Michael Gaynor
Senator Landrieu: from Democrat to demagogue to loser
By Michael Gaynor
Senator Mary Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana, is up for reelection in November 2006. She won narrowly twice, thanks to her political base, New Orleans. Her chance for reelection was destroyed along with that city. Because she and others failed to strengthen the levees and to prepare New Orleans for a hurricane above category 3.
Louisiana is a red state. But, until recently it had not elected a Republican Senator since Reconstruction. By 2007, however, it should have two and Mary Landrieu's Senate career should be through.
On August 28, 2005, before the levees broke, Senator Landrieu was complimenting Governor Blanco and local officials for "tremendous" preparation and focused on Louisiana's eroding wetlands, not the levees and protecting New Orleans from a hurricane above category 3:
"I would like to commend both Governor Blanco and all of the local leaders who have done a tremendous job helping the people of Louisiana prepare for Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, the reverberations of this storm will be felt not only in Louisiana but across the nation.
"Our port system provides the nation with the transportation needs for our country's economy and commerce while our coastline provides the energy for our homes and industries. And Louisiana's unique wetlands provide our state with a buffer zone from natural disasters such as hurricanes. But our wetlands have been eroding. As I have said before, in order for us to protect America's energy supply and transportation needs, the federal government must join with the people of Louisiana to preserve America's wetlands. "But as we have not weathered all of Katrina yet, we ask the American people to keep us in their thoughts and prayers at this time."
On August 31, 2005, Senator Landrieu pledged to do all within her power to ensure a timely and full federal response to help Americans along the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina, including the quick passage of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
Senator Landrieu was focused on recovery, not Bush-bashing:
"My office in Washington is working around the clock with other members of the appropriations committee including Chairman Thad Cochran of Mississippi to compile a list of anticipated needs for the people of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Once local leaders can fully assess the damage, we will be ready to help ensure quick passage of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to provide necessary and immediate support.
"I have already spoken to Senate leaders Harry Reid and Bill Frist, and they have both offered their full and unwavering support. It is comforting to know that we can rely on our friends in such trying and tragic times. After speaking with them I am confident they appreciate how critical their assistance will be to this recovery.
"This catastrophe is unprecedented and it will take the full support and cooperation of the federal government to stabilize, repair and rebuild the Gulf Coast. I stand ready with my the other member of Louisiana's delegation to ensure that support fully meets the needs of our state."
Nor was Senator Landrieu in partisan attack mode in her letter published in the Washington Post on September 1, 2005:
"The devastation left by Hurricane Katrina is unprecedented and nearly impossible to describe. Stabilizing, repairing and rebuilding New Orleans, southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region is not only a paramount concern for the thousands left heartbroken and homeless; it is also the largest economic challenge our country has ever faced from a natural disaster.
"With the impact of Katrina's devastation being felt in some way in every community across the nation, our long-term recovery from this tragedy will require leadership, courage, patience and the prayers of all Americans. The administration and Congress must be committed to providing the resources necessary to rebuild the Gulf Coast and strengthen it for the future.
"But while disasters like this one strike quickly, recovery is long and painful. In these first days, we are staying hopeful and confident while our immediate priority remains rescuing survivors and assisting the thousands of people that Katrina left homeless and jobless. Having toured Sri Lanka with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist after the Indian Ocean tsunami in December, it saddens me to report that the devastation I've seen here at home is equal to that which I witnessed half a world away.
"Our nation came to the aid of the tsunami victims then, and to hurricane victims in Central America before. I am deeply moved to see us come together with the same love and fellowship today, as millions of Americans have rallied to support their brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast.
"I thank all Americans for their prayers and support in this difficult time and encourage those who can donate to the relief effort to do so. The American Red Cross is coordinating the outpouring of individual support from across the country, and may be reached at http://www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP-NOW."
By September 2, 2005, however, Senator Landrieu was targeting the Bush administration, and issued this statement following President Bush's trip to New Orleans:
"For the past week, the people of Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have suffered in a desperate and unprecedented way, waiting for the Administration to employ the full resources of the United States government — resources which, for whatever reason, have yet to arrive. Hopefully, after today's visit, President Bush understands the enormity of our situation here on the ground and will put the full weight of his office behind our recovery efforts.
