think we throughout the state needed to see some stability in our Governor. Thinking back, she didn't offer any real solutions nor did she give a timetable for getting things done. Simple things, like when there will be a special session, if there is going to be one. Stability, she needed to show that to impress anybody.

Bush ought to be more stoic, like he was leading the nation. Well he was that, he had the stability and the leadership but I also thought that he appeared to be pandering. President Bush did not come out an apologize for failures of the government but his speech seemed to me, at various times, an apology of sorts. If Bush leads without apology he'd get more kudos from me.

I expected more out of President Bush, even though his speech was better than Gov Blanco's, I'd give him a 'C'

Context of Speech

Before I begin, I see the Liberals are complaining about Kenyon getting a contract. Don't worry about it, again the truth will clear the Bush administration and indict Kathleen Blanco. Just a simple warning to you liberals.

I was pleasantly surprised by Governor Kathleen Blanco's speech tonight. Did she change my mind on whether or not she should be impeached? No. Did she just save her job as Governor? Probably so. Is it politically correct to take responsibility? Obviously.

Highlights of her speech

"We all know that there were failures at every level of government: state, federal and local. At the state level, we must take a careful look at what went wrong and make sure it never happens again. The buck stops here, and as your governor, I take full responsibility,"

It's about damn time she realized that it's her job as Governor to oversee the well being of the state. Not the President's, not FEMA's, not Ray Nagin's, not even Gullianni's. It's her job, and it's about damn time she accepted the responsibility that came with it. Anymore procrastination from this lady and we can take her out of the oven cause she's done.

"President Bush is a friend and partner"

Exactly right Governor and it's about time you realized it. I can say a lot of negative things about President Bush but when our state needed him the most he was there. He was there from the beginning and he's going to be there for us until the end. Hopefully this is a strong sign that you put your childish politics to the side and realized that in order for us to conquer this we need the President on our side.

Governor, I also hope that from now on, for the rest of your term, you are more warm to the President instead of giving him the snub and running off with Saints owner Tom Benson to give him more of the state's money that should have been used to fix the levee in the first place.

"I assure the Congress and every American taxpayer that every nickel will be properly spent,"

Exactly right, Governor the citizens of this state have for too long long been the victim of corruption on just about every level of local government, from cities and township governments to the state level. Before your speech, I was just thinking that corruption in this state is so bad that we ought to hire an independent organization to oversee the independent organization that oversees how this money is spent.

Our state owes it to the citizens of this nation that opened up their hearts and their wallets, every penny is spent properly and is accounted for. More importantly, the state owes it to the victims of Katrina the victims of mismanaged government that has abused funds appropriated for the levees in the past, to finally spend the money that they, the victims, worked hard for and was forced through government to give in order to fix the levee! We ought to be pissed that government misappropriated money before, don't misappropriate money anymore.

"I am telling each and every one of you: we want you back home,"

Kathleen, had the state not misappropriated the money in the first place, the good people of Nawlins would never have had to leave. Now this is perhaps the only politically motivated part of the speech, at least that I caught. You see, New Orleans IS the Democrat base here in Louisiana, without New Orleans the Democrat party dies. New Orleans has a long history of being controlled by Democrats and only through permission of New Orleans do Democrats do anything.

Now those Democrats are scattered all over the United States, many not coming back as they are often treated better in their new communities than they are in Nawlins. Nawlins, according to some had more murders this year than New York City. Truth or Myth? I don't know, I am still trying to confirm it.

Regardless of it's validity, the fact is that the city was running rampant with murders, had a high poverty rate, and well, it's not a place I would live. Of course if you're a Democrat, it's the ideal location.

Outside of sounding whiny and having the almost distressed look on her face the speech was just fine. Bottom line? I'd give Governor Kathleen Blanco an A minus.

The Dead Pelican has a much different take on Kathleen Blanco's screeetch.
As does Emily Metzgar

Governor Kathleen Blanco will address the state legislature tonight at 6:30 pm. To me this is a critical speech that she will give.

