According to today’s
The Guardian:
“What I intend to do is to lead an investigation [into the response to hurricane Katrina]
to find out what went right and what went wrong," Mr Bush said.
“Lead an investigation”? This man is scarcely qualified to lead a mambo line, let alone a federal investigation. I couldn’t help but notice that
The New York Times downplayed Bush’s claim to be the investigation’s “leader.” And I can understand that. It’s just too ridiculous to publish. It would be like printing a picture of Bush picking his nose – it’s too mean and embarrassing. Just let it slide.
Also, how can he be the lead investigator of his own administration? Is that even possible? How can he investigate himself? Will he subpoena himself and then refuse to answer by citing executive privilege? Will he take himself to court to compel his own testimony? Or go on TV and say things like “The big question I have for myself is, ‘What did I know and when did I know it?’!” It’s silly.
After announcing the investigation, Bush then added:
"We want to make sure that we can respond properly if there's a WMD attack or another major storm."
Oooh, I wouldn’t mention WMDs if I were you, George. Your history with them is not confidence inspiring.
Besides, we don’t need an investigation to determine why the federal government responded so poorly to Katrina. In the US, the role of the federal government is to redistribute wealth to the rich and powerful; it is not to protect and help citizens. Government’s role is to serve business. Why would the federal government shore up levees? How does that create an optimal environment for business investors? Maybe thirty or forty years ago there was a belief that government should serve citizens, but that ideology went out with the Carter administration.