"I have personally asked the President today to appoint, in a matter of 24 hours, a cabinet-level official to direct the national response to this tragedy.
"The American people have continued to look to FEMA to operate as it did in years past. There was a time when FEMA understood that the correct approach to a crisis was to deploy to the affected area as many resources as possible as fast as possible. Unfortunately, that no longer seems to be their approach. In order to resolve this dire situation, we must return to the successful tactics of the past.
"The suffering has gone on long enough. Now is the time for action."
The statement inadvertently suggests the truth: that FEMA faced unique difficulties in dealing with Louisiana, since Senator Landrieu was not critical of the way FEMA operated in the past and previously followed "the correct approach to a crisis": "deploy[ing] to the affected area as many resources as possible as fast as possible."
But Senator Landrieu did not blame the main culprits, and her fellow Democrats, Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin. Or President Bush personally.
The next day, September 3, 2005, Senator Landrieu joined the Senate's Minority Leader, Harry Reid, in calling upon President Bush to act immediately to provide relief to the victims in the Gulf region.
The full text of the letter appears below.
"September 3, 2005
"The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500
"Dear Mr. President:
"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history, it is critical that all Americans come together to address the emergency needs of millions of our fellow citizens. We want to thank you for your efforts since the hurricane hit, and to express our strong interest in working cooperatively with you in the days ahead on additional measures we believe are needed to address this crisis. At the same time, we are concerned about the serious problems and chaos that have marked the Federal government's initial response to date. We believe it is essential that you fully use the significant legal authority you possess under current law to better respond to the absolutely critical needs of victims who are undergoing unspeakable hardships.
"As you know, beyond the thousands who apparently have lost their lives, countless numbers of others have lost their homes and possessions, and now are suffering with nowhere to live, few, if any, resources, and nowhere to turn. These increasingly desperate people are struggling to find food and water and to ensure their survival. It is absolutely critical that the Federal government immediately do everything in its power to meet their needs and minimize unnecessary suffering as this crisis continues.
"We know that thousands of dedicated federal workers and many others are doing all they can to address this crisis, often in the face of enormous logistical problems that are an inevitable consequence of such a disaster. Yet we are concerned that rescue and recovery efforts appear to remain chaotic and that many victims remain hungry and without adequate shelter nearly a week after the hurricane struck. Clearly, strong personal leadership from you is essential if we are to get this effort on track.
"Fortunately, as you know, the Stafford Act gives you broad legal authority to address the needs of Katrina's victims. Under that law, for example, the Administration can provide cash benefits to individuals who have been stranded without financial resources. Yet we have heard reports that some victims who have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been told that FEMA is not accepting applications for financial assistance. This is deeply troubling, and we urge you to address it immediately. Only the federal government can adequately address the basic needs of our fellow Americans suffering from this disaster and they deserve a better response from their government.
"Current law also gives the President broad authority to use Federal facilities in an emergency in order to provide housing and food for those in need. We urge you to use your existing authority to ensure that all victims have at least enough food to survive, and to immediately identify military bases and other federal facilities that can house these victims on a temporary basis.
"Current law also grants the President broad authority to provide transportation assistance in a disaster. Yet many of those displaced from New Orleans and other Gulf Coast regions have no ability to relocate to other areas where they may have family and friends available. Providing such transportation assistance also should be a priority.
"Finally, we urge you to join with us to ensure that our nation makes a strong and absolute commitment to rebuilding New Orleans. The City of New Orleans is a national treasure with a special atmosphere and a unique culture that could never be replaced. It is unthinkable that some in Washington have suggested that the city, in effect, be abandoned. We urge you to speak out in strong opposition to such defeatism and to make clear to all the people of New Orleans that we will never, ever abandon them or their remarkable city."
And Senator Landrieu separately issued this statement, blaming FEMA for inadequate response and complaining that President Bush had not appointed a cabinet-level official to oversee Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts within 24 hours.