Last night Governor Kathleen Blanco added to the finger pointing whe she said "No one, even those at the highest levels, seems to be able to break through the beauracracy to get this important mission done.". Although I can't seem to find a story backing this, I did hear today on WJBO that FEMA was baffled that the Governor said this as it was the State's responsibility to remove the dead and that Governor Blanco stated such to FEMA. Again more evidence that Kathleen Blanco is impeding the process and not assisting.

If Kathleen does not take the bull by the horns tonight and start acting like a leader instead of a finger pointing seventh grade school girl (with one year teaching experience) then her governorship will definitely be threatened with a recall or impeachment. Only an outstanding speech tonight can breathe any life back into her term.

She's been rocky as a governor and tonight she may well drive the final nail into her coffin.

Mary Landrieu

also continues with her finger pointing as her re-election bid nears. On Monday Landrieu stated that Brown's resignation "will not alone solve all the problems that plagued the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina and the devastating floods that followed the levee breaches."

I agree Mary. In fact, I agree with you whole heartedly that the "levee breaches" is a large part of what plagued the federal government from responding. After all, while the city was flooding, nobody did anything because of the breaches. Why did the levee break? Did FEMA order the levee bombed? Or was it that the levee wasn't supposed to last during a CAT 5 hurricane? What did you do to prevent the levee from breaking Senator Landrieu? What did your Father do while mayor of Nawlins? What did your brother do as Lt. Governor? Your family is as responsible as anybody is for the levee breaking Senator Landreiu. We'll remember that on election day. The good news for Republicans is that the Democrats won't be able to keep specific polls open for late night voters in Nawlins. The other good news?

Well, like many blacks down here are observing, they could move the buses on election day to get them to vote, but they can't get the buses running to save their constituents lives?

Mary, you are up for re-election soon, we'll take care of you then, just as you took care of us all these years.

There's something in the name of William Jefferson

William Jefferson, who is currently under investigation by the Federal Government for something that is still unclear, aided the Louisiana National Guard in it's effort to save.... his documents. Wow, simply amazing. There's about fifty thoughts running through my mind and I'm not sure any of them is clean enough to use. People are dying and all Rep Jefferson can think about is saving his... No, shouldn't say that.

If he were Marion Barry, I could see that. Except it would be pipes and bags instead of boxes of documents. No, I shouldn't say that.

Seriously, this is what this guy thinks the national guard is for? To save his precious baggage while people die? No wonder why he stayed so silent on this. Still I am curious, what exactly was so important that those boxes had to be evacuated before any of his constituents? Perhaps it was the New Orleans city evacuation plans that filled those boxes?

Impeach Blanco, h#ll, recall her at least.

For those of you outside the State of Louisiana - thanks for your help, but if there is trouble in disaster relief, we'll decide who to blame. You can blame who you want, but Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama took the hit. It's these people down here that government failed to help.

For those of you outside the south that think this is going to help you win Kansas, I think you are mistaken... Kansas isn't affected by FEMA's response, by Bush's response, or by Louisiana State Government's response. George Bush can take all the responsibility he wants, but that does not matter. The fact is, our state took the impact as did Mississippi and Alabama, it's our states responsibility to take steps to ensure that this does not happen again.

The fact of the matter is, if our state government would have fixed the Levy to begin with, there would be no finger pointing because Louisiana would have dodge the big one. Had the levy never broke, New Orleans would not have flooded. There would not be the dead bodies floating around the swamp called Nawlins. It was a problem the preceeded Bush by decades. Louisiana government had several opportunities to fix the problem before it was ever a problem, now, it's all of our problem. Thank Louisiana government.

What did you expect FEMA to do? Was FEMA any slower this time than they were with any other hurricane? We know FEMA takes a while just as Nawlins knew FEMA would take a while. In fact, nobody would be complaining that FEMA is taking too long had the city never flooded. Instead, FEMA is overwhelmed with the excessive claims due to the break in the levy...something the Louisiana government should have taken care of a long time ago.

