Regarding President Bush's Speech to the Nation
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:01:35 -0500
Press Releases
Date: 9/15/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Statement of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Regarding President Bush's Speech to the Nation
I am greatly heartened by President Bush's strong words tonight reaffirming the nation's commitment to rebuilding southeast Louisiana. I believe the President was sincere when he said, "There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again."
Louisiana's people are strong, optimistic and determined to rebuild this great region, but we cannot do it without the resources of our nation and our government. I take the President at his word when he says those resources will be there when we need them.
I look forward to continuing our partnership with the President and the Congress as we embark on the massive effort to care for our citizens and restore this vital region of our state.
-- Governor Blanco: "I am greatly heartened by President Bush's strong words tonight reaffirming the nation's commitment to rebuilding southeast Louisiana. I believe the President was sincere when he said, "There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again."
Hah! Can you see what the President did? He took the wind out of her sails.
First, he took responsibility for whatever the federal government DID and didn't do -- and she couldn't let him have the high moral gound to himself, so she said she took responsibility for what Louisiana did or didn't do. That statement may well come back to haunt her.
Tonight, he promised federal resources -- and she had to endorse that because she wants all she can get -- but he also said federal expenditures will be supervised by the Inspector General. Federal supervision will put the Governor in a box, and may put a lot of profiteers in jail.