Sen. Landrieu said:
"Yesterday, I was hoping President Bush would come away from his tour of the regional devastation triggered by Hurricane Katrina with a new understanding for the magnitude of the suffering and for the abject failures of the current Federal Emergency Management Agency. 24 hours later, the President has yet to answer my call for a cabinet-level official to lead our efforts. Meanwhile, FEMA, now a shell of what it once was, continues to be overwhelmed by the task at hand.
"I understand that the U.S. Forest Service had water-tanker aircraft available to help douse the fires raging on our riverfront, but FEMA has yet to accept the aid. When Amtrak offered trains to evacuate significant numbers of victims — far more efficiently than buses — FEMA again dragged its feet. Offers of medicine, communications equipment and other desperately needed items continue to flow in, only to be ignored by the agency.
"But perhaps the greatest disappointment stands at the breached 17th Street levee. Touring this critical site yesterday with the President, I saw what I believed to be a real and significant effort to get a handle on a major cause of this catastrophe. Flying over this critical spot again this morning, less than 24 hours later, it became apparent that yesterday we witnessed a hastily prepared stage set for a Presidential photo opportunity; and the desperately needed resources we saw were this morning reduced to a single, lonely piece of equipment. The good and decent people of southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast — black and white, rich and poor, young and old — deserve far better from their national government.
"Mr. President, I'm imploring you once again to get a cabinet-level official stood up as soon as possible to get this entire operation moving forward regionwide with all the resources — military and otherwise — necessary to relieve the unmitigated suffering and economic damage that is unfolding."
Nothing about the state and local officials' failures.
Frustrated, perhaps guilt ridden, and fearing that her narrow election victories based on the vote in New Orleans (where her father had been mayor), Senator Landrieu opted to take the Senate floor to mock President Bush, as follows:
"We know the president said quote, 'I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees.' Everybody anticipated the breach of the levees, Mr. President, including computer stimulations in which this administration participated. Even the clay figurine Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live anticipated the breach. His creator, a friend of mine, has used him in public service announcements for over two years, public service announcements, saying this will be the effect if this happened. How can it be that Mr. Bill was better informed that Mr. Bush?"
President Bush did NOT say, "Nobody anticipated the levees would fail," before the hurricane. The Dixie Demagogue took President Bush's words out of context. He was talking after the storm had passed and the levees at that point held. Nobody anticipated then that the levees would break after surviving the storm.
Senator, neither you nor President Bush expected levees would break after Hurricane Katrina had passed. And Governor Blanco rejected President Bush's offer to take control of the impending disaster before Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana.
And YOU failed throughout your years in the Senate to do what was needed to strengthen the levees to prevent the flooding of your own City, which you knew was below sea level since you were a child (see
CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN NEW ORLEANS).
Rush Limbaugh, referring to you, Senator Landrieu, put it this way:
"...a person from the state of Louisiana who has had countless years and opportunities to do something about this, apparently cannot show us the legislation she has presented to prepare these levees for category five. Remember, these levees were built for category three. Americans are pouring billions of dollars into her state. No thanks to her, by the way. And a thank-you would be nice, but we're not going to get a thank-you in this period, folks, we're not going to get gratitude because the plan is to blame, blame, blame, blame, blame, everything is going wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. So in the middle of everything going wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, in the middle of all kinds of incompetence, how can you express gratitude? But Mary, senator, question for you. Where the hell were you, and where the hell was your daddy, Moon Landrieu, and where was your little brother? They've all run that state, and they've run that city for who knows how long. I want to see the bill, Senator Landrieu, in which you got Senator Daschle and your colleagues to vote for billions of dollars to build a levee system which would stand to cat five. I want to see the legislation that you proposed. You've been there since the Clinton administration. I'm not talking about money for the levee system. I'm talking about money to build a cat five levee system. Senator Landrieu, Louisiana is number one in Army Corps of Engineer funding. The Army Corps of Engineers gets more money to spend in Louisiana than any other state in this country. Where is the cat five levee system?"
YOU FAILED, Senator.
And Rush is right:
"It is time to investigate your family, Senator Landrieu. It's time to investigate your little brother, and your Daddy Moon and everybody else, your whole party, it's time to investigate Louisiana to find out why all the money that was sent down there somehow didn't reach the levees."
Threatening to "punch" the President is evidence of instability, Senator.
You certainly are no Margaret Thatcher.