Now this is going to come as a shock to you liberals... George W. Bush did not stick his finger in the air, stir up a hurricane and direct it towards New Orleans because he doesn't like black people. In fact, George W. Bush was never even a Louisianan state official. What exactly did George W. Bush do to cause the problem to begin with?

I will tell you who has been active in politics for the longest time, much longer than her one year long teaching career. (Yes, the former teacher was a teacher for one full year) That person is Governor Kathleen Blanco. Since the 80's, Kathleen Blanco has been active in state government, serving as state legislature and Lt Governor before taking on the role as Governor. She above all should have known that the LEVY SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED. Yet, she wants to point her finger at Bush? It's gotten so bad that Political Consultant Roy Fletcher has had this to say about Kathleen Blanco..."IMPEACH HER, THEN INDICT HER!

Hat Tip Breakfast at Tiffany's who also has some info on Roy Fletcher

The criticism continues to rise against the Governor especially considering that the Lt. Governor is also a Democrat. Democrats have nothing to lose by dumping Kathleen Blanco, but in order to keep that seat they would be better of dumping her. She's been incompetent.

Word flying around here in Louisiana isn't blame Bush... it's impeach Kathleen Blanco. Again, we decide what's best for this state... We made a mistake with Kathleen, not Bush.

Other links...

The Media Blog
Cornpone also shows support

One more thing... if our government was too slow to respond to New Orleans residents because they had a majority blacks, then what does that say about the Clinton administration that took a couple of weeks to do anything while 100% of those slaughtered on the streets of Rwanda were all black? Where was Jesse Jackson then?

Uh oh, this is exactly what I was warning you libs about. Despite all the criticism that Bush took, people down here are really taking a look at local government. They are really taking a look at Kathleen Blanco and the demand for her impeachment has begun.

I had joked a few times that one of the bright sides of this hurricane was that we learned that our Governor enjoys taking her time to think things through before making a decision. Unfortunately the joke is a little too true. She could point her finger at Bush but the bottom line is, if she didn't want to govern this state, why then did she even run for office?

People may be upset with FEMA, but if Micheal Brown ought to resign, then so should every first responder that is capable of doing something about the situation. I am not so hard on Ray Nagin as many others around here are. Still those most critical of the Bush administration that had the ability to do something ought to be held accountable for their own shortcomings. Thus comes the movement to recall Governor Blanco.

The Political Teen has video of Blanco admitting that she hesitated and should have sent troops in. Also Governor Blanco failed to show up and meet with refugees as promised. The Houston Chronicle also reports that Kathleen Blanco's political future is in doubt. Even the Northside Journal is complaining of Blanco's lack of leadership

More to come...

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You know, the second that Katrina happened, liberals were ready to complain. They are so caught up in their fanatical obsession and hatred of Bush that they think any excuse is reasonable for impeachment. I bet if Bush passed gas the wrong way then that's reason enough to impeach him with these guys.

But there is something else here. You see, I was p*$$ed with the liberals that started their petty partisan attacks so quickly after the hurricane hit. I thought it was repugnant, disgusting, in fact, there are no words to describe how low I thought of those liberals.

Then I realized, this is nothing new for Democrats. They love seeing people miserable. Democrats prey on people's misery. The worse off you are the more you NEED them. So seeing people dying in the streets brought happiness to Democrats, they believe that's how to get elected, through people's misery.

Take Columbine, for example, when Bill Clinton used that trajedy to score cheap gun control points. I'm sure each of us can think of other examples. I could, but then I'd never finish posting this.

It's enjoyable to them. It's there way of justifying theirself worth. They need that praise. They can't help others without taking credit for it. It's a self esteem problem. For them, blogging and criticizing the president was there way of saying "Look at meeee! I care! I care about poor people, I care about black people. Look at me! I care more than you!"

But, to all you liberals out there, what did you actually do to help? Did you reach in your wallet and give to your church and tell them that this is for Katrina? Did you give to the American Red Cross? What did you donate?

And especially Jesse Jackson, who supposedly cares so much about his own people, how much did he give? No, I am not talking about using Rainbow-Push money. Jackson has a lot of money, did he open up his wallet?

Same thing for the Senators and congressmen. Sure they have a lot of compassion with other people's money, but if they really believe in this cause, if they really care, did they open up their wallets as big as some of them opened their mouths? Most of them have been living off public dollars long enough, certainly they can find it in their hearts to give some of their own money? Why should the American public have to give twice? In taxes and donations? While Senators Leahy and Clinton take credit for caring enough to give other people's money, but not their own? Each one of those senators and congressmen that voted for the 52 Billion dollar bill ought to reach in their own pocket and give $5,200 each. I'm not opposed to the spending bill, but if it's that important shouldn't they also make a sacrifice of their own and not just with public dollars?

When the American people are called upon to give, shouldn't our public officials also open up their wallets? How much did Micheal Moron give? Did Sean Penn open up his wallet and give to the Red Cross? Or did he just spend money on film and a leaky boat for publicity?

But I do want to give kudos to Tom Tancredo from Colorado. He is exactly right, if the federal government gives money to the State of Louisiana, it will not get to the people that it was intended for. It will find it's way into the pockets of the politicians and their buddies, that's the way it is, Democrats love to give to their rich friends... then accuse Republicans of doing it.

So perhaps they should look at how the money is being spent. Let's watch how the Louisiana Government handles this money. Let's not forget, this is the same government that frittered away a large amount of money from the tobacco suit.

And lastly but definitely not least Governor Kathleen Blanco continues to impede the process. While Mayor Nagin forces people to evacuate the city, citing disease and other health reasons, Kathleen Blanco says that the Mayor doesn't have the power to do that, that it's the governors responsibility. Fortunately Nagin learned his lesson from Katrina, don't trust the governor to do anything. That water is beyond hazzardous yet she still insists that there is no need for mandatory evacuation. I guess she just needs another 48 hours to decide.

I am beginning to hear more and more people openly question if we can recall her. Each day, I support the idea more.

Yes, normalcy. Well, normalcy for what it's worth. Now we can start looking at what happened. If anybody failed us down here in Louisiana, it was our local government. It was our Governor Kathleen Blanco. She failed us.

But I do want to thank you liberals for bringing up just how much government failed us. You see, our local government is ran by Democrats. The Mayor of Nawlins - Democrat. The Mayor of Baton Rouge - Democrat. The State legislature - controlled by Democrats. Yep, you guessed right, Governor - Democrat.

This state has been under control of Democrats since God knows when. Until recently, the state was registered 90% Democrats. Democrats built that levy that broke. They did not build it to withstand a category 5 hurricane. They misused monies that was appropriated in the past. Democrats were more interested in renovating the Lt. Gov's home, spending money on a trip to Cuba, stealing money (such as Edwards), gave large amounts of money to keep the Saints here, wanted to build a Sugarmill for God know what reason, and wanted to take land away from people in order to build a lake in the name of economic development.

This state has a long history of corruption, officials breaking the law from top to bottom. We currently have an ex-Governor in jail, our last four Insurance Commissioners went to jail, and our politicians seem to think corruption is not only right, but a wonderful life.

Why could the government find money for their self serving projects and to line their pockets yet they can not find the money to ensure the safety of Nawlins? Why is it the Federal government's responsibility to provide pork barrel money every time they turn around? Why do we even have a local government if we expect the Federal government to run everything around here?

In fact, is that the responsibility of Democrats? To run for office to fill their pockets and not much else? God knows, I do not want to go through another hurricane with this governor again. She failed us more than anybody.

It's also not the job of the President of the United States to over see each individual state. It is the President's job to oversee the welfare of the nation in it's entirity. We elect Governors to run states. Maybe you liberals heard of them. It's the Governor's job to see to the well being of his/her state. Blanco did not do that.

Why did our Governor need Bush's prodding to act on declaring a State of Emergency? Why did she take 48 hours to give the "You loot, we shoot" orders? and why hasn't she still deputized many law enforcement officials that are down here attempting to help out?