And neither is Governor Blanco.
© Michael Gaynor
Senator Mary Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana, is up for reelection in November 2006. She won narrowly twice, thanks to her political base, New Orleans. Her chance for reelection was destroyed along with that city. Because she and others failed to strengthen the levees and to prepare New Orleans for a hurricane above category 3.
Louisiana is a red state. But, until recently it had not elected a Republican Senator since Reconstruction. By 2007, however, it should have two and Mary Landrieu's Senate career should be through.
On August 28, 2005, before the levees broke, Senator Landrieu was complimenting Governor Blanco and local officials for "tremendous" preparation and focused on Louisiana's eroding wetlands, not the levees and protecting New Orleans from a hurricane above category 3:
"I would like to commend both Governor Blanco and all of the local leaders who have done a tremendous job helping the people of Louisiana prepare for Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, the reverberations of this storm will be felt not only in Louisiana but across the nation.
"Our port system provides the nation with the transportation needs for our country's economy and commerce while our coastline provides the energy for our homes and industries. And Louisiana's unique wetlands provide our state with a buffer zone from natural disasters such as hurricanes. But our wetlands have been eroding. As I have said before, in order for us to protect America's energy supply and transportation needs, the federal government must join with the people of Louisiana to preserve America's wetlands. "But as we have not weathered all of Katrina yet, we ask the American people to keep us in their thoughts and prayers at this time."
On August 31, 2005, Senator Landrieu pledged to do all within her power to ensure a timely and full federal response to help Americans along the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina, including the quick passage of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
Senator Landrieu was focused on recovery, not Bush-bashing:
"My office in Washington is working around the clock with other members of the appropriations committee including Chairman Thad Cochran of Mississippi to compile a list of anticipated needs for the people of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Once local leaders can fully assess the damage, we will be ready to help ensure quick passage of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to provide necessary and immediate support.
"I have already spoken to Senate leaders Harry Reid and Bill Frist, and they have both offered their full and unwavering support. It is comforting to know that we can rely on our friends in such trying and tragic times. After speaking with them I am confident they appreciate how critical their assistance will be to this recovery.
"This catastrophe is unprecedented and it will take the full support and cooperation of the federal government to stabilize, repair and rebuild the Gulf Coast. I stand ready with my the other member of Louisiana's delegation to ensure that support fully meets the needs of our state."
Nor was Senator Landrieu in partisan attack mode in her letter published in the Washington Post on September 1, 2005:
"The devastation left by Hurricane Katrina is unprecedented and nearly impossible to describe. Stabilizing, repairing and rebuilding New Orleans, southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region is not only a paramount concern for the thousands left heartbroken and homeless; it is also the largest economic challenge our country has ever faced from a natural disaster.
"With the impact of Katrina's devastation being felt in some way in every community across the nation, our long-term recovery from this tragedy will require leadership, courage, patience and the prayers of all Americans. The administration and Congress must be committed to providing the resources necessary to rebuild the Gulf Coast and strengthen it for the future.
"But while disasters like this one strike quickly, recovery is long and painful. In these first days, we are staying hopeful and confident while our immediate priority remains rescuing survivors and assisting the thousands of people that Katrina left homeless and jobless. Having toured Sri Lanka with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist after the Indian Ocean tsunami in December, it saddens me to report that the devastation I've seen here at home is equal to that which I witnessed half a world away.
"Our nation came to the aid of the tsunami victims then, and to hurricane victims in Central America before. I am deeply moved to see us come together with the same love and fellowship today, as millions of Americans have rallied to support their brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast.
"I thank all Americans for their prayers and support in this difficult time and encourage those who can donate to the relief effort to do so. The American Red Cross is coordinating the outpouring of individual support from across the country, and may be reached at http://www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP-NOW."
By September 2, 2005, however, Senator Landrieu was targeting the Bush administration, and issued this statement following President Bush's trip to New Orleans:
"For the past week, the people of Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have suffered in a desperate and unprecedented way, waiting for the Administration to employ the full resources of the United States government — resources which, for whatever reason, have yet to arrive. Hopefully, after today's visit, President Bush understands the enormity of our situation here on the ground and will put the full weight of his office behind our recovery efforts.