And if Bush is an idiot, then what's that say about our Governor who calls a proposal from President Bush "very complicated" and needed 24 hours to think about while people died? I thought Bush was an idiot and Democrats were just so intelligent? Well, there goes that theory.

But if that isn't enough Governor Blanco, who complains that the Federal Government did not act soon enough continues to impede the response of the Federal Government by not giving them more control. When she had the power to do something, she complained that nobody did anything. Now that other people are stepping up to the plate and has turned the situation around she is trying to take control back?

I am willing to bet that if we did a poll in about a week and simply asked this question to Louisianians If another Category 5 hurricane was coming at Louisiana this next year, who would you trust, President Bush or Kathleen Blanco? I think the response would be overwhelmingly for Bush. It's a no-brainer.

Kathleen Blanco, you of all people let us down. And let this be a lessoned learned to the rest of you around the nation, don't vote Democrat.

There is going to be a lot of good that comes out of this disaster. We can't see it now, it's all very strange to us.

Traffic is ridiculous, the burden the local police now have must be tremendous, and businesses are now ever more needed. Store shelves can't be stocked quick enough, banks can not put money into the ATM's fast enough and gas stations are running on empty. Life is much different but now it's getting back to normal.

But the dust is beginning to settle and as more and more of us get back to our regularly scheduled daily lives, people are beginning to wake up at the importance of government. That is LOCAL government.

What failed us more than anything this time around was the incompetence of local government. Year after year, when victims are evacuated into the Superdome, Rapes, Fights and even murders occur. Yet, once again, our local government failed to provide the security that those people in the Superdome required. Why did our local government fail to keep control even in the shelters that they provided?

Yeah, I know.... Bush stuck his finger in the wind and stirred up a hurricane and demanded that it hit New Orleans because they had black people there.

And our governor who time after time has given our president the cold shoulder during his previous visits, and did not listen to President Bush when he told her to declare a State of Emergency. Our governor that seemed to have no presence during this disaster. This governor that allowed looting to continue on for a full 48 hours before doing anything. Our governor, that waited around and expected the federal government to do everything. If Kathleen Blanco didn't want to take care of the state during an emergency, why then did she even run for office? Incompetence. I don't care that we do share the last name, we may just be better off recalling her. We cannot afford anymore of her incompetence. We cannot risk another hurricane with her in office. She failed us more than anybody.

And the mayor of Baton Rouge who, during evacuations, said that we weren't taking any more New Orleans thugs, adding an additional 10 hours to the round trip of the buses.

As people get back to their daily lives and reflect on what happened, they are beginning to reflect on what happened. When the dust settles, you liberals that think you scored a bunch of cheap political points against Bush, you may have just gotten a whole lot of local Democrats fired from their jobs. Yes government failed us, local government ran by incompetent Democrats failed us.

We are starting to get back to some sense of normalcy here. Children return back to school tomorrow, courts start back up, life starts up again. I feel for those people that stayed behind in New Orleans for whatever reason. Not all of them were poor as so many made it out to be. Many were there for a reason. Some were medical professionals. Others were business owners that decided to wait out the storm. Others were scheduled to work in necessary jobs starting shortly after the storm. There were tourist, and of course Police and Fire Departments. They were people from all walks of life.

Although most of us here still aren't ready for the blame game it's starting to pick up. I have several things that have been bothering me concerning this but I will touch on just a couple for now.

The first is why didn't we use the old way of evacuation of Women and Children First? Men could do a better job of fending for theirselves than a woman with children. Sure I'd like to see families kept together, but with today's technology we could evacuate the sick, the women, and children first. The men could come afterwards. With internet, we could reunite them in a few days, or at least put them in contact with each other. With the danger that was growing in New Orleans, with reports of gang rapes, looting, robbing, and murdering, this only made sense.

Secondly, before anybody blames Bush, Clinton, past presidents, or the federal government for not upgrading the levy, why didn't New Orleans do it? Why didn't the State of Louisiana do it? Especially the State of Louisiana. Not once have I ever heard Governor Kathleen Blanco stress the need to upgrade the levy, but I heard her mention coastal erosion several times.

We can find money to give to Tom Benson to keep the New Orleans Saints in Louisiana (Gov. Foster, Gov. Blanco). We can spend money to work up some ridiculous deal with Castro (Gov. Blanco). We can spend close to half a million dollars to renovate the Lt. Gov. home (Lt. Gov. Landrieu) and another million dollars on renovating the Gov's mansion, yet we can't find the money to upgrade the levy? We have to ask the federal government to do that? If the Louisiana government knew how severe it was, then why didn't the Louisiana government just solve the problem? Oh wait, they were probably to busy trying to grease their palms. This is exactly why Edwin Edwards needs to stay in jail. This is why political corruption doesn't affect just a few, it affects us all.

And speaking of Benson, if he can't (or won't) keep the Saints in Louisiana this season, then he needs to go ahead and stay out of the state. Our that stupid deal Mike Foster made with him was highway robbery and instead of spending the money on him, we could have upgraded the levy and Nawlins would still be intact.

And speaking of the levy, why the h#ll didn't they build it to withstand a category five hurricane in the first place? Why didn't the state do it, they've spent tons of money on projects, if they knew this was such threat, why didn't they just fix it?

Thirdly, Kip Holden needs to apologize for his comments that to paraphrase 'We don't want to inherit New Orleans problems', That we don't want "New Orleans Thugs". Well Kip, in case you haven't noticed, New Orleans problem IS our problem and we have to help them. Not because the state says we have to help them, or keep because we want to put up a big show of compassion so that people will think we care. Kip, the reason we have to help these people is because to do otherwise would be INHUMANE. Regardless of what any of us think of the Nawlins folk, doesn't mean that can't welcome them into our city. Kip, these are our nieghbors and we should treat them as such. As far as I am concerned they are welcomed here.

I am still pi$$ed...(but calmer)

at the liberal bloggers out there that politicized this trajedy while people continued to die. There is plenty of time to question what happened. There is plenty of time to play the blame game, but I ought to warn you (especially liberals) that there is plenty of blame to go around. You only wish that Bush is responsible but the truth of the matter will soon come to light. Right now, it's first things first, we'll play the blame game later.

But what was really bothering me about it, what really disturbed me the most about these liberal bloggers was the utter GLEE they seemed to have that thousands of people were dying. They were so giddy about the disaster that they could hardly contain their overwhelming satisfaction that this somehow meant George W. Bush was a bad President. They might have well just said "Oh great, the body count is still climbing, SEE! SEE! You should have voted for Kerry! SEE! I Told you so! Hooray for me because I VOTED KERRY!" It was appalling to me that so many liberals just seemed to take and continue to take joy in the masses that died. Those of you left-wing bloggers out there that did not take such joy in this that you couldn't wait to express it, you really ought to be embarrassed by the other liberal bloggers that did so. Quite frankly, I am embarrassed for them. No, 'embarrassed' isn't the right word for it, I don't know what is the right word for it.

You liberals bloggers out there that used this trajedy to score cheap political points, seriously get some psychiatric help.

And what is that useless has-been racist still doing on the airwaves. Cripes, he just came down here and pissed everybody off, and yes, that does include African-Americans. I just hope that Mr. Jacksons opens up his wallet as big as he opens his mouth.

On last thing, Rob at Ironmouth did a good job of being critical of the president without politicizing the trajedy. Rob, I personally want to thank you for that.

If you haven't seen this, you must Aaron Broussard

We're with you, Mr. Broussard.

Now that the situation is getting under control, we can start talking about what was going on. Before any of you even begin to think that because of you and your criticism - Bush acted, you better know the facts.

Hastert

Like everybody, I thought his comments were inappropriate, that was until I heard the audio of what he actually said. What most of you are reading about in his comments are excerpts and not his entire comments. They are leaving out key words that he said. As soon as I can find a transcript of his entire comments I will post it. That said, Mr. Hastert should have waited until things got under control before even commenting where we should go.