"I have personally asked the President today to appoint, in a matter of 24 hours, a cabinet-level official to direct the national response to this tragedy.
"The American people have continued to look to FEMA to operate as it did in years past. There was a time when FEMA understood that the correct approach to a crisis was to deploy to the affected area as many resources as possible as fast as possible. Unfortunately, that no longer seems to be their approach. In order to resolve this dire situation, we must return to the successful tactics of the past.
"The suffering has gone on long enough. Now is the time for action."
The statement inadvertently suggests the truth: that FEMA faced unique difficulties in dealing with Louisiana, since Senator Landrieu was not critical of the way FEMA operated in the past and previously followed "the correct approach to a crisis": "deploy[ing] to the affected area as many resources as possible as fast as possible."
But Senator Landrieu did not blame the main culprits, and her fellow Democrats, Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin. Or President Bush personally.
The next day, September 3, 2005, Senator Landrieu joined the Senate's Minority Leader, Harry Reid, in calling upon President Bush to act immediately to provide relief to the victims in the Gulf region.
The full text of the letter appears below.
"September 3, 2005
"The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500
"Dear Mr. President:
"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history, it is critical that all Americans come together to address the emergency needs of millions of our fellow citizens. We want to thank you for your efforts since the hurricane hit, and to express our strong interest in working cooperatively with you in the days ahead on additional measures we believe are needed to address this crisis. At the same time, we are concerned about the serious problems and chaos that have marked the Federal government's initial response to date. We believe it is essential that you fully use the significant legal authority you possess under current law to better respond to the absolutely critical needs of victims who are undergoing unspeakable hardships.
"As you know, beyond the thousands who apparently have lost their lives, countless numbers of others have lost their homes and possessions, and now are suffering with nowhere to live, few, if any, resources, and nowhere to turn. These increasingly desperate people are struggling to find food and water and to ensure their survival. It is absolutely critical that the Federal government immediately do everything in its power to meet their needs and minimize unnecessary suffering as this crisis continues.
"We know that thousands of dedicated federal workers and many others are doing all they can to address this crisis, often in the face of enormous logistical problems that are an inevitable consequence of such a disaster. Yet we are concerned that rescue and recovery efforts appear to remain chaotic and that many victims remain hungry and without adequate shelter nearly a week after the hurricane struck. Clearly, strong personal leadership from you is essential if we are to get this effort on track.
"Fortunately, as you know, the Stafford Act gives you broad legal authority to address the needs of Katrina's victims. Under that law, for example, the Administration can provide cash benefits to individuals who have been stranded without financial resources. Yet we have heard reports that some victims who have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been told that FEMA is not accepting applications for financial assistance. This is deeply troubling, and we urge you to address it immediately. Only the federal government can adequately address the basic needs of our fellow Americans suffering from this disaster and they deserve a better response from their government.
"Current law also gives the President broad authority to use Federal facilities in an emergency in order to provide housing and food for those in need. We urge you to use your existing authority to ensure that all victims have at least enough food to survive, and to immediately identify military bases and other federal facilities that can house these victims on a temporary basis.
"Current law also grants the President broad authority to provide transportation assistance in a disaster. Yet many of those displaced from New Orleans and other Gulf Coast regions have no ability to relocate to other areas where they may have family and friends available. Providing such transportation assistance also should be a priority.
"Finally, we urge you to join with us to ensure that our nation makes a strong and absolute commitment to rebuilding New Orleans. The City of New Orleans is a national treasure with a special atmosphere and a unique culture that could never be replaced. It is unthinkable that some in Washington have suggested that the city, in effect, be abandoned. We urge you to speak out in strong opposition to such defeatism and to make clear to all the people of New Orleans that we will never, ever abandon them or their remarkable city."
And Senator Landrieu separately issued this statement, blaming FEMA for inadequate response and complaining that President Bush had not appointed a cabinet-level official to oversee Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts within 24 hours.
Sen. Landrieu said:
"Yesterday, I was hoping President Bush would come away from his tour of the regional devastation triggered by Hurricane Katrina with a new understanding for the magnitude of the suffering and for the abject failures of the current Federal Emergency Management Agency. 24 hours later, the President has yet to answer my call for a cabinet-level official to lead our efforts. Meanwhile, FEMA, now a shell of what it once was, continues to be overwhelmed by the task at hand.