Jesse Jackson

Yeah, what good did he do? He proved himself to be nothing more than a useless has-been racist. People were dying, rich, poor, civil, uncivil, black, white, hispanic, oriental, Louisianans, tourists, people from all walks of life, dying. Yet, Mr. Jackson wants to come down here and with his self serving moral superiority? Mr. Jackson, you have tons of money, why don't you make a HUGE contribution to the victims of Katrina, and not just to black victims, to all victims? Mr. Jackson should apologize for his comments, they were more than inappropriate. Of course, we can't expect him to apologize, but then again that's why he's a useless has-been racist.

Mayor Kip Holden

Holden ought to apologize for calling the refugees "New Orleans Thugs". This is the closest major city to New Orleans. If we can't help these refugees out for a couple of days and allow the state to get the rest of the people out of New Orleans, then what kind of people are we? No, we insist they move on to another city, sending them to Houston. Let's see, it takes about an hour to drive to Baton Rouge from Nawlins, about 6 hours to get to Houston. Thanks to our kind and compassionate mayor, we added an additional 10 hours to the buses trying to evacuate refugees.

However, I don't blame him completely. Rumors flying around the city about car jackings, rapes, pillaging, looting... here in Baton Rouge. Turns out that most of it isn't true and quite frankly, just as New Orleans had crimes before Katrina, Baton Rouge also had crimes before the refugees. Our city is over crowded and much of it is still without power. Everybody in the Baton Rouge area is expected to have power by Sunday.

Katrina's Kriminals

Before anybody takes up their defense, you must look at the entire situation. Stealing food and water, dry clothes out of necessity is understandable. Stealing DVD players, Saints jersey's, and expensive shoes isn't. Breaking into stores during the hurricane is not understandable.

The National Guard is there and under the orders of Kathleen Blanco can shoot to kill. At first I disgreed with this thinking. Well, I understand it but I still disagree with it. When the government starts to arbitraily shoot people, what recourse do the people then have? The New Orleans police that stayed behind during the hurricane deserve massive amounts of praise. They didn't go around shooting people, they tried to maintain law and order, and they did it to the best of their ability. They did it under the same conditions as the rest of the people stranded in New Orleans.

More of Katrina's Kriminals

It's sick and disgusting the behavior of some people. How is it that during a hurricane, all you can think about is sex? How is it even remotely possible that you think about raping somebody? I just don't understand that.

Yet, according to some that's exactly what was going on in the Superdome in New Orleans. Apparently there were gang rapes (oops, now the liberal blogs are going to blame Bush for that) going on in the Superdome. Word has it that the security was simply overwhelmed and outnumbered and couldn't do anything about the gang rapes going on.

Word also has it that there was vigilante justice going on in the Superdome. I heard that when some of those rapist will leave the Superdome, they'll head straight to the morgue. As told by one Lt. on WAFB news Thursday night.

Katrina's Victims

The devastation hit homes, businesses, and industries. It took lives when it took the levy. The aftermath left even more devastation. Lives were lost when the levy broke and people couldn't exit onto the roof, drowing inside their homes. Others died because their oxygen tanks ran out, or they didn't have any more medical supplies. Some commited suicide by jumping of off bridges. Some were murdered. What most of you haven't heard on the news media you probably will soon. This brought out the worse in people.

Mayor Ray Nagin

The questions are going to come to Mayor Nagin, 'why didn't you mobilize the school buses?'. Hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it? What they don't understand is that nobody saw this coming. Yeah, they say they did. Of course, they don't live down here and hindsight is always 20/20. I with you Mayor Nagin, today, this month, this year, you are my mayor.

Evacuation

I wonder whatever happened to 'Women and Children First"?

Trying to drive through Baton Rouge is a major pain. It seems like everytime I turn around I end up in another gas line. No, I don't keep running out of gas. The gas lines extend into the street. If traffic wasn't congested before (it was), then it is now. I am not looking forward to Tuesday when school starts back up. We'll have our buses back from refugees and I'll probably have to add hour to my road time.

Soon things will get back to normal.