"I understand that the U.S. Forest Service had water-tanker aircraft available to help douse the fires raging on our riverfront, but FEMA has yet to accept the aid. When Amtrak offered trains to evacuate significant numbers of victims — far more efficiently than buses — FEMA again dragged its feet. Offers of medicine, communications equipment and other desperately needed items continue to flow in, only to be ignored by the agency.
"But perhaps the greatest disappointment stands at the breached 17th Street levee. Touring this critical site yesterday with the President, I saw what I believed to be a real and significant effort to get a handle on a major cause of this catastrophe. Flying over this critical spot again this morning, less than 24 hours later, it became apparent that yesterday we witnessed a hastily prepared stage set for a Presidential photo opportunity; and the desperately needed resources we saw were this morning reduced to a single, lonely piece of equipment. The good and decent people of southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast — black and white, rich and poor, young and old — deserve far better from their national government.
"Mr. President, I'm imploring you once again to get a cabinet-level official stood up as soon as possible to get this entire operation moving forward regionwide with all the resources — military and otherwise — necessary to relieve the unmitigated suffering and economic damage that is unfolding."
Nothing about the state and local officials' failures.
Frustrated, perhaps guilt ridden, and fearing that her narrow election victories based on the vote in New Orleans (where her father had been mayor), Senator Landrieu opted to take the Senate floor to mock President Bush, as follows:
"We know the president said quote, 'I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees.' Everybody anticipated the breach of the levees, Mr. President, including computer stimulations in which this administration participated. Even the clay figurine Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live anticipated the breach. His creator, a friend of mine, has used him in public service announcements for over two years, public service announcements, saying this will be the effect if this happened. How can it be that Mr. Bill was better informed that Mr. Bush?"
President Bush did NOT say, "Nobody anticipated the levees would fail," before the hurricane. The Dixie Demagogue took President Bush's words out of context. He was talking after the storm had passed and the levees at that point held. Nobody anticipated then that the levees would break after surviving the storm.
Senator, neither you nor President Bush expected levees would break after Hurricane Katrina had passed. And Governor Blanco rejected President Bush's offer to take control of the impending disaster before Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana.
And YOU failed throughout your years in the Senate to do what was needed to strengthen the levees to prevent the flooding of your own City, which you knew was below sea level since you were a child (see
CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN NEW ORLEANS).
Rush Limbaugh, referring to you, Senator Landrieu, put it this way:
"...a person from the state of Louisiana who has had countless years and opportunities to do something about this, apparently cannot show us the legislation she has presented to prepare these levees for category five. Remember, these levees were built for category three. Americans are pouring billions of dollars into her state. No thanks to her, by the way. And a thank-you would be nice, but we're not going to get a thank-you in this period, folks, we're not going to get gratitude because the plan is to blame, blame, blame, blame, blame, everything is going wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. So in the middle of everything going wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, in the middle of all kinds of incompetence, how can you express gratitude? But Mary, senator, question for you. Where the hell were you, and where the hell was your daddy, Moon Landrieu, and where was your little brother? They've all run that state, and they've run that city for who knows how long. I want to see the bill, Senator Landrieu, in which you got Senator Daschle and your colleagues to vote for billions of dollars to build a levee system which would stand to cat five. I want to see the legislation that you proposed. You've been there since the Clinton administration. I'm not talking about money for the levee system. I'm talking about money to build a cat five levee system. Senator Landrieu, Louisiana is number one in Army Corps of Engineer funding. The Army Corps of Engineers gets more money to spend in Louisiana than any other state in this country. Where is the cat five levee system?"
YOU FAILED, Senator.
And Rush is right:
"It is time to investigate your family, Senator Landrieu. It's time to investigate your little brother, and your Daddy Moon and everybody else, your whole party, it's time to investigate Louisiana to find out why all the money that was sent down there somehow didn't reach the levees."
Threatening to "punch" the President is evidence of instability, Senator.
You certainly are no Margaret Thatcher.
And neither is Governor Blanco.
© Michael Gaynor
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